They Thought They Could Keep It Quiet – FBI Kicks the Door Down and Ends the Fun!

Federal agents have arrested two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and a former service member for allegedly conspiring to sell classified military secrets—including sensitive data on weapons systems and encrypted devices—to unauthorized buyers, including individuals in China.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrests of Jian Zhao and Li Tian, both stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, along with Ruoyu Duan, a former soldier. The arrests followed a joint investigation by the FBI and Army Counterintelligence, which uncovered an alleged scheme to smuggle top-secret military information for profit.

In a statement, FBI Director Kash Patel condemned the actions of those who compromised U.S. security, pointing to China’s government as an enabler of bribery and corruption.

“This behavior cannot be tolerated with our service members who are entrusted with sensitive military information, including national defense information,” Patel stated. “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.”

Selling Secrets for Cash

According to the Justice Department, Zhao, a battery supply sergeant, attempted to sell 20 classified hard drives labeled “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET” to buyers in China. Investigators allege he also conspired to smuggle an encrypted military computer and other classified intelligence regarding U.S. military readiness in a potential conflict with China. His illegal dealings, which began in July 2024, reportedly netted him at least $15,000.

Meanwhile, Tian and Duan were indicted separately in Oregon for their role in gathering and transmitting classified military data. Prosecutors say their scheme started in November 2021 and involved highly sensitive information regarding U.S. Army weapon systems, including the Bradley and Stryker fighting vehicles.

“Tian transmitted this information to Duan in return for money, in violation of his official duties as an active-duty U.S. Army officer,” the DOJ confirmed. “Specifically, Tian was tasked with gathering information related to U.S. military weapon systems, including information related to the Bradley and Stryker U.S. Army fighting vehicles, and transmitting them to Duan.”

National Security on High Alert

Brig. Gen. Rhett Cox, commander of the Army Counterintelligence Command, emphasized the growing threat of foreign espionage targeting the U.S. military.

“These arrests underscore the persistent and increasing foreign intelligence threat facing our Army and nation,” Cox stated.

The case unfolds against the backdrop of escalating tensions between the U.S. and China. While the Biden administration enforces tariffs to curb China’s economic influence and combat fentanyl imports, Beijing has responded with retaliatory trade measures.

In a defiant statement, Chinese Embassy officials warned, “If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war, or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end.”

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick pushed back, reaffirming the administration’s position that China holds little leverage in a trade dispute.

“I think China’s set,” Lutnick said on Fox News’s Sunday Morning Futures. “They either end these subsidies and they end making these ingredients for fentanyl, or [Trump]’s going to put tariffs on there. And if they think they’re going to retaliate, remember, they have so much more that they sell to us than we sell to them. It’s not even close. This is not a battle we’re ever going to lose, and the president knows it. He does have the cards, and he’s going to protect America.”

As tensions between the two superpowers rise, the arrests of these three men serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats to national security, reinforcing concerns that espionage and foreign interference remain active dangers within U.S. military ranks.