Three individuals, including two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and one former soldier, have been arrested for their involvement in a scheme to steal sensitive military information and sell it to individuals in China. These arrests took place following grand jury indictments in two states, marking a significant breach of national security.
Authorities have accused the suspects of working together to gather and transmit classified military documents, including information on U.S. weapon systems and military readiness. The investigation uncovered that these individuals engaged in bribery, theft of government property, and illegal sharing of national defense information. The U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command worked closely to uncover the plot and apprehend those responsible.
Sensitive Military Information Sold for Money
The indictments reveal that the suspects were part of a scheme that lasted for several years. One of the arrested soldiers, a U.S. Army supply sergeant, allegedly collected and attempted to sell classified hard drives marked “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET” to individuals in China. In return, he received payments amounting to at least $10,000. These hard drives contained critical national defense information, making their sale a serious threat to U.S. security.
Additionally, the suspect is accused of attempting to sell stolen government equipment, including an encryption-capable military computer. He also conspired to share sensitive information related to the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and U.S. military readiness in the event of a potential conflict with China. According to officials, this individual accepted at least $15,000 in total for his role in the scheme.
Shocking Breach: U.S. Army Soldier Charged with Stealing Telecom Records
Meanwhile, two other individuals—one active-duty soldier and one former soldier—were charged in a separate but related case for conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property. Investigators discovered that they exchanged sensitive military documents, including technical manuals and operational details, in return for financial compensation. The active-duty officer was specifically tasked with obtaining information on U.S. Army fighting vehicles, including the Bradley and Stryker models. This information was then handed over to his co-conspirator for money.
U.S. Authorities Respond to the Breach
Government officials have strongly condemned the actions of those involved, emphasizing the severity of their betrayal. The U.S. Attorney General stated that these individuals actively worked against the country’s interests, endangering national security. FBI officials also highlighted that while corruption and bribery are common under foreign governments, such behavior will not be tolerated among U.S. military personnel. The Army Counterintelligence Command has urged all service members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to protect national security.
The case was brought to light through an extensive investigation conducted by the FBI and U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command. Legal experts from the Department of Justice and National Security Division are now handling the prosecution. While the individuals have been indicted, it is important to remember that they are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
These arrests highlight the growing threat posed by foreign intelligence operations targeting the U.S. military. The authorities continue to work to ensure that those who seek to compromise national security for personal gain are held accountable. The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to uncover any additional details related to the scheme.
