Overview

• Jinchao “Patrick” Wei, 25, was found guilty on six counts including conspiracy, espionage and unlawfully transmitting defense information, and was acquitted of naturalization fraud.
• Prosecutors said he sent photos, videos and technical manuals about the USS Essex and similar Wasp‑class ships to a Chinese intelligence officer for at least $12,000.
• Trial testimony described virtual dead drops on disappearing, password‑protected sites, along with Wei’s internet searches and Navy training as evidence he knew the harm his actions could cause.
• Agents arrested him in August 2023 at Naval Base San Diego after more than six months of surveillance that included wiretaps and apartment bugs; he served as a machinist’s mate with a security clearance.
• The case echoes the separate arrest and later 27‑month sentence of sailor Wenheng Zhao and fits into a broader DOJ and NCIS push focused on China’s recruitment of U.S. service members.