Jinchao Wei sold U.S. Navy secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer for $12,000 over the course of 18 months, according to the Department of Justice.

Jinchao Wei, who was an active-duty sailor stationed in San Diego, was found guilty of charges he sold military secrets to China.

In February 2022, the Chinese intelligence officer, posing as someone with a passion for naval ships and working for the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, which is headquartered in Beijing, “recruited” Wei on social media, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.