U.S. Army Analyst Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Sell Military Secrets to China

Korbein Schultz, a U.S. Army intelligence analyst, pleaded guilty to conspiring to sell military secrets to China. Schultz conspired with a Hong Kong resident to transmit classified U.S. defense data, earning around $42,000. Schultz is scheduled to be sentenced on January 23, 2025.

A U.S. Army intelligence analyst, Korbein Schultz, on Tuesday admitted to charges of conspiring to sell military secrets to China, according to the Department of Justice.

Schultz, who was indicted in March, faced accusations of conspiracy to disclose national defense information, bribery, and exporting defense articles without a license. As part of his top secret clearance duties, Schultz partnered with a Hong Kong resident suspected of Chinese government ties to collect and share classified U.S. military data, receiving approximately $42,000 in return.

FBI Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells emphasized the threat from foreign governments like China targeting U.S. military personnel. Schultz transmitted sensitive, albeit unclassified, military documents prior to his arrest. Among the data sent were insights on U.S. military tactics and satellite information, as well as lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict applied to Taiwan. Schultz's actions risked national security, as highlighted by Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen. Schultz's sentencing is set for January 23, 2025.

(With inputs from agencies.)