A former CIA analyst, Asif William Rahman, has pleaded responsible to expenses of retaining and transmitting Prime Secret Nationwide Protection Info to unauthorized recipients.
This alarming breach of nationwide safety got here to mild after labeled data was publicly posted on social media platforms in October 2024.
Background of the Case
Rahman, 34, a resident of Vienna, Virginia, had been employed by the CIA since 2016 and held a Prime Secret safety clearance, granting him entry to Delicate Compartmented Info (SCI).
In accordance with courtroom paperwork, Rahman’s unlawful actions started within the spring of 2024 and continued till his arrest in November 2024.
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On October 17, 2024, Rahman accessed and printed two Prime Secret paperwork that contained delicate data relating to a U.S. overseas ally and its methods towards a overseas adversary.
Inside 24 hours, these paperwork appeared on social media, full with their classification markings.
In accordance with the US Govt report, Assistant Lawyer Basic Matthew G. Olsen emphasised the severity of Rahman’s betrayal, stating, “Mr. Rahman betrayed the belief of the American individuals by unlawfully sharing labeled nationwide protection data.”
He assured the general public that the Justice Division is dedicated to prosecuting those that compromise nationwide safety.
U.S. Lawyer Jessica D. Aber for the Jap District of Virginia highlighted that Rahman’s actions not solely endangered lives but additionally jeopardized U.S. overseas relations and intelligence operations.
Robert Wells, Govt Assistant Director of the FBI’s Nationwide Safety Department, reiterated the significance of safeguarding labeled data.
“Authorities workers who’re granted safety clearances should promise to guard it,” he stated, including that Rahman’s violations posed important dangers to nationwide safety.
Particulars of the Breach
Along with leaking delicate data, Rahman tried to cowl up his actions by deleting and modifying journal entries on his units.
He destroyed varied digital units used within the transmission of the labeled information, discarding them in public trash bins to evade investigation.
Rahman was indicted by a grand jury on November 7, 2024, and arrested by the FBI 5 days later. He stays in custody whereas awaiting sentencing.
Rahman has pleaded responsible to 2 counts of willful retention and transmission of labeled data.
He faces a most penalty of 10 years in jail, with a sentencing date set for Might 15, 2025.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Lawyer Troy A. Edwards Jr. and Trial Lawyer Brett Reynolds from the Nationwide Safety Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Management Part.
The FBI Washington Area Workplace continues to analyze the case, underscoring the company’s dedication to handle breaches of nationwide safety with applicable seriousness and urgency.
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