Below is an article based on the information available as of March 07, 2025, regarding the FBI’s arrest of U.S. Army soldiers accused of selling national defense information to China. The content is crafted using the provided context and adheres to the instructions given.
FBI Arrests U.S. Army Soldiers Over Alleged Sale of National Defense Information to China
On March 6, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in collaboration with the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, arrested two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and one former soldier accused of betraying their country by selling sensitive national defense information to individuals in China. The arrests, announced by the Department of Justice (DOJ), mark a significant escalation in efforts to combat espionage threats targeting America’s military secrets. The soldiers, identified as Jian Zhao and Li Tian, both stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, along with former soldier Ruoyu Duan, face charges that could carry severe penalties if they are convicted.
The indictments, handed down by federal grand juries in the District of Oregon and the Western District of Washington, paint a disturbing picture of greed and disloyalty. Jian Zhao, an active-duty Supply Sergeant, is alleged to have conspired since July 2024 to obtain and transmit classified materials, including hard drives marked “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET,” to contacts in China. In exchange, Zhao reportedly received at least $10,000, with additional payments totaling $15,000 for other illicit transactions, such as the sale of a stolen encryption-capable computer and sensitive military documents. These documents included information on the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and U.S. military readiness in the event of a conflict with China.
Meanwhile, Li Tian and Ruoyu Duan are accused of a separate but equally damaging scheme. Beginning in November 2021 and continuing through at least December 2024, the pair allegedly worked together to gather and sell sensitive military information, including technical manuals related to the Bradley and Stryker fighting vehicles—key assets in the U.S. Army’s arsenal. Tian, an active-duty soldier, is said to have transmitted this information to Duan, a former soldier, in exchange for money, violating his sworn duties. The DOJ has not disclosed the exact amount Duan paid Tian, but the conspiracy is described as a deliberate effort to undermine America’s defense capabilities.
Attorney General Pamela J. Bondi condemned the actions in a statement, saying, “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 echoed this sentiment, noting 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.” Patel emphasized the FBI’s ongoing commitment to rooting out such threats, crediting the close partnership with Army Counterintelligence for the successful operation.
The charges against Zhao include conspiracy to transmit national defense information to an unauthorized recipient, bribery, and theft of government property. Tian and Duan face charges of conspiracy to commit bribery and theft of government property. If convicted, Zhao could face up to 20 years in prison, though maximum penalties for Tian and Duan were not specified in initial DOJ statements. All three defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, as is standard in the U.S. justice system.
The arrests come amid heightened concerns over foreign espionage targeting U.S. military personnel. In recent years, similar cases have surfaced, including the 2023 arrest of two U.S. Navy sailors for transmitting sensitive information to China and the 2024 guilty plea of Army intelligence analyst Sgt. Korbein Schultz, who sold military secrets for $42,000. These incidents underscore what Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox, Commanding General of Army Counterintelligence Command, called “the persistent and increasing foreign intelligence threat facing our Army and nation.” Cox urged all Army personnel to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, warning that those who abandon their values for personal gain will be held accountable.
The investigations were led by the FBI’s Portland and Seattle Field Offices, with assistance from multiple agencies, including Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Prosecutors from the District of Oregon and the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are handling the cases.
As the legal process unfolds, these arrests serve as a stark reminder of the challenges the U.S. faces in safeguarding its national security. The allegations against Zhao, Tian, and Duan—if proven—represent not just a breach of trust but a direct threat to the safety of American troops and the integrity of the nation’s defenses. For now, the focus remains on ensuring justice is served, while the broader effort to counter foreign influence within the military continues with renewed urgency.
This article reflects the details available as of March 07, 2025, and avoids speculative or unverified claims, sticking closely to the provided context.
