In a stunning revelation, two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and a former soldier have been arrested for allegedly selling sensitive military information to individuals in China. The Justice Department announced the charges on Thursday, exposing what officials call a serious betrayal of national security.
Who Are the Accused?
The arrested individuals include:
- First Lt. Li Tian, a health services administrator
- Sgt. Jian Zhao, a supply sergeant with the 17th Field Artillery Brigade
- Ruoyu Duan, a former soldier who served in the Army from 2013 to 2017
Tian and Zhao were stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state, while Duan, who was no longer in service, resided in Hillsboro, Oregon.
How Did the Espionage Unfold?
According to federal prosecutors, Lieutenant Tian and former soldier Duan conspired from November 2021 to December 2024 to secretly obtain and distribute classified military information. This included sensitive details about Bradley and Stryker armored vehicles, which were later sent to Duan in exchange for financial compensation.
In a separate case, Sergeant Zhao was accused of stealing nearly two dozen hard drives, some marked “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET,” and selling them to Chinese buyers. Prosecutors revealed that Zhao had received at least $15,000 in payments starting in July 2024.
The Encrypted Conversations That Gave Them Away
Court documents show that Zhao was actively negotiating the sale of military documents through encrypted messaging apps. In one conversation from October 2024, he informed an unnamed co-conspirator about having a “very sensitive document” that was “super difficult to get.” The document, which contained classified details about HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System), was priced at $3,000. After some negotiation, he settled on $6,500 for two documents.
What Was the Stolen Information Worth?
According to the Justice Department, the stolen hard drives contained sensitive but unclassified information related to military strategies, rocket systems, and U.S. military readiness in case of a conflict with China. However, the exact details of what was on the hard drives have not been disclosed in the indictment.
Justice Department’s Response
Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the actions of the accused, calling it an act of betrayal against the United States.
“The defendants arrested today are accused of weakening America’s defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China. They will face swift and severe justice,” Bondi stated.
The Army Counterintelligence Command has also raised alarms about the growing threat of foreign espionage within the military. Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox emphasized the seriousness of the case, warning that foreign intelligence threats are increasing.
Legal Charges & Consequences
The three individuals face multiple felony charges, including:
- Conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States
- Bribery of a public official
- Theft of government property
Sergeant Zhao also faces additional charges related to illegally gathering national defense information. If convicted, they could face decades in federal prison.
What Happens Next?
This case is expected to lead to further investigations into potential breaches in military security. While the full extent of the damage remains unclear, this espionage case serves as a wake-up call for the U.S. military and intelligence agencies.
