A 22‑year‑old Army servicemember stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso has been arrested for allegedly attempting to transmit sensitive national defense information to the Russian government in exchange for citizenship. The soldier, Taylor Adam Lee, held a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance and is now facing serious federal charges.
Investigators say Lee began his actions around May 2025 and by June had posted export‑controlled technical details about the M1A2 Abrams battle tank online. He reportedly offered his assistance to Russia, stating, “the USA is not happy with me for trying to expose their weaknesses,” and added, “At this point I’d even volunteer to assist the Russian federation when I’m there in any way.”
In July, Lee met in person with someone he believed to be a Russian intelligence representative and handed over an SD card containing classified documentation, including technical data and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). He then arranged to deliver what appeared to be physical tank hardware to a storage unit in El Paso, subsequently texting “Mission accomplished.”
Justice Department officials emphasized the gravity of the crime. Assistant Attorney General for National Security, John A. Eisenberg, in a DOJ press release, underscored that the Justice Department remains vigilant and ready to impose serious consequences for such breaches. FBI counterintelligence sounded a stark warning: “This arrest is a message to anyone thinking about betraying the U.S.—especially service members.” Army Counterintelligence Command labeled the incident “an alarming reminder of the serious threat facing our U.S. Army.”
