In a landmark espionage case, former U.S. Navy sailor Jinchao Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, has been sentenced to 200 months imprisonment following his conviction on multiple national security charges. The 25-year-old machinist’s mate was apprehended in August 2023 while reporting for duty aboard the amphibious assault ship U.S.S. Essex at Naval Base San Diego.
The sentencing concludes an extensive investigation that revealed Wei systematically compromised American naval security by transmitting sensitive defense information to a Chinese intelligence operative. Over an 18-month period, Wei provided thousands of pages of technical manuals, operational documents, and classified materials in exchange for financial compensation totaling approximately $12,000.
Justice Department officials emphasized the severity of Wei’s violations. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated: “This active-duty U.S. Navy sailor betrayed his country and compromised the national security of the United States. The Justice Department will not tolerate this behavior.”
Evidence presented during the five-day trial demonstrated that Wei maintained encrypted communications with his handler, whom he referred to as “Big Brother Andy.” Their correspondence revealed sophisticated tradecraft techniques, including the use of multiple encrypted applications, digital dead drops, and deliberate obfuscation methods to evade detection.
Notably, Wei acknowledged his misconduct during post-arrest interviews, admitting to FBI agents that he recognized his actions constituted espionage. Despite receiving recent Navy training on identifying foreign recruitment attempts, Wei continued his illicit activities, even researching previous espionage cases involving U.S. Navy personnel.
The case represents the first prosecution under U.S. Code Section 794 in the district, a statute reserved for the most severe national defense violations. The investigation was conducted jointly by the FBI and Naval Criminal Investigative Service, with support from multiple federal agencies including the Department of State and Homeland Security Investigations.