A US Army intelligence analyst, Korbein Schultz, has been charged with the serious offense of selling sensitive defense information to an entity believed to be in China, according to the US Justice Department. Schultz, who was stationed at Kentucky’s Fort Campbell, faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to disclose national defense information, exporting defense articles without a license, and bribery of a public official. Arrested following these allegations, Schultz is accused of receiving approximately $42,000 for providing classified data concerning US contingency strategies for a potential military conflict involving Taiwan and other sensitive military information.

The documentation Schultz is alleged to have shared not only encompassed contingency plans but also included intricate details on US military capabilities, such as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and hypersonic equipment. Moreover, insights into future military developments and operations concerning major countries like China were part of the leaked materials. Schultz’s activities reportedly commenced around June 2022, reflecting a grave breach of trust and potential risk to national security.

Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General, voiced strong condemnation of Schultz’s actions, highlighting the betrayal of prioritizing personal gain over the safeguarding of national defense secrets. This case underscores the Justice Department’s ongoing commitment to identifying and prosecuting individuals who compromise US security through the unauthorized disclosure of classified information. The incident involving Schultz adds to a concerning trend of similar security breaches within the military, prompting heightened vigilance and enforcement efforts to protect sensitive national defense information.