Criminal Cases

U.S. Navy Serviceman Indicted For Transferring Intelligence to Chinese Agent

U.S. Navy Serviceman Indicted For Transferring Intelligence to Chinese Agent

A U.S. Navy serviceman has been indicted for allegedly transferring military intelligence to a Chinese intelligence agent. 

The IRS has issued an official release regarding the case. Per that document, Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao -- who regularly went by the name Thomas Zhao -- of Monterey Park, California, has been taken into custody by the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). Zhao is facing charges for conspiracy and receipt of a bribe by a public official.

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Credit: Jake Warga/Getty Images

The indictment alleges that Zhao, who had been granted a U.S. security clearance, received bribes from the Chinese officer while stationed at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme. The bribes were given in exchange for Zhao "violating his official duties as a U.S. sailor by, among other actions, disclosing non-public, sensitive U.S. military information."

Between August 2021 and at least May 2023, Zhao secretly recorded and transmitted sensitive United States military intelligence to the Chinese agent. Additionally, the IRS notes that Zhao provided his contact with photographs and videos related to the information.

Among Zhao's indiscretions was providing the foreign operative with "non-public and controlled operational plans for a large-scale U.S. military exercise in the Indo-Pacific Region." Zhao offered the exact location and timing of Naval force movements, amphibious landings, and various maritime operations.

In addition, Zhao allegedly handed over photos of electrical diagrams and blueprints for a U.S. military radar in Okinawa, Japan. The IRS shared that Zhao also shared details, including pictures and videos of specific systems, pertaining to security at his Naval Base in Ventura County and on San Clemente Island.

Zhao received approximately $14,866 in bribes for the information he handed over to the Chinese.

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Credit: Keith Tsuji/Stringer/Getty Images

"By accepting cash bribes from a hostile nation whose leaders are intent on stealing American secrets, Zhao betrayed his military oath and sold out his country while he brazenly put Americans and our servicemen at risk," said Donald Alway, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office.

"Zhao's alleged actions are a reminder that American citizens with access to state secrets or intellectual property are being targeted by the Chinese government. The FBI will continue to seek out such behavior with our partners and hold offenders accountable," Alway concluded.

The IRS Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI) worked closely with the FBI and NCIS on this case.

What do you think about Zhao's actions?

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Feature Image Credit: Oleksii Liskonih/Getty Images

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Rebekah Barton

Rebekah Barton

Rebekah's search engine optimization career began completely by accident as a college student. Over the course of her career so far, she has "grown up" with the SEO industry, from writing content while juggling classes to managing her own teams of writers and overseeing SEO strategy in subsequent roles. She is excited to bring her passion for high-quality content to CountingWorks, Inc.

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