The US Department of Justice has announced the indictment of three former and active-duty Army soldiers accused of gathering and selling sensitive military information to China.
Three U.S. Army soldiers - two active-duty and one former - have been indicted for their alleged roles in gathering and sending sensitive information to individuals in China, according to the DOJ.
The accused are Jian Zhao and Li Tian, who were stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and former soldier Ruoyo Duan. All three are charged with conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property.
"This is a betrayal of our country, actively working to weaken America's defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China," said Attorney General Pam Bondi. "They will face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice."
According to the DOJ, Duan and Tian are accused of conspiring with each other to "surreptitiously gather sensitive military information related to the United States Army's operational capabilities" from Nov. 28, 2021, to at least Dec. 19, 2024.
Information included that of technical manuals and military weapon systems, specifically Bradley and Stryker U.S. Army fighting vehicles.
Active-duty Army officer Tian was tasked with gathering the above information for former soldier Duan in return for money, the DOJ said.
Zhao, an active-duty Army supply sergeant, allegedly began conspiring to obtain and send national defense information to people in China sometime in July 2024.
"Specifically, Zhao was charged for his conspiracy to collect and transmit several classified hard drives, including hard drives marked 'SECRET' and 'TOP SECRET,' negotiating with individuals based in China for their sale, and agreeing to send the classified hard drives to the individuals in China," according to the DOJ.
He allegedly received at least $10,000 in exchange for the classified hard drives.
"Zhao is also accused of conspiring to sell a computer stolen from the U.S. government and sensitive military documents and information, including information related to the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and military readiness in the event of a conflict with China," the DOJ said.
Zhao allegedly accepted around $5,000 in payments for the aforementioned items.
"Zhao is alleged to have violated his duties as a U.S. Army Soldier and public official to protect sensitive military information in exchange for money," the DOJ said.
Two of the men accused are Jian Zhao and Li Tian, who were both stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state.
"These arrests should send a message to would-be spies that we and our partners have the will and the ability to find you, track you down, and hold you to account," Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office, described the behavior of all three as "unconscionable."
"Protecting the nation’s secrets, especially those necessary to preserve our military advantage and protect our troops, is one of the FBI’s top priorities," Herrington said.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the men will "face American justice" after "stealing America's defense intelligence capabilities and empowering adversaries like China in betrayal of our country."