Former Chinese Military Member Caught Downloading Secret Army Files

Wei Chen, while serving as a U.S. defense contractor, allegedly plugged a personal thumb drive into computers connected to classified and unclassified networks, against protocols.

In order to gain employment as a Pentagon contractor, Chen, a one-time Chinese anti-aircraft unit member, allegedly lied on an SF-86 form that is required for gaining a security clearance.

When asked if he had ever served in the military for another country, Chen answered that he had not.

Chen, 61, stands accused of damaging Army computers and making a false statement.  

After downloading the unauthorized material onto the flash drive, he allegedly tried to cover up his actions by deleting network logs on the server.

At the time, Chen was serving as a system administrator for Camp Buehring, a U.S. Army base in Kuwait.

Army policy prohibits personnel from using thumb drives on secure systems without authorization. Chen had not received permission.

Information later surfaced that Chen, a 61-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, had served with China’s military forces.

U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz said in a statement, "National events over the past several years have highlighted the critical role that cyber security plays in protecting our national security. Military employees and DOD contractors must understand that, if they lie to obtain a security clearance or intentionally violate computer security policies and then destroy evidence of that violation, they are committing crimes."

Daniel Andrews, director of the Computer Crime Investigative Unit of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, said: "Chen allegedly abused his position as a system administrator to circumvent U.S. Army cyber-security controls, improperly access classified information, and delete evidence of his wrongdoing. Insider threats pose a serious risk to national security and military operations.”