Navy Sailor from LA Accused of Selling Military Secrets to Chinese Spy

Los Angeles, CA – A Navy sailor from Monterey Park, Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, also known as Thomas Zhao, has been taken into federal custody on charges of allegedly receiving bribes in exchange for sensitive military information. The accusations involve sharing plans for a large-scale U.S. military exercise in the Indo-Pacific Region and providing diagrams and blueprints for a radar system to a Chinese intelligence officer.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Zhao, 26, was working at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme at the time of his arrest. He held a security clearance, which enabled him to access non-public, sensitive military information.

The indictment claims that starting in August 2021 and continuing until at least May of the current year, Zhao transmitted U.S. military information, photographs, and videos to the Chinese intelligence officer in exchange for bribes. Notably, the information included operational plans detailing the specific location and timing of Naval movements, amphibious landings, maritime operations, and logistics support for a major U.S. military exercise in the Indo-Pacific Region.

In addition, Zhao allegedly provided the intelligence officer with photographs and blueprints for a radar system stationed on a U.S. military base in Okinawa, Japan. Prosecutors assert that Zhao also shared details about the Navy’s operational security at the Naval Base in Ventura County and on San Clemente Island.

Federal officials further allege that the Chinese intelligence officer instructed Zhao to conceal their relationship and destroy evidence of their scheme.

According to the indictment, the bribes received by Zhao totaled approximately $14,866.

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada stated, “By sending this sensitive military information to an intelligence officer employed by a hostile foreign state, the defendant betrayed his sacred oath to protect our country and uphold the Constitution. Unlike the vast majority of U.S. Navy personnel who serve the nation with honor, distinction, and courage, Mr. Zhao chose to corruptly sell out his colleagues and his country.”

The FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, represented by Assistant Director Donald Alway, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, saying, “Zhao betrayed his military oath and sold out his country while he brazenly put Americans and our servicemen at risk.” Alway also warned that the incident serves as a reminder that American citizens with access to state secrets or intellectual property are being targeted by the Chinese government, and that the FBI will continue to investigate such behavior and hold offenders accountable.

If convicted on the two counts listed in the indictment, Zhao could face up to 20 years in federal prison. A second sailor based in San Diego has also been arrested on similar charges, but it is currently unclear if the cases are related.