WASHINGTON – The FBI has arrested an active-duty U.S. soldier suspected of selling classified military intelligence to individuals in China, the Department of Justice announced Thursday.
Jian Zhao, a supply sergeant stationed in Washington state, is accused of stealing classified hard drives and a government computer to sell overseas. According to federal prosecutors, the thefts began in July 2024, with Zhao receiving at least $15,000 for the sensitive materials.
A federal grand jury has charged Zhao with conspiring to obtain and transmit national defense information to unauthorized individuals, bribery, and theft of government property.
Investigators say Zhao was not acting alone. Two other suspects, active-duty soldier Li Tian and former soldier Ruoyu Duan, were also arrested Thursday. The FBI alleges that Tian collected sensitive U.S. Army operational data, particularly on military weapons systems, and sold it to Duan between November 2021 and December 2024.
“These individuals are accused of betraying our country and jeopardizing national security,” said U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. “They will face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice.”
The arrests mark a significant national security breach, with authorities vowing a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of the espionage operation.
