On Thursday, the FBI apprehended a U.S. Army soldier suspected of selling classified information to individuals in China, according to a statement from the Department of Justice.
Jian Zhao, an active-duty supply sergeant stationed at a military installation in Washington state, is accused of collecting classified hard drives and a computer from the U.S. government to sell to unidentified parties in China. Allegedly, the illicit activities started in July 2024, leading Zhao to receive at least $15,000 as payment for the sensitive materials.
Zhao is facing charges from a grand jury for conspiring to obtain and transmit national defense information to unauthorized entities, along with charges of bribery and theft of government property.
The indictment reveals that Zhao and accomplices “did knowingly and unlawfully conspire… to obtain and transmit documents, writings, photographs, instruments, appliances, and notes related to the national defense of the United States to individuals not entitled to receive them.”
In conjunction with Zhao’s arrest, two additional suspects were taken into custody by the FBI. They are identified as active-duty soldier Li Tian and former soldier Ruoyu Duan, both charged with theft of government property and bribery.
The FBI alleges that Tian was involved in collecting sensitive military intelligence about the U.S. Army’s operational capabilities, particularly concerning U.S. military weapon systems, which he reportedly sold to Duan between November 2021 and December 2024 for an undisclosed amount.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the actions of the defendants, stating, “The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China.” She assured that they would face “swift, severe, and comprehensive justice.”
Join our Channel...