"Peter Williams stole a US defense contractor's trade secrets about highly sensitive cyber capabilities and sold them to a broker whose clients include the Russian government, putting our national security and countless potential victims at risk. The FBI and our partners remain unwavering in our commitment to protecting America's critical technologies, and we will ensure any who attempt to profit at our nation's expense face the full weight of the criminal justice system."
"The Australian admitted to stealing eight exploits over a three-year period that should have been provided exclusively to the US and selling them to a Russian bidder. He said he sold the exploits to a Russian broker via encrypted means in exchange for cryptocurrency, which he then used to buy luxury items such as jewelry, properties, and vacations."
"Williams acknowledged that his actions led to a $35 million loss to the US and its geopolitical allies, and harmed the intelligence communities of the US and his native Australia. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Williams sold the exploits for up to $4 million in cryptocurrency."
Peter Williams, 39-year-old former general manager of L3Harris's cyber division Trenchant, was sentenced to seven years in prison for espionage. Over three years, he stole eight cyber exploits designated exclusively for US use and sold them to Russian brokers through encrypted channels, receiving cryptocurrency payments. Williams used the proceeds to purchase luxury items including jewelry, properties, and vacations. His actions resulted in $35 million in losses to the US and its allies, compromising intelligence capabilities of both American and Australian agencies. Williams forfeited $1.3 million in cash, cryptocurrency, and purchased assets. The case underscores vulnerabilities in defense contractor security and the serious consequences of betraying national security trust.
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