Former Navy sailor sentenced to more than 16 years for selling defense secrets to China 

A former U.S. Navy sailor was sentenced to more than 16 years in prison for selling national defense information to an agent of the People’s Republic of China,  

Patrick Wei, 25, was sentenced to 200 months in prison after a jury convicted him of six felony counts, including espionage and unlawful export of technical defense data, the Justice Department announced last week. Federal authorities said Wei received more than $12,000 in exchange for the information. 

“This sentencing demonstrates the FBI’s unwavering commitment to protect sensitive national defense information,” said Roman Rozhavsky, assistant director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division in an X post. “It also serves as a reminder that those who choose to put personal gain above their oath and the safety of our nation will be brought to justice.” 

Wei was arrested in August 2023 following an investigation by federal counterintelligence officials. 

He served as a machinist’s mate aboard the USS Essex at Naval Base San Diego, the homeport of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, according to court records. The Essex is an amphibious assault ship capable of launching aircraft and supporting rapid military operations. 

Because of his position, Wei had a security clearance and access to “sensitive national defense information about the ship’s weapons, propulsion and desalination systems,” the Justice Department said. 

In February 2022, a Chinese intelligence officer contacted Wei on social media while claiming to work for China’s Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. Days later, Wei told a friend he suspected the individual was seeking espionage-related information, including details about naval maintenance cycles and which ships were docked at the base. 

Despite that awareness, Wei continued the relationship and moved communications to encrypted messaging platforms. Over the next 18 months, prosecutors said he provided photos and videos of the USS Essex, detailed information about its defensive capabilities, and the locations of other U.S. Navy ships. 

Evidence at trial showed Wei transmitted roughly 60 technical and operational manuals, along with documents, photographs and written descriptions related to his duties aboard the Essex and operational issues at Naval Base San Diego. 

Wei referred to his Chinese handler as “Big Brother Andy” and followed strict operational security instructions, including using separate electronic devices, deleting messages and accounts, and relying on encrypted applications and digital “dead drops” designed to erase data after 72 hours. 

Following his arrest, Wei admitted his conduct amounted to espionage and acknowledged that he knew it was wrong, according to the Justice Department. 

“Members of the United States military swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This active-duty U.S. Navy sailor betrayed his country and compromised the national security of the United States. The Justice Department will not tolerate this behavior.” 

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said Wei violated both his oath as a sailor and as an American citizen. 

“He made a mockery of these commitments when he chose to endanger our nation and our servicemembers by selling U.S. military secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer for personal profit,” Eisenberg said. “Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to ensuring those who sell our nation’s secrets pay a very high price for their betrayal.”