Overview
- A San Diego federal judge imposed a 200‑month prison term on Jan. 12 after an August jury conviction on six counts including espionage.
- Evidence showed Wei provided a Chinese intelligence officer with photos, videos, ship locations, and dozens of technical and operating manuals marked with export‑control warnings.
- Wei served as a machinist’s mate on the USS Essex with a security clearance and was arrested in August 2023 as he reported for duty at Naval Base San Diego.
- Prosecutors framed the sentence as a deterrent and argued he acted for cash, while Wei apologized in court and the defense described him as manipulated and emotionally vulnerable.
- He was acquitted of naturalization fraud but likely faces civil denaturalization and Navy discharge actions; a separately charged sailor, Wenheng Zhao, received 27 months in 2024.