Two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and one former serviceman have been arrested in a shocking espionage case that has sent shockwaves through the military establishment. The soldiers allegedly sold top-secret military information to China, including details about missile defense systems and Army combat vehicles, in exchange for thousands of dollars.
At a glance:
• Two active-duty soldiers (Jian Zhao and Li Tian) and one former soldier (Ruoyu Duan) were arrested by the FBI for allegedly spying for China
• The soldiers allegedly sold classified hard drives, weapon systems information, and missile defense documents to China
• Charges include conspiracy to commit bribery, theft of government property, and transmitting national defense information
• The conspiracy reportedly ran from November 2021 to December 2024
• Attorney General Pam Bondi promised “swift, severe, and comprehensive justice” for the accused
Army Traitors Caught in FBI Sting
Federal authorities have arrested two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and one former soldier in what officials are calling a significant breach of national security. The soldiers were indicted by federal grand juries in Oregon and Washington state for allegedly selling sensitive military information to China in exchange for financial payments.
The accused soldiers – Jian Zhao, Li Tian, and former soldier Ruoyu Duan – allegedly compromised critical defense documents and systems that could seriously undermine American military capabilities. Zhao allegedly sent classified hard drives and other sensitive information to China in exchange for $10,000, while Tian gathered information for Duan for financial compensation.
This is just unforgivable stuff…
Government Officials Condemn Betrayal
Attorney General Pamela J. Bondi made it clear that these people won’t be getting away with their crimes.
“The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China,” Bondi said, promising that the accused would face “swift, severe, and comprehensive justice” for their alleged crimes against the nation.
FBI Director Kash Patel also emphasized the gravity of the situation in his comments following the arrests.
“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,” Patel said.
Significant Security Breach Details Emerge
The Department of Justice alleges the conspiracy began around November 28, 2021, and continued until December 19, 2024. According to court documents, Duan allegedly paid Tian to steal technical information on critical U.S. Army fighting vehicles, specifically the Bradley and Stryker combat vehicles.
Brigadier General Rhett R. Cox of Army Counterintelligence Command highlighted the ongoing threat to American security in a statement. “These arrests underscore the persistent and increasing foreign intelligence threat facing our Army and nation,” Cox stated, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance against foreign espionage activities.
The charges against the soldiers are extremely serious and carry significant penalties if convicted. Zhao was charged in Washington with conspiracy to obtain and transmit national defense information, bribery, and theft of government property, while Tian and Duan face charges in Oregon for conspiracy to commit bribery and theft of government property.
The case represents one of the most significant military espionage cases in recent years, occurring amid growing tensions between the United States and China.
