US Soldier Arrested for Leaking Top-Secret Tank Technology to Russia — Investigators Reveal Shocking Espionage Plot
In a startling case of alleged military espionage, a 22-year-old active-duty U.S. Army soldier, Taylor Adam Lee, has been arrested for attempting to leak classified information about the powerful M1 Abrams tank to a Russian government official, the U.S. Department of Justice revealed on Wednesday.
Lee, who was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, reportedly held a Top Secret security clearance and is now facing multiple federal charges, including violations under the Espionage Act and the U.S. Arms Export Control Act.
Secret Data on SD Card for Russian Citizenship?
Prosecutors claim that Lee attempted to trade sensitive military data in exchange for Russian citizenship. The explosive allegations include him meeting a representative from the Russian government and handing over a secure SD card containing classified details about the Abrams tank’s internal technology and hardware.
Investigators said Lee volunteered to assist the Russian Federation, allegedly stating, “The USA is not happy with me for trying to expose their weaknesses.”
According to the DOJ, Lee even discussed delivering a specific piece of internal tank hardware to Russian officials and later dropped it off at a storage unit in El Paso, Texas. On July 31, he reportedly texted his Russian contact: "Mission accomplished."
Alarming Breach in U.S. Army Intelligence
The arrest has sent shockwaves through military intelligence circles. Brigadier General Sean F. Stinchon of the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command called it an “alarming reminder of the real and ongoing threats” to national security.
“This case highlights the lengths adversaries will go to gain access to America’s defense secrets,” Stinchon said.
Lee appeared in federal court shortly after his arrest. At this time, his legal representation remains unclear, according to CBS News.