NEW!! U.S. Defense Secrets Sold to Russians for Millions in Crypto
Peter Williams, 39, an Australian citizen, admitted selling 8 pieces of cybersecurity software and information to a Russian broker for $4 million in cryptocurrency
— Alex Raufoglu (@ralakbar) February 25, 2026
A man working for an American defense contractor has been jailed in the United States for seven years for selling trade secrets to a buyer with ties to Russia.
Peter Williams, 39, an Australian citizen, admitted selling eight pieces of cybersecurity software and information to a Russian broker for $4 million in cryptocurrency, which he used to buy jewelry, watches, homes and luxury holidays, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the tools Williams had passed to the Russians would have enabled Moscow to access millions of digital devices, and that his crime was not just one of theft but also one of national security.
Williams was working as the general manager of Trenchant, an intelligence firm owned by U.S. defense contractor L3Harris Technologies, Australian media reported. The firm is said to specialize in tools that help intelligence agencies among U.S. allies to exploit vulnerabilities in computer networks and mobile devices.