A US Army sergeant and intelligence analyst were arrested on Thursday at Fort Campbell, Tennessee, on six charges of conspiracy for trading military secrets with a co-conspirator in Hong Kong for $42,000, according to the Justice Department.
Conspiracy Charges Against A US Army Analyst
The FBI and US Army counterintelligence investigated and arrested Sgt. Korbein Schultz for allegedly exchanging security documents with $42,000, which is believed to have conspired from June 2022 until his arrest.
Henry Leventis, the US attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, stated that Schultz conspired to acquire and disclose national defense information, exported technical data related to defense articles without proper authorization and license, and bribed a public official.
According to the US attorney's office, Schultz collaborated with a co-conspirator in Hong Kong who claimed affiliation with a geopolitical consulting firm based overseas to share documents, plans, maps, and other materials related to national defense, which could potentially harm the United States or benefit a foreign nation. In return for his actions, Schultz received approximately $42,000 over 14 payments from the co-conspirator, as reported by the prosecutor's office.
National Security Denouncing the Indictment
Larissa Knapp from the FBI's National Security Branch criticized the purported actions, denouncing them as a grave breach of the oath to protect the nation. Rather than safeguarding sensitive defense information, Schultz is accused of conspiring with a foreign individual, which could jeopardize national security.
The US attorney's office alleged that Schultz, possessing a "Top Secret security clearance," was recruited by the co-conspirator and frequently requested sensitive documents, which encompassed details on the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), hypersonic technology, studies concerning the future of US military forces, and information regarding China's military preparedness. However, the indictment does not directly accuse the Chinese government or reveal the identity of the individual who provided the payment.
Schultz is alleged to have transmitted "original and exclusive documents" as directed, which included intelligence concerning Russia's conflict in Ukraine, the functionality of sensitive US military systems, and contingency strategies for Taiwan in the event of an attack.
Furthermore, Schultz reportedly disclosed three documents contravening the Arms Export Control Act during the purported nearly two-year conspiracy. According to prosecutors, these documents encompassed Air Force Tactics Techniques and Procedures manuals for the HH-60W helicopter, F22-A fighter aircraft, and intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Leventis mentioned that Schultz is set to appear in court for the first time in central Tennessee on Friday.
It remained uncertain if an attorney had been appointed to defend Schultz. A representative from the public defender's office in the Middle District of Tennessee stated uncertainty regarding Schultz's legal representation, noting that the office typically does not disclose information about defendants.
In a statement on Friday, Lt. Col. Tony Hoefler, a spokesperson for Fort Campbell, verified Schultz's current assignment with the 101st Airborne Division and affirmed their cooperation with the US Attorney's Office in the case.
The indictment highlighted messages from Schultz, which included his desire to emulate "Jason Bourne" and his request for more funds from his handler.
This event comes after the recent apprehension of a retired US Army colonel in Nebraska, who is accused of sharing classified information via a foreign dating website.
