US Accuses Former L3Harris Cyber Boss of Stealing and Selling Secrets to Russian Buyer
A high-stakes espionage scandal has shaken the defense industry as the US accuses former L3Harris cyber boss of stealing and selling secrets to a Russian buyer. The Department of Justice (DOJ) alleges that Peter Williams, an Australian citizen and former general manager at L3Harris’ hacking division Trenchant, sold confidential trade secrets for $1.3 million.
Image Credits:Jakub Porzycki/Anadolu / Getty Images
DOJ Reveals Criminal Charges
According to court documents filed on October 14, the DOJ charged Williams with stealing eight trade secrets from two unnamed technology firms. The charges were outlined in a “criminal information” document—an official accusation detailing alleged crimes similar to an indictment.
Although the document doesn’t name the Russian buyer or specify the stolen materials, it paints a troubling picture of corporate espionage within one of America’s key defense contractors.
Who Is Peter Williams?
TechCrunch confirmed that the accused, Peter Williams, formerly led Trenchant, a division of L3Harris specializing in hacking and surveillance tools used by Western intelligence agencies. Williams reportedly held the role of general manager from October 2024 until his departure in August 2025, as shown in U.K. business filings.
The 39-year-old executive, known internally by the nickname “Doogie,” lived in Washington, D.C. Several former Trenchant employees told TechCrunch that Williams had been arrested earlier this year, though officials have not confirmed his detention status.
DOJ Confirms Investigation but No Custody Yet
A Justice Department spokesperson told TechCrunch that Williams is not currently in federal custody. Still, the agency has moved to seize his property, alleging that it was obtained through the illegal sale of sensitive defense data.
The DOJ claims Williams stole seven trade secrets between April 2022 and June 2025, with an eighth obtained between June and August 2025.
Espionage or Corporate Betrayal?
While the DOJ has not revealed which trade secrets were taken, sources familiar with the matter say the information could involve advanced cyber tools and government-grade surveillance software. Such assets are central to U.S. intelligence capabilities and are considered highly classified.
Industry analysts believe the case could have wide-ranging implications for cybersecurity standards and insider threat management across the defense sector.
L3Harris and the Fallout
L3Harris, one of the largest U.S. defense contractors, has not publicly commented on the allegations. The company, valued at over $40 billion, provides advanced communication and intelligence technologies to military and intelligence agencies worldwide.
This incident marks another blow to L3Harris’ security record, following years of scrutiny over its cyber operations and partnerships. The involvement of Trenchant, a unit known for developing hacking tools used by Western governments, adds another layer of controversy.
A Pattern of Insider Leaks in Defense Tech
Cases like this are becoming increasingly common as governments and corporations grapple with cybersecurity breaches from within. Experts suggest that the US accusation against the former L3Harris cyber boss could serve as a warning to defense contractors about the risks of internal espionage.
The FBI and DOJ have previously prosecuted individuals for similar offenses involving classified technologies sold to foreign entities. However, the alleged involvement of a senior executive from a major defense contractor makes this case particularly significant.
What’s Next for the Case?
The next phase of the case will focus on tracing the stolen trade secrets and identifying the alleged Russian buyer. If convicted, Williams could face years in federal prison, alongside the forfeiture of his alleged $1.3 million profits.
Legal experts note that the DOJ’s reliance on a criminal information filing suggests Williams may be negotiating a plea deal—an indication that prosecutors are seeking further intelligence on possible collaborators.
National Security Implications
The alleged theft underscores how vulnerable even top-tier defense firms are to insider threats. As global tensions rise, particularly with Russia, such breaches could compromise sensitive U.S. defense operations and expose vulnerabilities in cybersecurity infrastructure.
National security analysts warn that this case might prompt renewed calls for stricter vetting, surveillance, and cybersecurity protocols across federal contractors.
Public and Industry Reaction
Public reaction has been swift, with social media users expressing concern over the sale of U.S. defense secrets. Cybersecurity professionals have also called for greater transparency from L3Harris and other defense firms involved in advanced surveillance development.
Meanwhile, the DOJ continues to pursue Williams’ assets, signaling that the investigation remains active and far-reaching.
How the Alleged Sale Unfolded
According to DOJ filings, Williams began selling trade secrets as early as April 2022. The documents suggest he maintained communication with a Russian buyer until at least August 2025, during which time he allegedly received multiple payments totaling $1.3 million.
Investigators believe these transactions may have taken place through encrypted channels or cryptocurrency wallets, a tactic commonly used to obscure money trails in espionage cases.
Contacting the Reporter
Those with further information about this case or Trenchant’s alleged leaks are encouraged to contact TechCrunch journalist Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai securely via Signal, Telegram, or Wire.
The case where the US accuses former L3Harris cyber boss of stealing and selling secrets to a Russian buyer could mark one of the most significant insider espionage incidents in recent defense history. Beyond the immediate legal consequences, it highlights the urgent need for advanced cybersecurity oversight within private contractors working with classified government programs.
As the DOJ continues its investigation, all eyes remain on what this revelation means for the future of U.S. cyber defense and international security relations.
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