Three U.S. Army Soldiers Charged with Espionage for Allegedly Sharing Secrets with China

In a significant development, the Department of Justice has indicted three U.S. Army soldiers—two currently serving and one former member—over allegations of gathering and selling sensitive information to China.

The arrests took place in Oregon where Jian Zhao and Li Tian, both active-duty soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, alongside former soldier Ruoyo Duan, were apprehended. The trio faces charges of conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property, with Zhao additionally accused of planning to obtain and relay national defense information to an unauthorized party.

Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “The individuals arrested today are accused of betraying our nation by actively working to undermine America’s defense capabilities in favor of our adversaries in China.” The DOJ promises swift and stringent justice for their actions.

Duan and Tian allegedly colluded to covertly collect sensitive military data concerning the U.S. Army’s operational capabilities between November 28, 2021, and December 19, 2024. This included technical manuals and data on military vehicles like the Bradley and Stryker fighting models. Tian, an active-duty officer, was reportedly responsible for supplying this information to Duan in exchange for financial compensation.

Zhao, serving as an Army supply sergeant, allegedly began his involvement in July 2024, scheming to acquire and transfer national defense information to China.

According to the DOJ, “Zhao was accused of conspiring to collect and deliver various classified hard drives, marked ‘SECRET’ and ‘TOP SECRET,’ negotiating their sale with China-based individuals, and agreeing to send the drives to China.” He reportedly received at least $10,000 for these hard drives.

Further allegations against Zhao include plotting to sell a stolen government computer and sensitive military files, including details about the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and military preparedness against potential conflicts with China. He allegedly accepted approximately $5,000 for these endeavors.

The DOJ emphasized Zhao’s breach of duty as a member of the U.S. Army and public official by exchanging sensitive information for monetary gain.

FBI’s Seattle Field Office Special Agent in Charge, Mike Herrington, condemned the acts as “unconscionable.” “These arrests are a warning to aspiring spies; our resolve and capability to track you down and ensure accountability is strong,” he asserted. “Safeguarding the nation’s secrets that preserve our military edge and protect our service members is a high priority for the FBI.”

FBI Director Kash Patel affirmed that the accused would “face American justice” for “stealing America’s defense intelligence capabilities and empowering adversaries like China in betrayal of our country.”