Wei, who served as an engineer aboard the USS Essex, an amphibious assault ship, was accused of providing technical and operating manuals for ships and operating systems to the intelligence officer. The Justice Department stated that Wei was paid over $12,000 for the information he provided.

The case originated on August 3, 2023, when Wei, along with another California-based sailor, were charged with espionage-related offenses. According to court documents, Wei's actions compromised national security by providing an adversary with valuable insights into U.S. naval operations and technology. The information he sold could potentially be used to counter or undermine U.S. military capabilities.

The investigation and prosecution of Wei highlight the ongoing concerns about espionage and the protection of sensitive military information. The U.S. government has been increasingly focused on identifying and prosecuting individuals who attempt to provide classified or sensitive information to foreign governments, particularly China. This case serves as a reminder of the potential risks posed by insider threats and the importance of maintaining vigilance in safeguarding national security.

The Justice Department has not released specific details about the intelligence officer who received the information from Wei, but officials have confirmed that the individual was working on behalf of the Chinese government. The case against the other sailor charged in August 2023 is ongoing.