Three individuals, including two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and one former soldier, have been arrested in connection with a bribery scheme and the theft of government property, according to an announcement made by Kash Patel on Thursday night.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that the three individuals—Jian Zhao, Li Tian, and Ruoyu Duan—were arrested following indictments by federal grand juries in the District of Oregon and the Western District of Washington.

  • Li Tian and Ruoyu Duan were charged in the District of Oregon for conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property.
  • Jian Zhao was charged in the Western District of Washington for conspiring to obtain and transmit national defense information to an individual unauthorized to receive it. He was also charged with bribery and theft of government property.

"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."

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He added, “These individuals have been charged with stealing America’s defense intelligence capabilities and empowering adversaries like China in betrayal of our country. They will now face American justice.”

Patel emphasized that this action aligns with his commitment that “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.”

Details of the Case
According to the DOJ, the indictment in the District of Oregon alleges that beginning on or about Nov. 28, 2021, and continuing through Dec. 19, 2024, Duan and Tian conspired to surreptitiously gather sensitive U.S. military information, including technical manuals and details on operational capabilities.

Tian was specifically tasked with gathering information on U.S. military weapon systems, including details on Bradley and Stryker fighting vehicles.
He is accused of transmitting this information to Duan in exchange for money.
The indictment in the Western District of Washington states that starting in July 2024, Jian Zhao conspired to obtain and transmit national defense information to individuals based in China.

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Zhao allegedly attempted to collect and sell classified hard drives, including ones marked “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET”.

He is accused of negotiating with individuals in China for the sale of these hard drives and agreeing to send them abroad.

In exchange, Zhao allegedly received at least $10,000.

Additionally, he is charged with conspiring to sell a stolen encryption-capable computer belonging to the U.S. government.

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He also allegedly attempted to sell sensitive U.S. military documents and information related to HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) and U.S. military readiness in the event of a conflict with China.

In total, Zhao is alleged to have received at least $15,000 in corrupt payments.
Government Officials Respond
Attorney General Pamela J. Bondi addressed the arrests, stating:
"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 Kash Patel emphasized the agency’s commitment to countering foreign espionage, saying:

"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."

Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox, Commanding General of Army Counterintelligence Command, described the arrests as highlighting the “persistent and increasing foreign intelligence threat facing our Army and nation.” He urged Army personnel to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

The FBI and the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command led the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey Barrow and Katherine Rykken in the District of Oregon, along with Christopher Cook and Yifei Zheng from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

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The DOJ emphasized that an indictment is merely an allegation and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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