Per The Register, an IT specialist who held Top Secret security clearance has pleaded guilty to transmitting sensitive government documents to Ethiopian officials.
Abraham Teklu Lemma, 53, a naturalized U.S. citizen, admitted to espionage offenses committed between 2021 and 2023. While working for the Department of State and the Department of Justice, Lemma utilized his downdraft authority to move classified files into unclassified systems. Prosecutors stated that Lemma downloaded over 100 intelligence reports, removed classification markings and smuggled the data out of secure facilities on discs or via handwritten notes. He subsequently transmitted this information, including maps and military logistics, to Ethiopian officials using encrypted messaging applications. The leaked material reportedly assisted foreign military operations during an ongoing regional conflict. Beyond the unauthorized disclosures, Lemma was accused of storing classified files on personal drives and receiving more than $66,000 in suspicious bank deposits. The Federal Bureau of Investigation highlighted the severity of the betrayal, noting that Lemma violated his oath to the Constitution. He now faces a potential prison sentence ranging from 120 to 262 months as part of his plea agreement.
Source: The Register
