U.S. Navy Sailor Sentenced for Transmitting Sensitive Military Information to Chinese Intelligence

Wenheng Zhao, a U.S. Navy sailor, was sentenced to over two years in federal prison for sharing controlled, unclassified information with a Chinese intelligence officer in exchange for bribes.

A U.S. Navy sailor, Wenheng Zhao, also known as Thomas Zhao, from Monterey Park, California, has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for transmitting sensitive U.S. military information to a Chinese intelligence officer. Zhao pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of receiving a bribe in violation of his official duties. He was also fined $5,500.

Zhao's Actions and Motivations

Zhao, based at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme, north of Los Angeles, collected nearly $15,000 in bribes in exchange for information, photos, and videos involving Navy exercises, operations, and facilities between August 2021 and May 2023. Despite holding a U.S. security government clearance and undergoing routine training on efforts by hostile nations to acquire sensitive information, Zhao compromised classified data.

The information shared by Zhao included plans for a large-scale U.S. military exercise in the Indo-Pacific region, detailing the location and timing of naval force movements. The Chinese intelligence officer claimed that the information was needed for maritime economic research to inform investment decisions.

Encrypted Communications and Destruction of Evidence

Zhao used encrypted communications to transmit the sensitive information to the Chinese intelligence officer and destroyed evidence to conceal their relationship. This deliberate attempt to hide his actions demonstrates the severity of his betrayal.

Statement from FBI Official

Donald Alway, the assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office, emphasized the gravity of Zhao's actions. He stated, "Mr. Zhao abdicated his oath to the United States and put American troops in harm's way when he accessed and handed over sensitive information to China for a payout."

Another Case Involving a U.S. Navy Sailor

Zhao's case is not an isolated incident. Another U.S. Navy sailor, Jinchao Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, was charged last summer with providing sensitive military information to China. Wei, assigned to the San Diego-based USS Essex, allegedly provided detailed information on weapons systems and aircraft aboard the Essex and other amphibious assault ships. He faces a potential life sentence if convicted and has pleaded not guilty. His case is ongoing.

U.S. Concerns about Chinese Espionage

U.S. officials have expressed ongoing concerns about the espionage threat posed by the Chinese government. In recent years, criminal cases have been brought against Beijing intelligence operatives involved in stealing sensitive government and commercial information, including through illegal hacking. The cases involving Zhao and Wei exemplify China's brazen attempts to gain insight into U.S. military operations.

The sentencing of Wenheng Zhao highlights the serious consequences of betraying one's country and compromising national security. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by foreign entities to obtain sensitive information and the importance of vigilance within the U.S. military and intelligence communities.