US defense secrets sold to Russians for millions in crypto

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.

Between April 2022 and August 2025, Williams used his access to the defense contractor’s secure network to steal sensitive, protected cyber-exploit components intended only for the U.S. government and selected allies. He then resold the stolen components in contracts worth up to $4 million in cryptocurrency and received $1.3 million for what he provided, under written contracts with the Russian broker. 

Williams continued with the transactions even after finding out that he was under FBI investigation. He used the proceeds to buy a 2022 Tesla Model X, a 2018 Porsche Panamera, jewelry, watches, clothing, and properties.  

FBI Special Agent Jimmy Paul said that Williams had caused “significant loss and harm to his employer, the United States government, and its partners.” His sentencing “serves as a warning for anyone who knowingly endangers our national security,” the statement added.  

Williams pleaded guilty on October 29, 2025, to two counts of theft of trade secrets. As well as his 87-month prison term, he was ordered to serve three years of supervised release, to pay $1.3 million in restitution and $1.3 million in forfeitures.   

Williams admitted his actions cost the government contractor $35 million. In giving the sentence, District Court Judge Loren AliKhan said Williams’ conduct also hurt the U.S. government and allied government customers and “caused harm to the intelligence communities, both in the U.S. and Australia.” 

Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division said that the sentence was a “clear warning to all who consider placing greed over country.”  

In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it’s not “both sides,” it’s sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.

When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.