A U.S. Navy sailor, Wenheng Zhao, has been sentenced to 27 months in prison and fined $5,500 for passing military secrets to China in exchange for bribes.
Zhao received over $14,000 in bribes from a Chinese intelligence officer in exchange for sensitive U.S. Navy information.
He transmitted plans for military exercises and infrastructure, utilizing encrypted communication methods. (Trending: Joe Biden Sets New Presidential Record)
Zhao’s actions violated his official duties and oath to protect the United States.
The FBI and Naval Criminal Investigative Service conducted the investigation, with assistance from the IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Authorities emphasized the aggressive efforts of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to undermine U.S. national security.
“Mr. Zhao betrayed his solemn oath to defend his country and endangered those who serve in the U.S. military,” Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, stated.
“Today, he is being held to account for those crimes. The Justice Department is committed to combatting the Chinese government’s efforts to undermine our nation’s security and holding accountable those who violate our laws as part of those efforts.”
“Zhao’s conduct violated his official duties to protect such information and the oath he swore to protect the United States,” a DOJ statement read.
“Zhao betrayed his country and disgraced himself when he accepted bribes from an intelligence officer with the People’s Republic of China,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California said. “As a result, he has now been removed from the military and will serve time in federal prison. Today’s sentence shows that my office will swiftly act to root out and punish those who seek to undermine our nation’s security,” he added.
“Make no mistake, the PRC is engaged in an aggressive effort to undermine the national security of the U.S. and its partners,” Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp said.
“NCIS will continue to leverage its unique law enforcement and counterintelligence authorities to vigorously pursue those who attempt to compromise our national security information,” Acting Special Agent in Charge Angel Cruz of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Office of Special Projects said.
“We are grateful to the FBI and Department of Justice for their substantial assistance to this lengthy investigation and greatly appreciate our continued partnership.”
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