The FBI arrested a U.S. soldier on Thursday for allegedly selling classified U.S. military information to individuals based in China, according to the Department of Justice. Jian Zhao, an active-duty Army supply sergeant stationed in Washington state, is accused of stealing classified hard drives and a computer containing sensitive U.S. government data, intending to sell them to unidentified individuals in China.
The thefts began in July 2024, with Zhao reportedly receiving at least $15,000 for the stolen information. He faces charges, including conspiring to obtain and transmit national defense documents to unauthorized individuals, bribery, and theft of government property.
The indictment claims that Zhao, along with accomplices, conspired to transmit sensitive military documents, photographs, and materials to unauthorized recipients.
In addition to Zhao, two other suspects, Li Tian (an active-duty soldier) and Ruoyu Duan (a former soldier), were arrested on similar charges related to theft and bribery. The FBI alleges that Tian gathered sensitive information on U.S. military weapon systems and sold it to Duan between November 2021 and December 2024.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the actions of the arrested individuals, stating they were “actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China.”
The accused are set to face stringent legal consequences for their actions.
AFP
