U.S. sailor spied for China
Wenheng Zhao, 26, sold information on US Navy operational security, exercises and critical infrastructure for $15,000
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Daily TribuneWenheng Zhao, 26, sold information on US Navy operational security, exercises and critical infrastructure for $15,000
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An American sailor of Chinese-descent accused of selling military information to a Chinese intelligence officer pleaded guilty to the charge on Tuesday, the United States Justice Department said.
Wenheng Zhao, 26, pleaded guilty in a federal court in California to charges of conspiring with a foreign intelligence officer and accepting a bribe of $15,000.
Zhao faces up to five years in prison for conspiracy and a maximum of 15 years for bribery. Sentencing was set for 8 January.
According to US officials, Zhao was stationed at a naval base north of Los Angeles when he handed over sensitive information regarding US Navy operational security, exercises and critical infrastructure between August 2021 and May 2023.
He also provided information about a large-scale maritime training exercise in the Pacific and electrical diagrams and blueprints for a radar system located in Okinawa, Japan.
"The intelligence services of the People's Republic of China actively target (security) clearance holders across the military, seeking to entice them with money to provide sensitive government information," Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen said.
"When contacted by his co-conspirator, rather than reporting it to the Navy, the defendant chose greed over protecting the national security of the United States."
Zhao and another US sailor, Jinchao Wei, 22, were arrested in August on suspicion of spying for China.
Wei, who served on the amphibious assault ship the USS Essex, is accused of handing over to China dozens of documents, photos and videos detailing the operation of ships and their systems.
The San Diego-based Wei pleaded not guilty to the espionage charges in August.
