In a recent court proceeding, Petty Officer Wenheng “Thomas” Zhao, a 26-year-old US Navy sailor, has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy and receiving bribes. The plea agreement, filed in federal court in Los Angeles, reveals that Zhao accepted nearly $15,000 from a Chinese intelligence officer in exchange for providing photographs of unclassified but sensitive US military information.
Zhao’s illicit activities involved transmitting valuable data to his Chinese handler, including detailed plans for US military exercises in the Indo-Pacific region, operational orders, and even intricate electrical diagrams and blueprints of a radar system situated on a US military base in Okinawa, Japan. These actions, which posed a severe breach of national security, were brought to light when Zhao was arrested in August.
It’s important to note that another naval officer, Jinchao Wei, also found himself in legal trouble in August. Wei, a 22-year-old serving aboard the San Diego-based USS Essex, faced charges related to espionage and conspiracy to share classified national defense information with Chinese officials.
Zhao now faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for his offenses, although the final verdict will be determined by a judge. No immediate comments were provided by Zhao’s legal representation.
US Attorney Martin Estrada of the Central District of California expressed strong condemnation for Zhao’s actions, stating that he had “betrayed his country and the men and women of the US Navy by accepting bribes from a foreign adversary.”
This case is part of the broader context of the US accusing China of an extensive campaign involving espionage and cyber-attacks, allegations that China vehemently denies.
Matthew G. Olsen, the Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, commented on these arrests in August, asserting that the accused individuals had violated their commitments to protect the United States and betrayed the public trust, ultimately benefiting the Chinese government. As a result of their actions, sensitive military information ended up in the hands of the People’s Republic of China.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges related to national security and espionage, highlighting the need for continued vigilance in safeguarding sensitive military data.
