The FBI has arrested a U.S. Army soldier accused of selling classified military information to individuals in China, according to the Department of Justice.
Jian Zhao, an active-duty supply sergeant stationed in Washington state, allegedly collected classified hard drives and a government-issued computer to sell to unidentified buyers in China. The illicit activities reportedly began in July 2024, with Zhao receiving at least $15,000 in payments for sensitive materials.
A grand jury has indicted Zhao on multiple charges, including:
Conspiracy to obtain and transmit national defense information, Bribery and Theft of government property
The indictment states that Zhao and his accomplices “knowingly and unlawfully conspired” to acquire and transfer highly sensitive U.S. defense materials to unauthorized individuals.
In connection with Zhao’s arrest, two others were taken into custody:
Li Tian, an active-duty soldier and Ruoyu Duan, a former soldier
Both are facing charges of bribery and theft of government property.
The FBI alleges that Tian was involved in collecting intelligence on U.S. military weapon systems and operational capabilities, which he then sold to Duan between November 2021 and December 2024. The financial details of their transactions remain undisclosed.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the suspects, stating:
“The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China.”
She assured that they would face “swift, severe, and comprehensive justice.”
This arrest highlights growing concerns over espionage and national security leaks, as tensions between the U.S. and China continue to escalate.