Army soldier charged with selling aircraft, missile secrets for $42k to China agent

An active-duty Army soldier and intelligence analyst has been charged by the Department of Justice with selling sensitive military documents to China. The indictment reveals that the documents pertained to U.S. defense strategies for Taiwan, weapons systems, and missile defense mechanisms.

Sergeant Korbein Schultz, an intelligence analyst with the 101st Airborne Division, was accused of exploiting his access to national defense information for financial gain. According to the indictment, Schultz received a total of $42,000 in 14 payments from a Chinese agent in exchange for sensitive technical data and tactical information on various military assets, including the F-22 stealth fighter, the Army’s newest combat rescue helicopter, and intercontinental ballistic missiles. 

“Mr. Schultz, a member of the U.S. Army, stands accused of conspiring to obtain and provide national defense information to an individual overseas. As part of the conspiracy, the defendant provided sensitive government information to his co-conspirator in exchange for thousands of dollars, placing personal profit above the security of the American people,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today’s arrest shows that such a betrayal does not pay — the Department of Justice is committed to identifying and holding accountable those who would break their oath to protect our nation’s secrets.”

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Additionally, Schultz sold information about the HIMARS long-range rocket system, which the U.S. has supplied to Ukraine to aid in their defense against the Russian invasion. The transactions were conducted online from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, with Schultz claiming the money was for customizing a car.

“Today’s arrest underscores the unwavering commitment of the Army Counterintelligence Command, our partners at the Department of Justice, and the broader intelligence community in safeguarding our Nation’s secrets,” said Brigadier General Rhett R. Cox, Commanding General of the Army Counterintelligence Command. “We cannot tolerate any betrayal of trust, and we remain vigilant in our mission to protect national defense information crucial to our security. We encourage all members of the Army team, past or present, to remain vigilant and report any potential suspicious activity.”

When promised extra payment for more highly classified documents, Schultz expressed eagerness, stating his desire to recover his other BMW. He is the fourth serviceman arrested in the past eight months for compromising sensitive information and is scheduled for his first court appearance on Friday