Washington, D.C. — March 6, 2025
Three U.S. Army soldiers—two active-duty and one former—have been arrested for theft of government property and a bribery scheme involving the sale of classified military intelligence to China. FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrests, calling it a grave betrayal of national security.
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A Shocking Betrayal
In a major national security breach, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed today that federal authorities have arrested three U.S. Army soldiers accused of stealing classified military information and selling it to individuals connected to China.
“These individuals have been charged with stealing America’s defense intelligence capabilities and empowering adversaries like China in betrayal of our country,” Patel posted on social media. “They will now face American justice.”
The accused include Jian Zhao, an active-duty supply sergeant, and Li Tian, a stationed officer at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, alongside Ruoyu Duan, a former U.S. Army soldier. Federal prosecutors allege they conspired to steal classified military secrets in exchange for cash.
The Charges and Their Implications
Zhao faces the most serious accusations—conspiring to transmit national defense information to unauthorized individuals in China, bribery, and theft of government property. The indictment states that Zhao attempted to sell classified hard drives labeled “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET” and accepted at least $10,000 for sensitive military documents.
His conspirators, Tian and Duan, allegedly worked together to smuggle classified manuals and technical documents related to U.S. military weapon systems, including the HIMARS rocket system and Bradley and Stryker fighting vehicles.
“The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said. “They will face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice.”
Swift and Severe Consequences
The case, spearheaded by the FBI and U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, underscores the growing threats posed by foreign espionage efforts within the U.S. military ranks.
“These arrests underscore the persistent and increasing foreign intelligence threat facing our Army and nation,” said Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox, Commanding General of Army Counterintelligence Command.
FBI Director Patel emphasized that the U.S. will not tolerate corruption within its armed forces.
“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,” Patel stated.
The Bigger Picture
This case arrives amid rising geopolitical tensions between the United States and China, particularly over military advancements and defense strategy. The Chinese Communist Party has long been accused of aggressively targeting U.S. military personnel for intelligence gathering.
While the three soldiers are presumed innocent until proven guilty, the severity of the charges could result in decades behind bars if convicted.
As this case unfolds, the Trump administration has vowed to intensify counterintelligence efforts to prevent further breaches. For now, the arrests serve as a stark reminder that threats to national security can come from within—and they will not go unpunished.