Jacksonville, Florida – In a shocking case of deceit and corruption, U.S. Naval Flight Officer Fan Yang (37, Jacksonville) has been sentenced to 48 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years’ supervised release, for conspiring with his co-defendants Ge Songtao (52, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China) and Yang Yang (36, Jacksonville) to violate U.S. firearms laws.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Yang, a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, flew in the back of the Navy’s P-8 Poseidon, a land-based patrol aircraft, and operated sensors and coordinated tactics. However, Yang’s duties were overshadowed by his secret relationship with Ge Songtao, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China, which he concealed from the Navy.
The evidence presented at trial revealed that Yang and Ge Songtao formed a relationship online, and later met in person in 2013, while Yang was in Navy flight training in Pensacola. In 2016, while Yang was stationed in Jacksonville, Yang recommended that Ge Songtao hire Yang’s wife, Yang Yang, as an employee of Shanghai Breeze Technology Co. Ltd., Ge Songtao’s company headquartered in Shanghai, China.
Yang Yang received more than $300,000 in payments from Shanghai Breeze, its creditors, and Ge Songtao’s executive assistant and co-defendant, Zheng Yan. The money was used to pay Yang Yang’s salary, Shanghai Breeze’s expenses in the U.S., and for goods that Ge Songtao ordered the Yangs to purchase. The funds were frequently routed through the Yangs’ family business, BQ Tree LLC.
In 2017 and again in 2018, acting on Ge Songtao’s instructions, Fan Yang purchased two handguns for him, specifically a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol and a Glock 9mm pistol. Ge Songtao reimbursed the Yangs for both purchases and had the Sig Sauer pistol engraved with his initials – “G.S.T.” – and the phrase “Never Out of the Fight.” Each time he purchased a firearm, Fan Yang completed a Firearms Transactions Record (known as ATF Form-4473) on which he falsely represented that he was purchasing the firearm for himself, rather than for Ge Songtao.
The Court also ordered Yang to forfeit the firearms that he purchased as a part of the conspiracy, specifically, a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol and a Glock 9mm pistol. A federal jury found Yang guilty on November 12, 2021.
The case highlights the dangers of corruption and deceit within the military ranks, and the importance of transparency and honesty when dealing with sensitive information. As a Naval Flight Officer, Fan Yang had access to classified information and was entrusted with the safety of his fellow service members. His actions have brought shame and discredit to the U.S. Navy, and he will now face the consequences of his crimes.
Defendant: Fan Yang
Criminal Charges: Conspiring to violate U.S. firearms laws and lying during security clearance background investigation
City and State: Jacksonville, Florida
Exact Date: November 12, 2021 (guilty verdict)
Sentence: 48 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years’ supervised release
Dollar Amounts: $300,000 (payments received by Yang Yang)
Related Federal Cases
- Florida Man, Assaulting Law Enforcement, Washington DC, 2021 · Wisconsin
- Christian Matthew Manley, Assaulting Law Enforcement, Washington D…. · Washington
- James Beeks, Assaulting Law Enforcement Officer, Little Rock AR, 2021 · Kentucky
- Mason Joel Courson, Assaulting a Law Enforcement Officer, Washingto… · Florida
- Janice Martina Mason, Voluntary Manslaughter, Florida, 2023 · Maryland
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Violent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent Crime