In a brazen example of treachery, U.S. Army soldier Taylor Adam Lee, 22, who was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, was arrested for transmitting information about the M1A2 Abrams tank to who he believed was a Russian intelligence officer, in exchange for Russian citizenship. Using his top secret clearance, he provided classified documents and floated the idea of providing tank hardware.
For context, reacting to the case, rig. Gen. Sean F. Stinchon said that the arrest was a striking example of the threats facing out military. Similarly, the FBI’s Roman Rozhavsky stressed the importance of guarding sensitive information.
In the alleged messages between Taylor Adam Lee and the undercover agent, he repeatedly proclaimed his support for Russia. The disgraced soldier said, “The USA is not happy with me for trying to expose their weaknesses,” adding, “At this point I’d even volunteer to assist the Russian Federation when I’m there in any way.”
Reacting to the arrest Brigadier General Sean F. Stinchon explained the significance of the case. He stated, “This arrest is an alarming reminder of the serious threat facing our U.S. Army.” Echoing these remarks, FBI Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky said that he wanted the arrest to sent a message.
The official with the FBI Counterintelligence Division said that the arrest was, “Mission accomplished,” and issued an ominous warning to other potential leakers. He declared, “Today’s arrest is a message to anyone thinking about betraying the U.S. – especially service members who have sworn to protect our homeland. The FBI and our partners will do everything in our power to protect Americans and safeguard classified information.”
As we reported, soldiers attempt to sell out the home country fairly often, although they are often caught for their attempted treachery. As we reported, the FBI apprehended two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers, Jian Zhao and Li Tian, and a former soldier, Ruoyu Duan, for allegedly selling state secrets to China.
Explaining the circumstances of the arrest, Attorney General Pam Bondi declared, “The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China. They will face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice.”
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Chiming in with his own remarks, FBI direct Kash Patel said that treachery as unacceptable among our soldiers, saying, “While bribery and corruption have thrived under China’s Communist Party, this behavior cannot be tolerated with our service members who are entrusted with sensitive military information, including national defense information.”
Providing valuable insight, FBI Special Agent Mike Herrington explained, “It is unconscionable that a person who wears the uniform of a U.S. Army soldier would betray our country and the trust of his fellow soldiers. These arrests should send a message to would-be spies that we and our partners have the will and the ability to find you, track you down, and hold you to account.”
After promising retribution, the same official laid down the law. Herrington said,“ Protecting the nation’s secrets, especially those necessary to preserve our military advantage and protect our troops, is one of the FBI’s top priorities.”