U.S. Soldier Accused of Providing Secret Military Tank Information to Russian Government

A currently active U.S. soldier has been accused of attempting to provide classified national security information to Russia, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Taylor Adam Lee, 22, stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, has been charged with “attempting to transmit national defense information to a foreign adversary” and “attempting to export prohibited technical data without authorization.” Lee has not yet responded in court.

John E. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, stated that Lee tried to give Russia sensitive classified information about the M1A2 Abrams, the U.S. military’s main battle tank.

In June, Lee offered assistance to Russia online and expressed a desire to obtain Russian citizenship in return. His messages reveal that he exported secret technical details about the operation and vulnerabilities of the M1A2 tank.

In one message, Lee said, “The U.S. is mad at me for exposing their weaknesses. Now I am willing to help the Russian Federation with anything.”

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the case thoroughly and has pledged to take strong action against Lee.