In a bold move against threats to our national security, Kash Patel has announced the arrest of three individuals by the FBI and other agencies, charged with theft of government property and a bribery scheme. This decisive action underscores America’s commitment to safeguarding its defense intelligence.
The Department of Justice’s recent press release revealed the following details:
- Jian Zhao and Li Tian, active-duty U.S. Army soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
- Ruoyu Duan, a former U.S. Army soldier.
These individuals were apprehended after federal grand juries in the District of Oregon and the Western District of Washington handed down indictments.
According to the charges:
- Tian and Duan face accusations of conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property in Oregon.
- Zhao is charged in Washington for conspiring to transmit national defense information to unauthorized individuals, alongside bribery and theft allegations.
Kash Patel highlighted the gravity of these charges in a statement on X, “These individuals have been charged with stealing America’s defense intelligence capabilities and empowering adversaries like China in betrayal of our country.” Patel emphasized, “They will now face American justice.”
His commitment is clear: “Anyone that wishes to do harm to our way of life and our citizens here or abroad will face the full wrath of the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”
BREAKING: I can now report that today the FBI, along with our interagency partners led by @AGPamBondi, arrested two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and one former U.S. Army soldier for theft of government property and a bribery scheme.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash)
March 7, 2025
Attorney General Pamela J. Bondi issued a stern statement condemning the accused: “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 Patel further addressed the rampant corruption: “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.”
Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox of the Army Counterintelligence Command echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the ongoing threat and urging increased vigilance among Army personnel.
The accusations are severe:
- The Oregon indictment alleges Duan and Tian conspired to gather and transmit sensitive military information for monetary gain, betraying their duties.
- The Washington indictment accuses Zhao of conspiring to sell classified materials, including “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET” hard drives, and other sensitive U.S. military documents, in exchange for over $15,000.
The FBI and U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command collaborated closely in this investigation, ensuring that those who betray America face the consequences of their actions.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey Barrow and Katherine Rykken, alongside Trial Attorneys Christopher Cook and Yifei Zheng, are leading the prosecution.
While the charges are merely allegations, and defendants remain innocent until proven guilty, this case serves as an important reminder of the ongoing vigilance required to protect America’s national security.
