The case of Jinchao Wei, a US Navy sailor facing espionage charges, has taken a new turn with allegations that his mother actively encouraged him to collaborate with a Chinese intelligence officer, suggesting it might secure him a job with the Chinese government in the future, as per ABC News.
These revelations came to light during a recent hearing in federal court in San Diego, where Assistant US Attorney Fred Sheppard made the accusations in a bid to prevent Wei's release.
New Twist in US Navy Sailor's Case
Jinchao Wei, aged 22 and originally from China, is one of two California-based sailors accused of sharing sensitive military information with China. The information reportedly included details about wartime exercises, naval operations, and critical technical data.
While prosecutors have not explicitly connected the two sailors' actions to the same Chinese intelligence officer, the charges revolve around a common theme of providing classified information to aid a foreign government. According to prosecutors, Wei was approached by a Chinese intelligence officer in February 2022 while he was in the process of applying for US citizenship.
Despite recognizing that such an arrangement could impact his application, Wei allegedly cooperated by divulging intricate details about weapons systems, aircraft, and amphibious assault ships used as small aircraft carriers. During the recent court hearing, Sheppard outlined how Wei's mother, residing in Wisconsin, was aware of her son's dealings with the intelligence officer.
She purportedly encouraged him to continue assisting the officer, even suggesting that his cooperation could lead to a future job within China's Communist Party after leaving the US Navy. Sheppard's statements revealed a seemingly supportive role of Wei's mother in the alleged espionage activities.
The defense attorney for Wei, Jason Conforti, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the accusations against Wei's mother, according to The Guardian.
Espionage Cases Unveil Family Involvement and Information Leak
Meanwhile, Sheppard informed the court that the Chinese intelligence officer promised to fly both Wei and his mother to China for an in-person meeting.
The officer also instructed Wei to purchase a computer and phone for transmitting information, offering reimbursement for the expenses upon receipt submission. Conforti asserted that Wei poses no threat to the community and no longer has access to sensitive military information.
However, Sheppard argued that Wei's actions jeopardized the safety of numerous sailors by revealing critical Navy ship information. Ultimately, the judge ruled to keep Wei in federal custody without bail.
The indictment against Wei alleges that he may have shared up to 50 manuals containing technical and mechanical data about Navy ships. Furthermore, details about the number and training of Marines during upcoming exercises were also part of the leaked information.
Sheppard disclosed that Wei had allegedly earned between $10,000 and $15,000 from this arrangement over the past year. If convicted, Wei could face a life sentence.
In a parallel case, sailor Wenheng Zhao, 26, stationed at Naval Base Ventura County near Los Angeles, was charged by the Justice Department with conspiring to collect bribes from a Chinese intelligence officer in exchange for information, photos, and videos related to Navy exercises, operations, and facilities.
This included sensitive details about a significant US military exercise in the Indo-Pacific region. As these cases unfold, they shed light on the intricate web of espionage activities and the role that external pressures, even from family members, can play in driving individuals to engage in activities detrimental to national security.
The accusations underscore the complexities inherent in the realm of espionage and its potential implications for international relations and military operations, Navy Times reported.
