US alleges executive sold secrets to Russia for $1.6m
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The former executive of a government contractor stole eight trade secrets of two unnamed companies from April 2022 to June 2025, with the intent to sell those secrets to a Russian-based buyer.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
- US prosecutors accuse Peter Williams, ex-L3Harris Trenchant manager, of stealing trade secrets related to hacking tools to sell to Russia.
- Williams allegedly stole secrets from April 2022 to June 2025, profiting US$1.3 million, potentially compromising US national security.
- Prosecutors seek forfeiture of Williams' assets; the case raises concerns about Russia gaining US cyber intelligence capabilities.
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WASHINGTON - US prosecutors have accused a former executive of a government contractor that provides cyber intelligence tools to federal agencies of selling trade secrets to a buyer in Russia for US$1.3 million (S$1.6 million).
In an Oct 14 filing in US District Court in Washington, prosecutors said Peter Williams stole eight trade secrets of two unnamed companies from April 2022 to June 2025, with the intent to sell those secrets to a Russian-based buyer.
The filing does not identify where Williams worked or the companies whose trade secrets were allegedly stolen.
But Williams is listed in British business records as general manager of L3Harris Trenchant from October 2024 until his resignation on Aug 21.
The company develops hacking tools that support national security operations and says it has US government contracts.
It is a subsidiary of defence contractor L3Harris, which declined to comment.
The prospect of Russia gaining knowledge of hacking tools used by US and other countries’ intelligence services raises broader questions about potential attacks on federal systems and opportunities for adversaries to bolster defences.
A source familiar with the matter said the person in the British documents is the Peter Williams named in the Oct 14 filing.
Federal prosecutors alleged that Williams made US$1.3 million from selling the secrets and seek the forfeiture of a Washington, DC, house and luxury items including watches and jewellery, according to the court filing.
TechCrunch, which earlier reported on the case, on Oct 21 said L3Harris Trenchant was investigating a leak of hacking tools.
Reuters could not locate Williams, who is identified in the UK records as an Australian citizen and in the court filing as a US resident.
Attorneys listed as representing Williams did not respond to requests for comment on Oct 23.
An arraignment and plea agreement hearing was set for Oct 29. REUTERS
