Korbein Schultz, a former U.S. Army intelligence analyst from Wills Point, Texas, was sentenced to seven years in prison for selling classified military information to a likely Chinese government affiliate.

Schultz pleaded guilty to six criminal counts in August 2024, including conspiracy to transmit national defense data and bribery, which could have led to a maximum sentence of 65 years.

During his two-year espionage operation, Schultz transmitted at least 92 sensitive documents, including operational orders for NATO operations in Eastern Europe and technical manuals for military aircraft.

The indictment revealed that Schultz attempted to recruit another Army intelligence officer to assist in obtaining more sensitive materials for his conspirator, who was based in Hong Kong.

Schultz accepted $42,000 in bribes and continued to share information despite clear indications that his contact was likely connected to the Chinese government.

Documents sold by Schultz included insights on U.S. military exercises in South Korea and the Philippines, as well as lessons learned from the Ukraine-Russia conflict that could inform Taiwan's defense strategies.

FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that service members are prime targets for espionage by foreign governments, particularly China, and warned that there will be significant consequences for those who betray the country.

Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox highlighted the importance of protecting classified information, noting the serious risks posed to national security by Schultz's actions.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated that Schultz's actions endangered U.S. military personnel and reaffirmed the Justice Department's commitment to prosecuting individuals who leak military secrets.

Schultz was arrested in March 2024 at Fort Campbell shortly after obtaining his top-secret security clearance, which he exploited to access restricted databases.

Following his prison sentence, Schultz will serve three years of supervised release, as mandated by the federal court.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats to national security posed by insider threats and the need for vigilance in protecting sensitive information.