A federal jury convicted Jinchao Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, of espionage and export violations. Wei, an active-duty U.S. Navy sailor stationed at Naval Base San Diego, agreed to sell Navy secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer for $12,000. The jury found Wei guilty of six counts, including conspiracy to commit espionage and unlawful export of defense-related technical data. Wei's sentencing is scheduled for December 1. Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg stated, "The defendant, who took an oath to protect our Nation, sold out his country for $12,000," emphasizing the seriousness of the betrayal. Evidence presented at trial showed that Wei, a machinist’s mate on the U.S.S. Essex, was approached by a Chinese intelligence officer in 2022. Wei shared sensitive information about the Essex and other Navy ships in exchange for payments over 18 months.