The arrest of US soldier Jian Zhao, who is accused of selling classified information to individuals in China, marks a significant breach of national security. According to the charges, Zhao, an active-duty army supply sergeant, is alleged to have stolen sensitive materials, including hard drives and a computer, and sold them for at least $15,000. This activity began in July 2024, and he now faces serious charges related to espionage, bribery, and theft of government property.
Additionally, two other individuals, Li Tian and Ruoyu Duan, were also arrested for similar charges, allegedly involving sensitive military information related to US Army weapon systems. The indictment paints a picture of a coordinated conspiracy aimed at undermining US national defense by supplying critical information to adversaries, specifically China.
The FBI’s swift actions in apprehending the suspects reflect the gravity of the charges. US Attorney General Pam Bondi’s statement emphasizes the betrayal of national security and the potential damage to the US military’s operational capabilities. These arrests serve as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of espionage and the threat posed by internal betrayals to national defense.
