Three individuals, including two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and a former soldier, have been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged scheme to steal and transmit sensitive U.S. military information to individuals based in China. The indictments, filed in federal courts in Oregon and Washington, outline charges of conspiracy, bribery, and theft of government property.
The Defendants and Their Alleged Crimes
The accused individuals are Jian Zhao, an active-duty Army Supply Sergeant, and Li Tian, also an active-duty soldier, both stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Ruoyu Duan, a former Army soldier, is also named in the indictment.
According to the indictment filed in the District of Oregon, Tian and Duan conspired to commit bribery and theft of government property between November 2021 and December 2024. The charges indicate that Tian, in exchange for financial compensation, transmitted sensitive military information to Duan. This information allegedly included technical manuals and details related to U.S. Army fighting vehicles such as the Bradley and Stryker systems.
In a separate indictment from the Western District of Washington, Jian Zhao is charged with conspiracy to obtain and transmit national defense information, bribery, and theft of government property. The indictment states that from July 2024 until his arrest, Zhao conspired to collect and sell classified military data, including information related to the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and U.S. military readiness in the event of a conflict with China.
Zhao allegedly negotiated with individuals based in China to sell classified hard drives marked “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET” for at least $10,000. He also allegedly attempted to sell an encryption-capable military computer and other sensitive government materials, receiving at least $15,000 in total.
Government Response
Top U.S. officials have strongly condemned the alleged actions. Attorney General Pamela J. Bondi stated, “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 emphasized the broader implications of the case, saying, “Bribery and corruption cannot be tolerated among service members entrusted with sensitive military information.” He reaffirmed the FBI’s commitment to protecting national security and holding accountable those who endanger it.
Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox, Commanding General of Army Counterintelligence Command, highlighted the ongoing intelligence threats facing the U.S. military. “These arrests underscore the persistent and increasing foreign intelligence threat facing our Army and nation,” Cox said, urging vigilance among military personnel.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The FBI and the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command led the investigation, with federal prosecutors handling the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey Barrow and Katherine Rykken, along with Trial Attorneys Christopher Cook and Yifei Zheng from the National Security Division, are prosecuting the defendants.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, the accused could face severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences for espionage-related offenses.
The case highlights the persistent risk of foreign intelligence infiltration and the importance of safeguarding U.S. military secrets against espionage threats.
© 2025 The Salty Soldier. All rights reserved.
The content of this webpage may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written consent of TheSaltySoldier.com.
