Chinese national accused of photographing Whiteman Air Force Base pleads guilty to misdemeanor

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Chinese national pleaded guilty on Tuesday to taking photographs of military equipment and installation without permission, according to a Wednesday press release from the Department of Justice.

Qilin Wu, 35, pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge. He was originally charged with a felony.

He was accused of driving a minivan on Dec. 2 at Whiteman Air Force Base and admitting to taking photos and recordings without permission, according to the release.

He was seen in the same minivan the next day and allegedly admitted to taking videos of an aircraft and photos of the fencing, gate and military equipment, the release says.

The release claims Wu illegally entered the country on June 22, 2023, in Arizona. A hearing is scheduled for next year.

He faces up to a year in federal prison.