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🇺🇸🇨🇳 US NAVY SAILOR CONVICTED OF SPYING FOR CHINA
🚢 Jinchao Wei, a 25-year-old machinist from the USS Essex, was found guilty of espionage for leaking classified Navy secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer. The San Diego jury convicted him on 6 out of 7 charges on August 20, 2025.
Wei admitted in text messages to his mother: "Other Chinese in the Navy are still trying to figure out how to make extra money, driving taxis. While I am just leaking secrets." Prosecutors presented this message as key evidence.
Prosecutors say he passed photographs of ships, locations, technical manuals, and weapon system data in exchange for at least $12,000. He sent more than 30 classified manuals on propulsion, steering, and damage control systems of the USS Essex.
The Chinese spy recruited him via social media in 2022, posing as a "naval enthusiast." Wei quickly recognized it was espionage, telling a colleague: "This is obviously fucked up espionage," but continued out of greed.
⚖️ He now faces life in prison when sentenced in December. The prosecutor said: "Jinchao Wei's loyalty was to Jinchao Wei." His betrayal put the lives of his fellow sailors and national security at risk.
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