A Chinese man has been arrested and is being accused of illegally photographing sensitive military equipment at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri (USA).
The charges were announced by the US Department of Justice and outlined in a criminal complaint unsealed this week. According to the Department, the suspect, Qilin Wu35, was arrested and accused of “illegally photographing vital military installations and equipment.”
The man was seen taking photos near Whiteman Base and at another base, according to federal prosecutors. Authorities allege the images included infrastructure and facilities designated as protected by U.S. law.
In its statement, the U.S. Department of Justice said the defendant “knowingly and unlawfully photographed vital military installations and equipment without authorization,” an offense that carries a potential prison sentence if he is found guilty of the charges.
After being discovered by the military, “Wu admitted to having taken videos of the aircraft B-2 Spirit and numerous photographs of Whiteman’s perimeter fence, a gate and military equipment,” the Justice Department revealed.
After being confronted by Whiteman Air Force Base Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) investigators, the man showed his cell phone, which included “images of Whiteman Air Force Base and military equipment that Wu had recorded.”
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“In total, investigators observed 18 images and videos that Wu admitted to taking of the military facility and equipment. Wu also admitted to photographing another U.S. Air Force base and its military aircraft as well,” the Justice Department’s indictment further reads.
Authorities have not disclosed whether the photographs were shared, transmitted or stored locally, nor whether the case involves any broader intelligence-gathering activity by China.
According to the website The Aviationistphotographing military equipment on American bases generally does not constitute a crime, as long as the photos were taken on public land and there was no trespassing.
However, in Wu’s case, the military was concerned about the context in which the photographs were taken. This is because Wu was an individual who had entered the United States illegally in 2023.
At the time, he was arrested, but, due to lack of space in detention centers, Wu was released to await deportation, which was scheduled for February 9, 2027. On December 3, 2025, Wu was arrested again by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Photo: US Air Force. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
