In a shocking development, a United States Navy service member has been accused of allegedly transmitting sensitive U.S. military information to a Chinese intelligence officer. The grand jury indictment was unsealed by federal prosecutors, revealing that Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, also known as Thomas Zhao, was arrested after receiving bribes in exchange for violating his official duties. The indictment details how Zhao, who worked at Naval Base Ventura County, disclosed non-public, sensitive U.S. military information and operational plans to the Chinese intelligence officer. This betrayal of his oath and country has serious implications for national security and highlights the ongoing threat of foreign espionage.
Summary
Overview
A United States Navy service member has been arrested and indicted for allegedly transmitting sensitive U.S. military information to a Chinese intelligence officer. Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, also known as Thomas Zhao, is charged with conspiracy and receipt of a bribe by a public official. This article provides an overview of the incident, details of the alleged actions and charges, information on the concealment of the relationship, and statements from officials. It also discusses the potential sentence if convicted, investigating agencies involved, and assistance from other agencies.
Arrest and Indictment
Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao was arrested on Wednesday by special agents with the FBI and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). The arrest took place in Monterey Park, California. A grand jury indictment accusing Zhao of receiving bribes in exchange for transmitting sensitive U.S. military information to a Chinese intelligence officer was unsealed.
Alleged Actions and Charges
The indictment alleges that Zhao violated his official duties as a U.S. sailor by disclosing non-public, sensitive U.S. military information. He is accused of surreptitiously recording and transmitting U.S. military information, photographs, and videos to the Chinese intelligence officer. Zhao allegedly sent operational plans for a U.S. military exercise, electrical diagrams and blueprints for a radar system, and details about operational security at Naval Base Ventura County and San Clemente Island.
Concealment of Relationship
The indictment states that the Chinese intelligence officer directed Zhao to conceal their relationship and destroy evidence of the unlawful scheme.
Amount of Bribes
According to the indictment, Zhao received approximately $14,866 in bribes from the Chinese intelligence officer in exchange for the sensitive information he provided.
Statements from Officials
United States Attorney Martin Estrada stated that Zhao betrayed his sacred oath to protect the country and uphold the Constitution by sending sensitive military information to an intelligence officer employed by a hostile foreign state. Assistant Director Donald Alway of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office emphasized that Zhao’s actions put Americans and servicemen at risk. Special Agent in Charge Brice Miller of the NCIS Office of Special Projects highlighted the commitment to protecting the Department of the Navy’s sensitive information and pursuing those who compromise national security.
Potential Sentence if Convicted
If convicted of the two counts in the indictment, Zhao could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
Investigating Agencies
The FBI’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division of the Los Angeles Field Office and the NCIS conducted the investigation into Zhao’s alleged actions. The IRS Criminal Investigation provided substantial assistance.
Assistance from Other Agencies
The Counterintelligence and Export Control Section at the Department of Justice is providing substantial assistance in the case.
Overview
Introduction to the incident
The incident involves Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, who allegedly transmitted sensitive U.S. military information to a Chinese intelligence officer in exchange for bribes. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the incident.
Context of the incident
The incident took place over a period of time stretching from August 2021 to May 2023. Zhao allegedly violated his official duties as a U.S. sailor by disclosing non-public, sensitive U.S. military information. The alleged actions occurred at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme, where Zhao was stationed.
Importance of maintaining the security of military information
The security of military information is of utmost importance to protect national security interests. Unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information can compromise military operations and put the safety of servicemen and the country at risk.
Arrest and Indictment
Arrest of Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao
Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao was arrested on Wednesday by special agents with the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). The arrest was made in Monterey Park, California.
Date and location of the arrest
The arrest of Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao took place on [insert date] in Monterey Park, California.
Unsealing of the grand jury indictment
A grand jury indictment accusing Zhao of receiving bribes in exchange for transmitting sensitive U.S. military information was unsealed. The details of the indictment have been made public following the arrest.
Alleged Actions and Charges
Violation of official duties
Zhao is charged with violating his official duties as a U.S. sailor by disclosing non-public, sensitive U.S. military information. Disclosing such information is a breach of trust and can have serious consequences for national security.
Disclosing non-public, sensitive military information
According to the indictment, Zhao surreptitiously recorded and transmitted U.S. military information, photographs, and videos to the Chinese intelligence officer. This information included operational plans for a U.S. military exercise and details about operational security.
Timeline of the alleged actions
The alleged actions took place between August 2021 and May 2023. Zhao’s actions during this period are detailed in the indictment.
Transmitting operational plans for a military exercise
Zhao allegedly sent the Chinese intelligence officer non-public and controlled operational plans for a large-scale U.S. military exercise in the Indo-Pacific Region. These plans included specific information about the location and timing of Naval force movements, amphibious landings, maritime operations, and logistics support.
Photographing electrical diagrams and blueprints
Zhao is accused of photographing electrical diagrams and blueprints for a radar system stationed on a U.S. military base in Okinawa, Japan. This information could be valuable to foreign intelligence services.
Obtaining and transmitting details about operational security
The indictment alleges that Zhao obtained and transmitted details about the Navy’s operational security at Naval Base Ventura County and on San Clemente Island. This includes photographs and videos that could compromise the security of military operations.
Concealment of Relationship
Direction to conceal their relationship
The Chinese intelligence officer allegedly directed Zhao to conceal their relationship. This indicates an intention to conceal the unlawful activities and maintain secrecy.
Destroying evidence of the unlawful scheme
The indictment states that Zhao was directed to destroy evidence of the unlawful and corrupt scheme. This suggests an effort to cover up the illegal activities and avoid detection by authorities.
Amount of Bribes
Payment received by Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao
According to the indictment, Zhao received approximately $14,866 in bribes from the Chinese intelligence officer. This payment was in exchange for the sensitive U.S. military information that Zhao provided.
Details of the bribes provided by the Chinese intelligence officer
The indictment does not specify the exact details of the bribes provided by the Chinese intelligence officer to Zhao. However, it mentions that the bribes were in the form of financial compensation for the sensitive information transmitted.
Statements from Officials
Statement from United States Attorney Martin Estrada
United States Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the seriousness of the charges against Zhao. He stated that by sending sensitive military information to an intelligence officer employed by a hostile foreign state, Zhao betrayed his oath to protect the country and uphold the Constitution.
Statement from Assistant Director Donald Alway
Assistant Director Donald Alway of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office highlighted the risks posed by Zhao’s actions. He stated that by accepting cash bribes from a hostile nation, Zhao sold out his country and put Americans and servicemen at risk.
Statement from Special Agent in Charge Brice Miller
Special Agent in Charge Brice Miller of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Office of Special Projects reaffirmed the commitment to protecting sensitive information and pursuing those who compromise national security. He expressed gratitude for the FBI and Department of Justice’s assistance in the investigation.
Potential Sentence if Convicted
Statutory maximum sentence
If convicted of the two counts in the indictment, Zhao could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. The severity of the potential sentence reflects the seriousness of the charges and the potential harm caused by the disclosure of sensitive military information.
Relevance of the severity of the sentence
The potential sentence serves as a deterrent to others who may consider engaging in similar activities. It sends a message that betraying one’s duties and compromising national security will not be taken lightly.
Investigating Agencies
FBI’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division
The FBI’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division of the Los Angeles Field Office conducted the investigation into Zhao’s alleged actions. This division specializes in protecting national security interests and countering threats to U.S. government entities.
Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) played a significant role in the investigation. NCIS is responsible for conducting criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations related to the Department of the Navy.
Assistance from IRS Criminal Investigation
The IRS Criminal Investigation provided substantial assistance in the investigation. Their expertise in financial matters and financial crimes likely aided in uncovering evidence related to the bribes received by Zhao.
Assistance from Other Agencies
Counterintelligence and Export Control Section at the Department of Justice
The Counterintelligence and Export Control Section at the Department of Justice is providing substantial assistance in the case. This section specializes in investigating and prosecuting crimes related to national security and the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information.
In conclusion, the arrest and indictment of Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao highlight the importance of maintaining the security of military information. Zhao’s alleged actions in transmitting sensitive U.S. military information to a Chinese intelligence officer carry serious consequences for national security. The investigating agencies involved, including the FBI and NCIS, are working diligently to address the situation and ensure the safety of the country and its servicemen. The potential sentence if convicted serves as a reminder of the severity of the charges and the commitment to upholding the law.