A 25-year-old U.S. Navy sailor has been convicted of espionage for passing sensitive military information to a Chinese intelligence officer while serving aboard the USS Essex in San Diego, federal prosecutors announced Wednesday.

The sailor, Jinchao Wei — also known as Patrick Wei — was found guilty of six counts including conspiracy to commit espionage, unlawful export of defense data, and conspiracy to export defense articles.

What prosecutors say the sailor gave China

According to the Department of Justice, Wei held a U.S. security clearance and worked as a machinist’s mate aboard the amphibious assault ship. Beginning in February 2022, he communicated with a Chinese intelligence officer who first posed as a "naval enthusiast" on social media.

Prosecutors said Wei:

Sent photos an

See Full Page