Unveiling the Betrayal: U.S. Navy Petty Officer Sentenced for Espionage, Providing Sensitive Information to Chinese Intelligence

A chilling betrayal of trust has culminated in a U.S. Navy Petty Officer being sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for espionage. Wenheng Zhao, 26, admitted to a shocking scheme where he sold highly sensitive U.S. military information to a Chinese intelligence officer, jeopardizing national security and compromising critical operational details.

From August 2021 through May 2023, Zhao, who was stationed at Naval Base Ventura County in California, meticulously collected and transmitted confidential data.

For a paltry sum of nearly $15,000, he provided a treasure trove of secrets, including operational plans for large-scale U.S. military exercises in the Indo-Pacific region, detailed blueprints of U.S. naval exercises, and even diagrams of crucial critical infrastructure.

The depth of his betrayal is staggering.

Zhao’s illicit communications involved photographs and videos of naval vessels and equipment, operational orders, and strategic intelligence, all funnelled to an individual identified only as "the intelligence officer" or "John." This direct compromise of classified material provided a potential adversary with insights into U.S.

military capabilities and strategies, creating significant risks for American forces and national interests.

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada underscored the gravity of Zhao's actions, stating, "Mr. Zhao betrayed his country and the men and women of the U.S. Navy by taking bribes from an intelligence officer in exchange for sensitive U.S.

military information." He further emphasized that this conduct jeopardized national security, a sentiment echoed by the FBI's Assistant Director of Counterintelligence, Suzanne Turner, who noted the severe consequences of such a breach on the safety of service members and the nation.

This case is not an isolated incident.

It highlights a disturbing pattern of China's aggressive intelligence efforts aimed at extracting classified information from U.S. military personnel. In a separate but eerily similar case, Jinchao Wei, another U.S. Navy sailor, also pleaded guilty to related charges, further illustrating the pervasive nature of these intelligence operations.

During the sentencing, U.S.

District Judge R. Gary Klausner did not mince words, pointing out that Zhao's actions directly aided a foreign adversary. The 27-month sentence, accompanied by a $5,500 fine, serves as a stark warning to any individual contemplating similar acts of betrayal. The Department of Justice remains committed to aggressively prosecuting those who compromise national security for personal gain, reinforcing the unwavering resolve to protect sensitive military information and safeguard the nation's interests.