2 US Navy sailors arrested for allegedly spying for China
Defense And Security,China,Spying,US Navy,US Military,Justice Department,Espionage,Water And Oceans,Foreign Policy
Two U.S. Navy sailors have been arrested on charges related to allegedly spying for China, federal prosecutors announced on Thursday.
Both are accused of having passed along national defense information to Chinese intelligence officials in return for cash payments, though their cases are separate.
Jinchao "Patrick" Wei, a 22-year-old petty officer 2nd class, was arrested Wednesday and charged with espionage -- more specifically, conspiracy to and committing the communication of defense information to aid a foreign government.
According to officials, citing the indictment against him, Wei served as a machinist's mate aboard the amphibious ship USS Essex, which is currently receiving maintenance at Naval Base San Diego.
