The FBI makes bombshell arrests during a secret spy sting
America’s enemies aren’t going to fight us head on. They are working from within.
But now the FBI made bombshell arrests during a secret spy sting.
In a shocking breach of national security, one former soldier and two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers have been arrested for allegedly funneling classified military information to China.
The Justice Department announced Thursday that Jian Zhao and Li Tian—both active-duty soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington—and former soldier Ruoyu Duan face serious charges for stealing and attempting to sell U.S. military secrets.
The stolen materials reportedly include top-secret hard drives, sensitive information on advanced weapon systems, and documents detailing U.S. missile defense capabilities.
“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 for conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property, while Zhao faces similar charges in Washington for transmitting national defense information.
“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’s espionage operation began in late 2021, with Duan allegedly paying Tian to steal technical manuals and other documents—including those on the Bradley and Stryker U.S. Army fighting vehicles.
This treasonous scheme continued until December 2024, according to the DOJ.
Zhao is accused of selling hard drives marked “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET” to Chinese operatives for at least $10,000 after July 2024.
His betrayal didn’t stop there—he also allegedly stole a government computer containing critical data on the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and intelligence related to potential U.S.-China conflict scenarios.
“These arrests underscore the persistent and increasing foreign intelligence threat facing our Army and nation,” warned 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.”
While the Biden administration fumbled through foreign policy blunders, the consequences are hitting home—posing a direct threat to America’s national security.
This case is just the latest example of China’s aggressive espionage efforts and the dangerous gaps in U.S. military oversight under Democrat leadership.
