Wei, who served as an engineer on the USS Essex, an amphibious assault ship, was found guilty in August on six counts, including espionage. The Justice Department stated that Wei was paid over $12,000 for providing technical and operating manuals for ships and operating systems to the intelligence officer.

According to court documents, Wei was approached by the Chinese intelligence officer in early 2022. The officer requested specific documents and information related to the USS Essex and other U.S. Navy assets. Wei then allegedly used his access to obtain and transmit the requested materials, receiving payments in exchange.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about espionage and the protection of sensitive military information. In August 2023, Wei was one of two California-based sailors charged with providing sensitive military information. The other case involved Wenheng Zhao, who was accused of conspiring to collect and deliver U.S. Navy information to a Chinese intelligence officer.

These cases underscore the persistent efforts by foreign governments to acquire U.S. military secrets, according to national security experts. The methods used by these intelligence officers often involve cultivating relationships with individuals who have access to classified or sensitive information.

The Justice Department has emphasized its commitment to prosecuting individuals who betray their country by providing sensitive information to foreign adversaries. The successful prosecution of Wei demonstrates the seriousness with which the U.S. government views these offenses.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The sentencing marks a significant step in holding individuals accountable for compromising national security. Further investigations are ongoing to assess the full extent of the damage caused by the compromised information and to prevent future incidents.