A young US Navy sailor thought he found an easy way to make extra cash. Instead, he now faces the rest of his life behind bars.
Jinchao “Patrick” Wei, 25, has been convicted of espionage for secretly feeding military secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer.
Over 18 months, prosecutors say, Wei pocketed more than $12,000 in exchange for sensitive details about US Navy ships.
That included the USS Essex, where he served.
His “Big Brother Andy,” as Wei called him, recruited him through social media in 2022.
The Arrangement Was No Accident
Prosecutors showed messages, calls, and even audio clips of Wei describing ship locations, weapons systems, and vulnerabilities.
He used encrypted apps, burner devices, and even bragged in a text to his mother.
“Other Chinese serving in the US Navy are still trying to figure out how to make extra money… Whereas I am just leaking secrets.” Her reply? “Good job!”
Officials aren’t laughing.“By trading military secrets to the People’s Republic of China for cash, he jeopardized not only the lives of his fellow sailors.
But also the security of the entire nation,” US Attorney Adam Gordon said.
Wei now awaits sentencing on December 1.
The maximum penalty? Life in prison. For $12,000, it’s a price tag that suddenly looks staggeringly high.
