One of the two US Navy sailors nabbed for giving secrets to the Chinese claims his mom encouraged him to do it so he could secure a position with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

(Video Credit: CBS 8 San Diego)

According to an assistant US attorney, Jinchao Wei, 22, provided military information to the Chinese government at the urging of his mother.

Assistant US Attorney Fred Sheppard claimed on Tuesday that Wei’s mother was very aware of her son’s espionage activities for the CCP and actively encouraged him to do so, according to Fox News.

Wei was born in China and was in the midst of applying for naturalized citizenship when the communists approached him in February 2022. They were evidently successful in flipping him and his mother was allegedly instrumental in it.

The former sailor is accused of giving photos and videos of the USS Essex to the communists. He reportedly disclosed the location of Navy ships and proceeded to describe in detail the Essex’s defensive weapons to a Chinese intelligence officer in exchange for somewhere between $10 and $15,000 dollars and the possibility of a position in the Chinese government. Wei allegedly divulged intricate details about weapons systems, aircraft, and amphibious assault ships used as small aircraft carriers.

He is now being charged under the Espionage Act and has pleaded not guilty.

Two Navy servicemembers arrested on spying charges, accused of working for CCP https://t.co/aaKdzmtqYW via @BIZPACReview

— BPR based (@DumpstrFireNews) August 5, 2023

A Chinese intelligence officer reportedly promised to fly both Wei and his mother to China for an in-person meeting. The officer also purportedly instructed Wei to purchase a computer and phone for transmitting information, offering reimbursement for the expenses, according to HNGN.

“The indictment against Wei alleges that he may have shared up to 50 manuals containing technical and mechanical data about Navy ships. Furthermore, details about the number and training of Marines during upcoming exercises were also part of the leaked information,” the media outlet also noted.

Wei was taken into custody by authorities along with another alleged Chinese spy in the Navy, Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, aka Thomas Zhao, 26, of Monterey Park, California. It is unclear if the two were connected in their activities or knew each other. Both men could face life in prison if convicted.

“Jinchao Wei sent photographs and videos of the Essex, disclosed the locations of various Navy ships and described defensive weapons of the Essex.” 1/6 https://t.co/kaIv06Zcyp pic.twitter.com/gWf32SSR9Y

— Kyle Bass (@Jkylebass) August 4, 2023

“Wei sent an additional 26 technical and mechanical manuals related to the power structure and operation of the Essex and similar ships. The manuals contained warnings that this was technical data and that it was deemed “critical technology” by the U.S. Navy.”3/6 pic.twitter.com/m0HDxy2ru5

— Kyle Bass (@Jkylebass) August 4, 2023

Zhao is being charged with conspiracy and receipt of a bribe from a Chinese official. He worked at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme and held an active US security clearance.

He is being accused of secretly recording military information as well as taking photos and videos that were then sent back to a Chinese intelligence officer posing as a maritime economic researcher in exchange for bribes. Some of the items that were reportedly given to the communist were electrical diagrams and blueprints for a radar system stationed on a US military base in Okinawa, Japan.

(Video Credit: CBS 8 San Diego)

“Without getting into specific cases, as we’ve talked about before, I think we have clear policies and procedures in place when it comes to safeguarding and protecting sensitive information,” Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder commented, according to Fox News. “And so if those rules are violated, the appropriate action will be taken as it has in the cases that were highlighted.”

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