One former soldier and two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers were arrested over alleged schemes to send national defense information to China.
The Justice Department announced Thursday that Jian Zhao, and Li Tian, both active duty Army soldiers based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, and former soldier Ruoyu Duan had been charged for stealing U.S. military secrets. They were accused of stealing top secret hard drives, information on weapon systems, and documents on missile defenses to sell to individuals based in China, the DOJ said.
“The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “They will face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice.”
Tian and Duan were charged in Oregon with conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property. Zhao was charged in Washington with conspiring to obtain and transmit national defense information, and for bribery and theft of government property.
“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, including national defense information,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The FBI and our partners will continue to work to uncover attempts by those in China to steal sensitive U.S. military information and hold all accountable who play a role in betraying our national defense.”
According to the indictment, Duan and Tian were involved in a conspiracy that began on or around November 28, 2021, to steal information on America’s operational capabilities by stealing technical manuals and other documentation. The scheme was active as recently as December 19, 2024, the DOJ said. Duan allegedly paid Tian to steal information on the Bradley and Stryker U.S. Army fighting vehicles.
Zhao is accused of selling hard drives after July 2024 marked “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET” to individuals in China for at least $10,000. He is also accused of stealing a government computer with information on the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and information related to a potential conflict between the U.S. and China.
“These arrests underscore the persistent and increasing foreign intelligence threat facing our Army and nation,” said Brig. Gen. Rhett Cox of Army Counterintelligence Command. “Along with the Department of Justice and FBI, Army Counterintelligence Command will continue to work tirelessly to hold those accountable who irresponsibly and selfishly abandon the Army values and choose personal gain over duty to our nation.”
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