Yinpiao Zhou Arrested for Drone Surveillance Over Vandenberg Space Force Base

Dec 11, 2024, 01:35 AM

Yinpiao Zhou, a 39-year-old Chinese national and lawful permanent resident of the United States, was arrested at San Francisco International Airport on December 9, 2024, prior to boarding a flight to China. He faces federal charges for allegedly flying a drone over Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California, and taking photographs of the facility. The arrest was announced by the Department of Justice, highlighting concerns over unauthorized surveillance of sensitive military installations. Federal investigators reported that Zhou, who resides in Brentwood, was apprehended moments before boarding his flight.