Two US Navy sailors have been apprehended in California on suspicions of divulging sensitive military data to China. Jinchao Wei, a 22-year-old naturalized US citizen, is charged with collaborating to transmit national defense intelligence to a Chinese operative. Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, aged 26, was taken into custody for allegedly accepting payments in exchange for classified photos and videos.
The arrests occurred in California, with Wei being apprehended en route to his work at Naval Base San Diego. Prosecutors disclosed the charges during a press conference in San Diego. Wei, who held a security clearance and had access to privileged information about the amphibious assault ship USS Essex, reportedly engaged with a Chinese agent in February 2022. The agent purportedly paid him thousands of dollars for ship-related materials, including photographs, videos, technical manuals, and blueprints. Allegedly, Wei also disclosed information about US Marines participating in maritime training.
Officials regard these cases as part of China’s ongoing efforts to obtain US military secrets. These arrests are reflective of heightened tensions between the US and China, despite China denying knowledge of the alleged espionage. The Department of Justice reaffirms its commitment to countering such threats.
These arrests emphasize the critical importance of regular Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) inspections. TSCM involves proactive measures to detect and mitigate electronic eavesdropping devices or vulnerabilities that could compromise national security. As demonstrated by these incidents, even individuals with security clearances can succumb to external pressures or financial incentives, making routine TSCM checks essential to safeguarding classified information from both insider and external threats. By implementing thorough and periodic TSCM assessments, organizations can enhance their defence against unauthorized surveillance activities and maintain the integrity of their sensitive operations.