On Wednesday, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office revealed that a Chinese national was apprehended last month for allegedly capturing images of two U.S. Air Force bases and their military assets, including the B-2 Spirit stealth bombers.

The individual, identified as 35-year-old Qilin Wu, reportedly entered the United States unlawfully in 2023 through the Arizona-Mexico border. Initially detained by immigration officials, Wu was released due to insufficient detention capacity and scheduled for an immigration removal hearing in 2027, according to authorities.

Officials noted that Wu was first discovered near Whiteman Air Force Base on December 2. This base is crucial as it houses the B‑2 Spirit stealth bomber fleet, known for its nuclear and stealth properties. After receiving a warning, Wu allegedly returned the next day, leading to his arrest. Investigators claim he possessed 18 photos and videos of the base and admitted to photographing another Air Force base, though the second location remains undisclosed.

Wu now faces charges in the Western District of Missouri’s federal court. He is accused of one count of unauthorized photography of a critical military installation and equipment.

A B-2 Spirit stealth bomber takes off from a field.  (Whiteman Air Force Base)

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.