**Former U.S. Navy Sailor Sentenced to Over 16 Years for Selling Secrets to China**

San Diego, CA - In a shocking turn of events, a former U.S. Navy sailor has been sentenced to over 16 years in prison for selling sensitive technical and operating manuals to an intelligence officer working for China. Jinchao Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, was convicted by a federal jury in August of six crimes, including espionage, after a lengthy investigation by the FBI.

Weighing in at 200 months, the sentence handed down by a federal judge in San Diego is a stern warning to those who would compromise national security for personal gain. The U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement that Wei was paid more than $12,000 for the information he sold, which included technical and operating manuals for ships and operating systems.

Wei's downfall began when he was recruited via social media by an intelligence officer who portrayed himself as a naval enthusiast working for the state-owned China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. Despite his friend warning him that something didn't seem right, Wei continued to communicate with the officer, eventually moving conversations to a different encrypted messaging app.

Over the course of 18 months, Wei sent the officer photos and videos of the USS Essex, advised him of the location of various Navy ships, and told him about the ship's defensive weapons. He also sold the intelligence officer 60 technical and operating manuals, including those for weapons control, aircraft, and deck elevators.

The manuals contained export control warnings and detailed the operations of multiple systems aboard the Essex and similar ships. When questioned by FBI investigators after his arrest in August 2023, Wei's response was candid: "Espionage." He also told them, "I'm screwed."

Wei's lawyer, Sean Jones, argued that his client had made numerous errors in judgment but claimed he was young and naive at the time. He also stated that Wei "loves America" and has no allegiance to China.

In a letter to the judge before sentencing, Wei apologized for his actions, stating that "introversion and loneliness" clouded his judgment. However, this was not enough to mitigate the severity of his crimes, and he was ultimately sentenced to serve over 16 years in prison.

This case highlights the ongoing threat posed by Chinese intelligence operatives who seek to steal sensitive government and commercial information. In recent years, U.S. officials have expressed growing concern about espionage activities carried out by Beijing, which include illegal hacking and bribery.

The other sailor involved in this case, Wenheng Zhao, was sentenced to over two years in 2024 after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of receiving a bribe in violation of his official duties.

**Related Stories:**

* U.S. officials express growing concern about Chinese espionage activities * FBI investigates alleged hacking by Chinese intelligence operatives * Navy sailor pleads guilty to conspiracy and bribery charges related to Chinese intelligence operation