By Jasper Ward
In a stunning turn of events, a U.S. Army intelligence analyst has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to sell military secrets to China, the Department of Justice revealed on Tuesday.
Korbein Schultz, who held top secret clearance, was charged with conspiracy to disclose national defense information, exporting defense articles and technical data without a license, and bribery of a public official back in March. He conspired with an individual in Hong Kong, suspected to have ties to the Chinese government, to collect classified information and export-controlled technical data related to U.S. military weapons systems in exchange for money.
"Governments like China are aggressively targeting our military personnel and national security information, and we will do everything in our power to safeguard this information from hostile foreign entities," stated FBI Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells.
Prior to his arrest, Schultz sent dozens of sensitive military documents, including a document discussing lessons learned from the Russia-Ukraine war that could be applied in a defense of Taiwan, documents on Chinese military tactics, and information on U.S. military satellites.
According to the Department of Justice, Schultz received approximately $42,000 for the information he provided.
"By conspiring to transmit national defense information to an individual outside the United States, this defendant callously put our national security at risk for personal gain," said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen.
Schultz is set to be sentenced on January 23, 2025.
Analysis:
This shocking case highlights the risks associated with insider threats and the importance of safeguarding national security information. The actions of individuals like Schultz can have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only military operations but also diplomatic relations between countries. It serves as a reminder for organizations to enhance their security measures and vetting processes to prevent such breaches in the future.