Former US National Security Agency (NSA) employee Jareh Sebastian Dalke [1] [2], hailing from Colorado, has pleaded guilty to attempting to sell classified national security information to Russia [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]. This incident highlights the severity of the breach and the potential consequences for Dalke [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7].
Description
Dalke, under the impression that he was dealing with a Russian agent, provided classified information to an undercover FBI agent as proof of his access and willingness to share information. In return [3], he received $16,499 in cryptocurrency [4]. Subsequently, Dalke offered to sell the remaining classified information for $85,000. The exchange took place at a train station in downtown Denver, Colorado [2] [4] [5] [7], involving five files, four of which contained Top Secret National Defense Information [2].
Dalke now faces the possibility of a 22-year prison sentence, with his sentencing scheduled for April 26, 2024 [2]. It is worth noting that he admitted to taking medications for mental illness while in custody [5]. Interestingly, Dalke had previously worked as an information systems security designer for the NSA and even reapplied for a position after leaving and providing the classified information to the undercover agent [4] [5]. The information he sought to give to Russia included a threat assessment of a third country’s military offensive capabilities and sensitive US defense capabilities [4] [5] [7].
Federal prosecutors have agreed to request a maximum of 22 years in prison if Dalke complies with the terms of a plea deal [5]. This deal also requires Dalke to cooperate with authorities and provide valuable information about his crimes [5].
Conclusion
The case of Jareh Sebastian Dalke serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by individuals with access to classified information. It highlights the need for stringent security measures and continuous monitoring within organizations like the NSA. The plea deal and cooperation requirements demonstrate the importance of gathering intelligence on potential threats and mitigating future risks. This incident will undoubtedly have lasting implications for national security and the handling of classified information.
References
[1] https://www.denverpost.com/2023/10/23/jareh-sebastian-dalke-nsa-guilty-plea/
[2] https://thehackernews.com/2023/10/ex-nsa-employee-pleads-guilty-to.html
[3] https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2023/10/24/NSA-employee-guilty-plea-selling-info-Russia/3421698114433/
[4] https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/former-nsa-worker-pleads-guilty-sell-us-secrets-104232547
[5] https://www.ksat.com/news/national/2023/10/23/former-nsa-worker-pleads-guilty-to-trying-to-sell-us-secrets-russia/
[6] https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/former-nsa-employee-colorado-pleads-guilty-trying-send-classified-documents-russia/
[7] https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/former-nsa-worker-pleads-guilty-trying-sell-info-russia-rcna121812
