Bribery, Corruption & National Security: US Army Espionage Case

The recent arrests of Jian Zhao, Li Tian, and Ruoyu Duan, all current or former US Army personnel, underscore the persistent threat of bribery and corruption within national defence institutions. These individuals face charges related to the theft of government property, bribery, and the unauthorised transmission of sensitive national defence information, including classified military data. Their alleged actions highlight significant risks to US national security and reinforce concerns over foreign intelligence operations, particularly those linked to China.

Bribery as a Key Facilitator of Espionage

Bribery is a well-documented method used by foreign intelligence services to compromise individuals with access to classified military information. The DOJ indictment alleges that Jian Zhao accepted at least $15,000 in bribery payments, including $10,000 for the sale of classified hard drives marked “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET.” These payments were reportedly made in exchange for leaking sensitive military technology and intelligence.

Brigadier General Rhett R. Cox, Commanding General of US Army Counterintelligence Command, warned that these arrests highlight a growing foreign intelligence bribery scheme and called on all military personnel to "increase their vigilance and protect our Army by reporting suspicious activity" (DOJ, 2025). The exploitation of individuals through bribery and financial inducements presents an ongoing risk to military integrity and operational security.

Theft of Government Property

The indictments also reveal a systematic bribery and corruption scheme within the US military supply chain. The alleged conspirators, including active-duty supply sergeant Zhao, reportedly engaged in theft of government property through bribery and illicit financial transactions.

Li Tian and Ruoyu Duan, indicted in the District of Oregon, are accused of engaging in a bribery and theft conspiracy dating back to November 2021. According to the indictment, they worked to "surreptitiously gather sensitive military information related to the United States Army’s operational capabilities" and exchanged this information for bribery payments (DOJ, 2025).

The transfer of data concerning Bradley and Stryker US Army fighting vehicles suggests an intelligence operation designed to enhance China’s military capabilities at the expense of US strategic interests. Bribery played a central role in the unlawful acquisition and sale of classified military documents.

National Security Risks Posed by Financial Crime

The intersection of financial crime, bribery, and national security is evident in this case, as the defendants allegedly abused their positions for illicit financial gain. This demonstrates how corrupt financial incentives, including bribery in defence contracts, can be leveraged to undermine state security and facilitate espionage operations.

FBI Director Kash Patel stated that "bribery and corruption are deeply embedded within China’s Communist Party", but stressed that such behaviour among US service members "cannot be tolerated" (FBI, 2025). This reinforces the critical role of anti-bribery enforcement in countering national security threats. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and similar anti-bribery legislation play a pivotal role in prosecuting individuals involved in bribery schemes that endanger national defence.

Law Enforcement’s Role

This case was investigated by the FBI and US Army Counterintelligence Command, highlighting the collaborative approach required to identify and disrupt bribery, corruption, and espionage schemes. The DOJ has reaffirmed its commitment to holding accountable those who betray national security in exchange for bribery payments.

Assistant US Attorney Geoffrey Barrow (District of Oregon) and Trial Attorneys Christopher Cook and Yifei Zheng from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are leading the bribery prosecution. Their involvement demonstrates the high-level government response necessary to combat insider threats and prevent future breaches of classified information.

Final Thoughts

The case against Jian Zhao, Li Tian, and Ruoyu Duan illustrates how bribery and corruption within military ranks can have far-reaching consequences for national security. The alleged offences involve the unlawful transmission of sensitive US military data, bribery-induced theft of government property, and corrupt financial dealings with foreign actors.

This investigation serves as a critical warning for defence institutions worldwide:

• Strengthen anti-bribery frameworks to prevent insider threats.

• Increase financial oversight to detect suspicious bribery transactions.

• Improve counterintelligence efforts to prevent the unlawful sale of classified data.

  
  

With the increasing sophistication of foreign intelligence bribery operations, governments must remain vigilant in detecting and preventing bribery-related espionage and corruption.

The defendants remain innocent until proven guilty, but their alleged actions highlight the persistent risks posed by bribery and financial crime in the defence sector.

View the indictment for Jian Zhao here.

Read the press release here.