U.S. Soldiers Arrested for Allegedly Leaking Classified Military Data to China
In a shocking case of espionage, two active-duty U.S. soldiers and a former service member have been arrested for allegedly leaking classified military information to contacts in China. The individuals, identified as Sgt. Jian Zhao, 1st Lt. Li Tian, and former soldier Ruoyu Duan, are accused of sharing sensitive data related to U.S. military operations, weapons systems, and missile technology.
The Espionage Scheme: How It Unfolded
Federal court documents reveal that the three individuals conspired to steal classified U.S. military information and sell it to foreign entities in China. The scheme, which prosecutors say lasted until December 2024, involved unauthorized access to government hard drives, military manuals, and classified reports.
Key Allegations:
- Sgt. Jian Zhao, stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, allegedly provided approximately 20 government hard drives, some labeled as “secret,” containing sensitive missile-launcher technology and military exercise details.
- 1st Lt. Li Tian collaborated with former soldier Ruoyu Duan in a separate scheme to obtain and sell classified data on U.S. armored vehicles, such as the Bradley and Stryker.
- Duan, who left the military in 2017 and resides in Oregon, allegedly acted as the middleman, coordinating payments and forwarding stolen data to contacts in China.
Financial Transactions & Security Breach
Court documents indicate that the suspects received thousands of dollars in payments from Chinese sources:
- Zhao allegedly received at least $15,000 between July and December 2024 for leaking classified data.
- Tian and Duan engaged in transactions where Tian sold military manuals via Google Drive links, with payments funneled through PayPal accounts linked to China.
- Zhao allegedly offered to sell missile-related data for $3,000–$4,000, referencing the U.S. Army’s HIMARS missile system, which has been used in Ukraine.
U.S. Authorities Respond
The Department of Justice has condemned the espionage plot, with Attorney General Pamela J. Bondi 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. They will face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice.”
FBI Director Kash Patel also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to preventing espionage, emphasizing that China’s intelligence network has been aggressively targeting U.S. military personnel.
Security Implications & Growing Threats
This case highlights the growing threat of foreign intelligence operations aimed at infiltrating the U.S. military. The arrests at Joint Base Lewis-McChord underscore concerns about the vulnerability of classified information and the effectiveness of counterintelligence measures.
With China’s increasing focus on acquiring U.S. military technology, experts warn that more proactive measures are needed to safeguard national security.
Conclusion
The arrests of Zhao, Tian, and Duan serve as a stark reminder of the persistent threats facing U.S. military intelligence. As investigations continue, authorities are working to identify additional individuals involved in the espionage network.
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