Three U.S. Army soldiers have been arrested and indicted on charges of espionage, bribery, and theft of government property, in a case that has sent shockwaves through the military and intelligence communities.
The soldiers, Jian Zhao and Li Tian, both active-duty personnel stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Ruoyu Duan, a former soldier, are accused of conspiring to transmit sensitive military information, including national defense secrets, to individuals in China.
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“The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China,” said Attorney General Pamela J. Bondi. “They will face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice.”
Duan and Tian: The indictment alleges that Duan and Tian conspired to gather and transmit sensitive military information, including technical manuals and data related to U.S. Army weapon systems, such as the Bradley and Stryker fighting vehicles. Tian allegedly received money in exchange for this information.
Zhao: Zhao, an active-duty supply sergeant, is accused of conspiring to sell classified hard drives marked “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET” to individuals in China. He allegedly received at least $10,000 for the hard drives. Zhao is also accused of attempting to sell stolen encryption technology, sensitive military documents, and information related to the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and U.S. military readiness in the event of a conflict with China. In total, Zhao is alleged to have received at least $15,000 in bribes.
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These arrests highlight a growing concern over foreign intelligence threats targeting the U.S. military.
“While bribery and corruption have thrived under China’s Communist Party, this behavior cannot be tolerated with our service members who are entrusted with sensitive military information, including national defense information,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.
“These arrests underscore the persistent and increasing foreign intelligence threat facing our Army and nation,” added Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox, Commanding General, Army Counterintelligence Command.
The FBI and the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command conducted the investigation. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the severe consequences of betraying the trust placed in those who serve in the U.S. military.
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