Three Army soldiers have been arrested for betraying their country by selling top-secret military information to Communist China for mere thousands of dollars.
Top Takeaways
- Two active-duty soldiers and one former soldier were arrested for allegedly selling sensitive US military information to China.
- The espionage scheme involved selling technical manuals, weapon systems data, and classified hard drives related to US missile defenses and military vehicles like the Bradley and Stryker.
- Payments for the stolen information were relatively small, with Zhao receiving approximately $10,000 and others receiving around $5,000.
- The conspiracy allegedly operated from November 2021 until December 2024 before the FBI’s counterintelligence operation led to arrests.
- The soldiers face serious charges including conspiracy to commit bribery, theft of government property, and transmitting national defense information.
Betrayal Within the Ranks
The FBI has arrested two active-duty US Army soldiers and one former soldier in what officials are calling a significant breach of national security. Jian Zhao, Li Tian, and former soldier Ruoyu Duan have been indicted by federal grand juries in the District of Oregon and the Western District of Washington for allegedly selling sensitive military information to China. The charges include conspiracy to commit bribery, theft of government property, and the transmission of national defense information—crimes that strike at the heart of America’s military security apparatus.
The investigation, conducted jointly by the FBI Portland and Seattle Field Offices and the US Army Counterintelligence Command, revealed that the conspiracy began around November 28, 2021, and continued until December 19, 2024. During this period, the soldiers allegedly gathered and transmitted critical information about US military capabilities, including technical specifications of fighting vehicles and missile defense systems, information that in enemy hands could potentially compromise American military advantages and put service members at risk.
The Espionage Operation
According to the Department of Justice, Zhao allegedly sent classified hard drives and other sensitive information to China in exchange for approximately $10,000. The indictment details how he conspired to sell a stolen government computer and sensitive military documents. Meanwhile, Tian allegedly gathered information for Duan in exchange for financial compensation, specifically targeting data on US Army fighting vehicles, including the Bradley and Stryker models that are critical components of American ground warfare capabilities.
Tian and Duan were charged in Oregon with conspiracy to commit bribery and theft of government property, while Zhao faces charges in Washington for conspiracy to obtain and transmit national defense information, bribery, and theft of government property. The relatively modest sums received by these soldiers—approximately $5,000 to $10,000—stand in stark contrast to the incalculable value of the national security information they allegedly compromised and the severe penalties they now face.
National Security Implications
The arrests have sent shockwaves through the US defense community, highlighting vulnerabilities within military ranks and the persistent threat of foreign espionage. Officials emphasize that these arrests demonstrate America’s commitment to identifying and prosecuting those who betray their country, regardless of their position. The case serves as a stark reminder of China’s ongoing efforts to gain military advantages through espionage rather than legitimate research and development.
FBI Director Kash Patel underscored the severity of the breach, stating that 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.” Attorney General Bondi promised that the accused would face “swift, severe, and comprehensive justice,” signaling the government’s determination to make an example of those who compromise national security for personal gain.
Sources:
- US Soldiers Arrested by FBI, Accused of ‘Betraying’ Country to China
- Former, active-duty Army soldiers charged in scheme allegedly selling sensitive military information to China
- Kash Patel’s FBI Arrests US Army Members For ‘Betraying’ Country
