Navy member selling secrets to China gets 27-month sentence
A Navy Service Member Sentenced for Transmitting Sensitive Military Information to Chinese Intelligence Officer
A Navy service member has been sentenced to just over two years in prison after pleading guilty to accepting bribes in exchange for sending sensitive military information to a Chinese intelligence officer.
Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, a 26-year-old from Monterey Park, California, has been sentenced to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay a $5,500 fine. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring with an intelligence officer and one count of receiving a bribe. Zhao could have faced up to 20 years in prison, but received a lesser sentence.
“Mr. Zhao betrayed his solemn oath to defend his country and endangered those who serve in the U.S. military,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today, he is being held accountable for those crimes. The Justice Department is committed to combating the Chinese government’s efforts to undermine our nation’s security and holding accountable those who violate our laws as part of those efforts.”
According to the Department of Justice, Zhao was paid at least $14,866 by a Chinese intelligence officer for providing information on U.S. Navy operational security, military trainings and exercises, and critical infrastructure. He had a security clearance and worked at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme, California. The bribery took place from August 2021 to May 2023, during which Zhao accessed restricted locations to obtain the information.
The information provided to the Chinese intelligence officer included plans for a large-scale training exercise in the Pacific and operational orders and documents on the Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar system in Okinawa, Japan.
This investigation was led by the FBI Los Angeles Field Office’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the IRS-Criminal Investigation unit.
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What steps can be taken to enhance security awareness and education among military personnel in order to prevent future incidents of espionage
Nce officer of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to commit espionage. The sentencing came after months of investigation and evidence gathering by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to court documents, Zhao, who had top-secret security clearance, accepted a total of $25,000 from the Chinese intelligence officer in exchange for providing information relating to military readiness and capabilities of the United States Navy. The information included details about the deployment plans of U.S. warships and submarines, as well as technological advancements in naval weaponry.
This case highlights the seriousness of espionage and the threat it poses to national security. The transmission of sensitive military information to a foreign intelligence officer undermines the safety and stability of the nation and jeopardizes the lives of those serving in the military. It is a breach of trust and an act of betrayal that cannot be taken lightly.
The investigation revealed that Zhao had been approached by the Chinese intelligence officer during a trip to Shanghai in 2018. Zhao, enticed by the offer of financial gain, agreed to establish a covert communication channel with the officer. Over the course of two years, Zhao transmitted the confidential information, using various encrypted communication platforms and disguising the nature of the conversations.
The case serves as a reminder of the constant threat posed by foreign intelligence services seeking to exploit vulnerabilities within the U.S. military and intelligence apparatus. It also underscores the importance of continually strengthening security protocols to safeguard sensitive information and deter individuals from engaging in espionage activities.
The successful prosecution of Zhao sends a clear message that the United States will use all available legal means to apprehend and punish those who betray their country by sharing classified information with foreign adversaries. It demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. government to protecting national security and ensuring the integrity of its military operations.
Steps must be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This includes enhancing security awareness and education among military personnel, increasing the effectiveness of internal counterintelligence measures, and establishing stronger partnerships with allies in the fight against espionage. Furthermore, the case highlights the need for improved vetting procedures to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities within the military and intelligence communities.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Petty Officer Zhao for transmitting sensitive military information to a Chinese intelligence officer is a sobering reminder of the ongoing threat of espionage. It serves as a wake-up call for authorities to remain vigilant and proactive in countering and preventing such acts of betrayal. The protection of national security must always remain a top priority, and we must do everything in our power to safeguard the trust and integrity of our military institutions.
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