Nathan Vilas Laatsch, a civilian IT specialist with the Defense Intelligence Agency, was arrested for allegedly trying to share classified information with a friendly foreign government. Laatsch expressed dissatisfaction with the current U.S. administration in communications to this government, which triggered an FBI investigation. He performed hand-copying of classified materials, culminating in a drop-off of a thumb drive containing sensitive information at a public park. The case highlights significant security concerns regarding the sharing of national intelligence.
Laatsch allegedly offered up classified intelligence products to an unnamed foreign government after the FBI received a tip about his interest in doing so.
After several exchanges with an undercover FBI agent posing as a foreign official, Laatsch - who held a Top Secret security clearance - allegedly began copying classified materials by hand at his desk.
Laatsch was seen by FBI surveillance dropping off a thumb drive at the public park, believing the foreign government would collect it.
I've given a lot of thought to this before any outreach, and despite the risks, the calculus has not changed. I do not agree or align.
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