Two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and one former soldier were taken into custody in Oregon for allegedly collecting and sending sensitive information to individuals in China, as per the Department of Justice.
The accused are Jian Zhao and Li Tian, who were stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and former soldier Ruoyo Duan.
The trio has been charged with plotting to carry out bribery and steal government property. Additionally, Zhao faces extra allegations of scheming to procure and transmit national defense information to an unauthorized person.
Attorney General Pam Bondi remarked, “The individuals apprehended today stand accused of betraying our nation, actively contributing to the weakening of America’s defense capabilities, and supporting our adversaries in China. Their punishment will be swift, severe, and thorough.”
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He is also accused of conspiring to sell a computer stolen from the U.S. government and sensitive military documents and information, including information related to the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and military readiness in the event of a conflict with China. Zhao allegedly accepted around $5,000 in payments for the aforementioned items.
“Zhao is alleged to have violated his duties as a U.S. Army Soldier and public official to protect sensitive military information in exchange for money,” the DOJ said.
Two of the men accused are Jian Zhao and Li Tian, who were both stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. (Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office, described the behavior of all three as “unconscionable.”
“These arrests should send a message to would-be spies that we and our partners have the will and the ability to find you, track you down, and hold you to account,” Herrington said. “Protecting the nation’s secrets, especially those necessary to preserve our military advantage and protect our troops, is one of the FBI’s top priorities.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said the men will “face American justice” after “stealing America’s defense intelligence capabilities and empowering adversaries like China in betrayal of our country.”
