Just In: Kash Patel’s FBI Arrests Three US Army Soldiers on Treason Related Charges, Aiding the PRC
On Thursday, March 6, Attorney General Pam Bondi's Department of Justice issued a significant press release. FBI Director Kash Patel's agency arrested three US soldiers for treason charges and theft of government property. Two of these soldiers were serving on active duty.
The official statement identified the three accused individuals by name. Jian Zhao and Li Tian serve as active-duty US Army soldiers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Ruoyu Duan previously served in the US Army. Federal grand juries in the District of Oregon and the Western District of Washington issued indictments that led to their arrests today. The District of Oregon charged Tian and Duan with conspiracy to commit bribery and theft of government property. The Western District of Washington charged Zhao with conspiracy to obtain and transmit national defense information to unauthorized persons, along with bribery and theft of government property.
The District of Oregon indictment details their alleged criminal activities. Starting around November 28, 2021, and continuing until approximately December 19, 2024, Duan and Tian worked with other known and unknown conspirators. They secretly collected sensitive military information about the United States Army's operational capabilities. This information included technical manuals and other classified materials. Tian sent this information to Duan in exchange for payment, violating his duties as an active-duty officer. Tian specifically collected information about US military weapon systems, including data about Bradley and Stryker fighting vehicles, and transmitted them to Duan.
The Western District of Washington indictment describes additional charges. Beginning around July 2024 and continuing until the arrest date, Jian Zhao worked as an active-duty Army Supply Sergeant. He conspired with known and unknown individuals to obtain and transmit national defense information to people located in China. Zhao also faces charges for bribery and theft of government property.
The statement reveals the type of classified technology one defendant allegedly provided to Communist China. Zhao collected and transmitted multiple classified hard drives to individuals in China. These hard drives carried "SECRET" and "TOP SECRET" markings. He negotiated with China-based individuals for their sale and agreed to send the classified materials to them. Zhao received at least $10,000 in exchange for selling the classified hard drives.
The statement describes additional allegations against Zhao. He conspired to sell a stolen encryption-capable computer that belonged to the US Government. Zhao also attempted to sell sensitive US military documents and information. This included data about the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and information about US military preparedness for potential conflict with the People's Republic of China. Zhao allegedly broke his oath as a US Army Soldier and public official by compromising sensitive military information for financial gain. Zhao reportedly received corrupt payments totaling at least $15,000.
Attorney General Bondi provided commentary on the case. She stated that the arrested defendants stand accused of betraying America. They actively worked to diminish America's defense abilities while strengthening Chinese adversaries. Bondi promised they would receive prompt, harsh, and complete justice.
FBI Director Patel also offered his perspective. He addressed the issue of American service members helping China. Patel noted that bribery and corruption flourish under China's Communist Party, but such conduct remains unacceptable among service members who handle sensitive military information, including national defense data.
Patel stated that the FBI and partner agencies will continue investigating attempts by Chinese operatives to steal sensitive US military information. He promised to hold accountable all individuals who participate in betraying national defense. Patel thanked US Army Counterintelligence for their close cooperation during this investigation.
W. Mike Herrington serves as Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Seattle Field Office. He commented on the general situation and the significance of their actions. Herrington called it unthinkable that someone wearing a US Army uniform would betray the country and violate the trust of fellow soldiers.
Herrington stated that these arrests should warn potential spies. He emphasized that the FBI and partners possess both the determination and capability to locate, pursue, and prosecute them. Herrington identified protecting national secrets as one of the FBI's highest priorities, particularly those necessary to maintain military superiority and safeguard troops.
