Los Angeles | January 13, 2026 | A former United States Navy sailor has been sentenced to nearly 17 years in prison after a federal court in California found him guilty of espionage-related charges for selling sensitive military information to China, including technical and operational manuals of American warships.
The US Department of Justice said Patrick Wei, 25, was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison on Monday after being convicted by a jury on six criminal counts, including espionage. Prosecutors had earlier sought a longer sentence of 262 months, arguing that Wei’s actions posed a serious threat to US national security.
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According to court records, Wei served as an engineer aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex, where he had access to restricted technical information. Over an 18-month period, Wei sold at least 30 classified and export-controlled manuals detailing US Navy systems and operational procedures.
Recruited via Social Media
Federal investigators said Wei was recruited in 2022 by a Chinese intelligence officer through social media platforms. From March 2022 to August 2023, Wei shared sensitive details related to the USS Essex and other naval systems in exchange for payments totalling more than $12,000.
Court filings show that Wei was fully aware of the seriousness of his actions. In a conversation with a friend, he reportedly acknowledged the nature of the activity, stating that it was “quite obviously espionage,” according to the Justice Department.
Wei was arrested in August 2023, following an extended counter-intelligence investigation.
Prosecutors Cite Damage to Entire Fleet
In a sentencing memorandum submitted earlier this month, federal prosecutors said Wei’s actions went far beyond an isolated breach. They argued that the information he provided had the potential to compromise the entire US Navy amphibious assault fleet.
“For a relatively small sum of money, the defendant betrayed his country,” prosecutors wrote, adding that Wei had transmitted thousands of pages of sensitive technical data to Chinese authorities. The documents included detailed information on ship systems, maintenance protocols and operational capabilities.
The Justice Department said the disclosures could have allowed a foreign adversary to better understand vulnerabilities in US naval assets.
Justice Department Reaction
Reacting to the sentencing, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said members of the US armed forces swear an oath to defend the Constitution and the country.
“This active-duty US Navy sailor betrayed that oath and compromised the national security of the United States,” Blanche said in a statement released by the department.
While the court imposed a sentence shorter than what prosecutors had requested, officials said the punishment reflected the seriousness of the crimes and sent a strong deterrent message.
Second Sailor Case Highlighted
Wei was one of two US Navy sailors arrested in 2023 on espionage-related charges involving China. The other sailor, Wenheng Zhao, was sentenced in January 2024 to 27 months in prison and fined $5,500.
According to prosecutors, Zhao had received nearly $15,000 from a Chinese intelligence officer in exchange for sharing sensitive but non-classified information related to US Navy operational security, training exercises and critical infrastructure.
Broader Security Concerns
US authorities have repeatedly warned about foreign intelligence agencies targeting military personnel through online platforms, professional networks and social media. Officials say the Wei case underscores the need for enhanced counter-intelligence awareness within the armed forces.
The Justice Department reiterated that espionage cases involving military technology are treated as among the most serious national security threats, given the long-term risks posed to defence readiness and strategic deterrence.
With the sentencing now complete, Wei will serve his prison term in federal custody, followed by supervised release. Investigators said the case remains a cautionary example of how relatively small financial inducements can lead to major security breaches when combined with insider access.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
