Army intelligence analyst with Top Secret security clearance is charged with conspiring to sell US secrets to Taiwan for $42k

An Army intelligence analyst with Top Secret security clearance has been charged with conspiring to sell US secrets to Taiwan for $42,000. 

Korbein Schultz was arrested on Thursday at Fort Campbell in Kentucky and is facing a six-count federal indictment with charges including conspiring to collect and disclose military defense information and bribery to a public official. 

He faces life in prison.  

Schultz, originally from Wills Point, Texas, has also been charged with exporting technical data related to defense articles and conspiracy to export defense articles, both without a license. 

A conspirator  specifically tasked Schultz with obtaining information related to U.S. military weapons systems, and information related to the country's 'potential plans in the event that Taiwan came under military attack.' 

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division said: 'As part of the conspiracy, the defendant provided sensitive government information to his coconspirator in exchange for thousands of dollars, placing personal profit above the security of the American people. 

Army intelligence analyst Korbein Schultz was arrested on Thursday at Fort Campbell and was charged with conspiracy to collect and share highly classified military information. He is seen in a video from 2021 

Schultz, originally from Wills Point, Texas , has also been charged with exporting technical data related to defense articles and conspiracy to export defense articles, both without a license

'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.' 

Schultz was an Army Intelligence analyst in the 506th regiment at Fort Campbell who has Top-Secret security clearance, according to prosecutors. 

U.S. Attorney Henry Leventis revealed that Schultz was involved in a 'multi-year conspiracy.' 

The indictment alleged that from June 2022, up until his arrest, Schultz conspired with another unidentified individual called 'Conspirator A.' 

Schultz disclosed plans, maps, documents, notes, writings, and photographs that all related to the country's national defense, prosecutors said. 

It added that Schultz 'had reason to believe' that the secretive shared information 'could be used to injure the Unites States or be 'used to the advantage of a foreign nation.' 

According to the release, the co-conspirator 'recruited' Schultz and had him gather sensitive U.S. military information and documents. 

The indictment alleged that from June 2022, up until his arrest, Schultz conspired with another unidentified individual called 'Conspirator A' 

Specifically, he shared details about the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, studies on the future development of U.S. military forces, information on hypersonic equipment, studies on major countries like China, and summaries of military operations and drills. 

In exchange for the loads of classified information, Conspirator A, who told Schultz he lives in Hong Kong, paid him a total of $42,000 in 14 separate payments from July 2022 to October 2023.  

The co-conspirator told the former Army intelligence analyst they worked for a geopolitical consulting firm based overseas, according to investigators. 

Three of the documents that Schultz shared included an Air Force Tactics Techniques and Procedures manual for the HH-60W helicopter, which is a combat rescue helicopter. 

He also shared an Air Force Tactics Techniques and Procedures manual for the F22-A fighter aircraft, and an Air Force Tactics Techniques and Procedures manual for intercontinental ballistic missiles, the release said. 

The sharing of those three manuals violated the Arms Export Control Act, according to the release. 

'The conduct alleged in today's indictment represents a grave betrayal of the oath sworn to defend our country,' federal officials said. 

A conspirator  told Schultz that he lives in Hong Kong and worked for for a geopolitical consulting firm based overseas. They paid him $42,000 in 14 separate payments from July 2022 to October 2023

'Instead of safeguarding national defense information, the defendant conspired with a foreign national to sell it, potentially endangering our national security.' 

In a video from 2021, Schultz discussed his previous role as an intelligence analyst for 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade. 

He explained the process of coordinating the support of Afghans as part of Task Force McCoy at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin. 

His role at the time was to make sure that guests at the base had all of the necessities they needed, like general hygiene, food and clothing. 

'I love being here actually, so I joined the Army to help out people because I love to help out people,' Schultz said in the video. 

'It's one of my, some people would say bad talents, but helping people out if possibly the greatest thing that I could ever do.'