Former U.S. Defense Contractor Manager Pleads Guilty To Selling Cyber Secrets To Russia

Peter Williams, a 39-year-old Australian citizen, admitted guilt in U.S. District Court today to charges stemming from the sale of his employer’s trade secrets to a Russian broker specializing in cyber tools, according to a statement released by the Department of Justice.

Williams pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of trade secrets. Over the course of three years, while employed by a U.S. defense contractor, he illegally obtained and sold classified software related to national security. The stolen data contained at least eight restricted cyber-exploit modules, which were intended solely for use by the U.S. government and select allied nations. He sold this proprietary material to a Russian vendor known for marketing cyber exploits to various clients, including entities connected to the Russian government.

Each count carries a potential maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the financial impact caused by the crime.

“America’s national security is not a commodity,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “In a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving, this case underscores our resolve to protect the public and punish those who endanger our country’s safety. I commend the prosecutors who worked tirelessly to reach this plea.”

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg added, “Williams violated both his company’s trust and the nation’s trust by stealing sensitive software and selling it to a foreign broker with known Russian ties. His actions were calculated and reckless, putting U.S. security interests at risk for personal profit. This guilty plea reinforces our determination to hold such insiders fully accountable.”

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro emphasized the broader impact of Williams’s actions, stating, “We are aggressively pursuing individuals who compromise U.S. security by transferring trade secrets to international cyber dealers who work with foreign cyber operatives. These brokers represent a new form of arms trafficking in the digital age. The theft in this case caused approximately $35 million in losses to a Washington, D.C.–based company and enabled adversarial nations to acquire advanced cyber-exploit capabilities.”

“Williams chose greed over loyalty and integrity,” said Roman Rozhavsky, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “By stealing and reselling $35 million worth of sensitive cyber technology to a supplier linked to the Russian government, he gave foreign actors tools to harm American citizens and businesses. This plea sends a strong warning that the FBI and our partners will relentlessly pursue those who aid our nation’s adversaries.”

Court documents reveal that between 2022 and 2025, Williams used his authorized access to his employer’s secure systems to steal classified cyber-exploit components. He then sold these assets for cryptocurrency payments worth millions of dollars, entering into written contracts with the Russian broker that provided for initial and follow-up payments for technical support. Williams transferred the stolen data using encrypted communication channels and spent the proceeds on luxury goods.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Baltimore Field Office led the investigation.

Prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tejpal Chawla and Jason McCullough from the District of Columbia, along with Trial Attorneys Prava Palacharla and Nicholas Hunter from the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section and Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, respectively. Interim U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford of the District of Oregon also provided significant support earlier in the case