In a significant development, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office revealed that a Chinese national was apprehended last month on charges of photographing two U.S. Air Force bases, including capturing images of B-2 Spirit stealth bombers. This announcement came on Wednesday, shedding light on the potential security breach.

The individual in question has been identified as 35-year-old Qilin Wu. Authorities stated that Wu entered the United States illegally in 2023, crossing the border near Arizona and Mexico. Following his initial arrest by immigration officials, Wu was released due to insufficient detention capacity, with a scheduled immigration removal hearing set for 2027.

The attorney general’s office detailed that the investigation into Wu’s activities began on December 2 when he was spotted near Whiteman Air Force Base. This base is crucial as it houses the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber fleet, known for its advanced nuclear and stealth technology, making it a highly sensitive military asset.

Despite receiving a formal warning, Wu reportedly returned the next day. Upon his return, authorities apprehended him, uncovering 18 photographs and video recordings of Whiteman Air Force Base in his possession. Wu allegedly confessed to also taking images of a second U.S. Air Force base, although officials have not disclosed the identity of this location.

These developments underscore the ongoing challenges of safeguarding critical military infrastructure from unauthorized surveillance and potential espionage activities.

Wu has been charged in federal court in the Western District of Missouri. He faces one count of taking photographs of a vital military installation and military equipment without authorization.

Officials said that on Dec. 2, a suspicious minivan with a Massachusetts license plate was reported near the perimeter of Whiteman Air Force Base. Patrol officers then found Wu, who said he was there to observe the B‑2 Spirit aircraft, and informed him that he was not permitted to take photographs or record video of the military installation. 

A staff member directs a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber at Whiteman Air Force Base. (Whiteman Air Force Base)

The next day, patrol officers were notified of the same minivan nearby, the attorney’s office said. Agents reportedly found Wu again, who admitted to taking videos of the B‑2 Spirit aircraft and numerous photographs of the base, including its perimeter fencing, a gate and military equipment. Wu handed over his phone, which contained 18 images and videos, and admitted to authorities that he photographed another U.S. Air Force base and its aircraft, officials said. 

According to court documents, Wu is a Chinese national who illegally entered the United States on June 22, 2023, near Nogales, Arizona, but was released after promising to attend immigration removal proceedings scheduled for Feb. 9, 2027, officials said.

A fleet of B-2 Spirit stealth bombers are seen on a runway at Whiteman Air Force Base.  (Whiteman Air Force Base)

If convicted, Wu could face up to one year in federal prison. 

The case was investigated by the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Air Force Security Forces and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, officials said.