Former US Navy sailor Jinchao Wei was sentenced to over 16 years in prison for selling sensitive Navy manuals and ship operating information to a Chinese intelligence officer.

Wei, 25, was convicted of six crimes, including espionage, and received more than $12,000 for the materials he provided, which included 60 technical manuals detailing weapons, aircraft, and deck systems on the USS Essex.

Recruited via social media in 2022, Wei ignored warnings from a friend that the officer was suspicious and moved communications to an encrypted app.

Over 18 months, he shared photos, videos, and locations of Navy ships, revealing classified operational details, CNN has reported.

In a letter to the judge, Wei apologized, citing “introversion and loneliness” as factors that clouded his judgment.