California-based Navy sailor pleads guilty to providing sensitive military information to China. A U.S. Navy sailor, Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, 26, pleaded guilty in Los Angeles to conspiring with a foreign intelligence officer from China and receiving a bribe. Initially, Zhao had pleaded not guilty when charged on August 4. The Justice Department claims that Zhao, stationed at Naval Base Ventura County, conspired to collect nearly $15,000 in bribes from a Chinese intelligence officer in return for information, photos, and videos related to Navy exercises, operations, and facilities. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and has been in custody since his arrest on August 3.
Asia Daily: October 12, 2023
Asia Daily: October 12, 2023
Asia Daily: October 12, 2023
California-based Navy sailor pleads guilty to providing sensitive military information to China. A U.S. Navy sailor, Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, 26, pleaded guilty in Los Angeles to conspiring with a foreign intelligence officer from China and receiving a bribe. Initially, Zhao had pleaded not guilty when charged on August 4. The Justice Department claims that Zhao, stationed at Naval Base Ventura County, conspired to collect nearly $15,000 in bribes from a Chinese intelligence officer in return for information, photos, and videos related to Navy exercises, operations, and facilities. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and has been in custody since his arrest on August 3.