The US authorities have detained 22-year-old soldier Taylor Adam Lee, who is suspected of attempting to pass secrets about the M1A2 Abrams battle tank to Russian intelligence. The serviceman had access to state secrets and hoped to travel to Russia for this information.
According to the US Department of Justice, Lee shared an SD card containing technical documents about the tanks and other military operations with a person he believed was a Russian intelligence officer.
Prosecutors claim that Lee sought to obtain Russian citizenship in exchange for classified information. However, military leadership stated that they would identify and punish anyone who violates their oath and threatens national security.
Lee's case is being heard in the Western District of Texas. He has currently pleaded not guilty, and his attorney has declined to comment.
Outcome
The soldier was detained for attempting to transfer information about US tanks to Russian intelligence in exchange for citizenship of the Russian Federation. Military personnel who violate their oath must be identified and punished under the law.