If convicted, both Wei and Zhao face severe penalties. And could face 20 years to life in federal prison.
The espionage charge against Wei is unprecedented in the Southern District of California and has been filed only five times across the U.S. in the last six years.
The cases against Wei and Zhao are part of a broader national strategy to combat criminal efforts by nation-state actors attempting to steal sensitive military information.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized that Zhao’s actions betrayed his sacred oath to defend the country and endangered his colleagues in the U.S. Navy.
These arrests are indicative of the ongoing threat posed by the Chinese seeking to infiltrate and exploit sensitive defense systems.
