DeKalb GA News

Kash Patel announced the arrest of three individuals, including two active-duty Army soldiers and one former soldier, for alleged involvement in theft of government property and a bribery scheme. The arrests were made by the FBI and other agencies.

According to a Department of Justice (DOJ) press release, "Jian Zhao, and Li Tian, active-duty U.S. Army soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, along with Ruoyu Duan, a former U.S. Army soldier, were arrested today following indictments by federal grand juries in the District of Oregon and the Western District of Washington."

The DOJ further explained that "Tian and Duan were charged in the District of Oregon for conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property." Zhao faces charges in the Western District of Washington "for conspiring to obtain and transmit national defense information to an individual not authorized to receive it, and also for bribery and theft of government property."

Patel stated on social media that these individuals are accused of "stealing America’s defense intelligence capabilities and empowering adversaries like China," adding that they will face justice.

Attorney General Pamela J. Bondi commented on the case: "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 that such behavior "cannot be tolerated with our service members who are entrusted with sensitive military information," thanking partners involved in the investigation.

Acting U.S. Attorney William M. Narus for the District of Oregon expressed gratitude for the efforts made by investigative bodies: “We thank the FBI and U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command for their hard work on this investigation.”

Brigadier General Rhett R. Cox highlighted ongoing threats: “These arrests underscore the persistent and increasing foreign intelligence threat facing our Army.” He urged vigilance among service members.

The indictments allege conspiracies beginning as early as November 2021 involving sensitive military information related to U.S. operational capabilities. Specific allegations against Jian Zhao include negotiating with individuals based in China over classified materials marked “SECRET” or “TOP SECRET” for financial gain.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey Barrow and Katherine Rykken from Oregon's district office, along with National Security Division trial attorneys Christopher Cook and Yifei Zheng, are handling prosecution duties.

The DOJ noted that indictments are merely allegations; all defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.