Wei worked as a machinist’s mate and had access to sensitive national defense information about the ship’s weapons, propulsion and desalination systems. Prosecutors allege he was approached in February 2022 by the Chinese officer, who was interested in the workings of the Essex. Wei was approached by a Chinese intelligence officer while his application to become a U.S. citizen was pending, prosecutors said. Zhao worked as a construction electrician and was responsible for installing and repairing electrical equipment on U.S. military installations, according to prosecutors. He had access to unclassified information and information on the Navy’s operation security, but he was not allowed to transmit that information and was required to report suspicious incidents, including attempts by non-Navy personnel who sought that sensitive information.

Source: Los Angeles Times August 04, 2023 06:09 UTC