US Navy sailor, has been sentenced to 27 months in prison by a federal district court in California for engaging in espionage activities on behalf of China.
Thomas Zhao pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of receiving a bribe related to his official duties. The Monterey Park resident, aged 26, received a fine of $5,500, significantly less than the maximum 20-year sentence that could have been imposed for the combined charges, as per to Newsweek.
Former US Navy Sailor Zhao Sentenced for Spying
A US Navy uniform is seen during a ship naming ceremony at George Washington's estate in Mount Vernon, Virginia, on July 3, 2023. The ceremony, in celebration of the future USS Lafayette (FFG 65), honors Marquis De Lafayette, who volunteered his service during the US Revolutionary War.
Zhao, arrested in August, had worked as a petty officer at a US naval base in Ventura County, California. Born in China, he immigrated to the US in 2009, became a naturalized citizen in 2012, and enlisted in the US Navy in 2017. The sentencing came after Zhao admitted to accepting nearly $15,000 in 14 separate payments from a Chinese intelligence officer, betraying his country and compromising classified information.
The espionage activities involved Zhao "collecting" and "transmitting" photographs and videos between August 2021 and May 2023. The stolen material included specific details of naval movements, logistical information, and operational support, along with diagrams and blueprints for a radar system installed on a US military base in Okinawa, Japan.
The court proceedings revealed that Zhao's sentencing took into account his cooperation and guilty plea, resulting in a prison term lower than the maximum penalty. His sentence began from the day of his arrest, and he was also fined $5,500.
United States Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the severity of Zhao's actions, stating that he had betrayed his country by accepting bribes from a Chinese intelligence officer. The FBI's Los Angeles field office, represented by Donald Alway, highlighted the consequences for those who collaborate with foreign adversaries, reinforcing the message that such actions will be held accountable, according to The Star.
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Chinese Embassy Denies Espionage Amid Tensions
The Chinese embassy in Washington responded to the case, stating that it was not aware of the details but expressing opposition to what it deemed "groundless slander and smear of China" by the US government and media. This comes amid rising tensions between the two countries, with accusations and counter-accusations becoming increasingly common.
Zhao's case is not isolated, as another US sailor, Jinchao Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, faced similar charges in August for allegedly spying for China. Wei, born in China and naturalized as a US citizen in 2022, pleaded not guilty. The court has scheduled further proceedings for his case on March 18, and US officials view these incidents as evidence of China's espionage operations on American soil.
These espionage cases underscore the broader shadow war between China and the United States, with both nations actively engaged in intelligence activities. The US government is particularly concerned about China's efforts to recruit individuals with security clearances, targeting military personnel to obtain sensitive information.
While Zhao's sentencing serves as a legal consequence for his actions, it also reflects the ongoing challenges the US faces in countering foreign espionage and maintaining national security. As the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China intensifies, these cases highlight the importance of vigilance and security measures to protect sensitive information and military capabilities, The New York Times reported.
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