L3Harris Executive Sentenced to 87 Months for Selling Stolen Cyber-Exploit Trade Secrets
Former Defense Contractor Executive Sentenced for Stealing and Selling Sensitive Cyber-Exploit Trade Secrets
A former executive at a leading defense contractor has been sentenced to nearly seven and a half years in prison for stealing and selling sensitive cyber-exploit trade secrets to a Russian intermediary.
Case Details
The individual, who worked for Trenchant, the cyber division of L3Harris, admitted to causing an estimated $35 million in losses to his former employer.
The ex-executive, identified as Peter Williams, pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced by a federal judge in Washington, D.C.
In addition to the prison term, Williams was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and forfeit a significant amount of assets, including $1.3 million, cryptocurrency, a house, and luxury items.
Stolen Proprietary Cyber-Exploit Tools
According to U.S. authorities, Williams stole multiple proprietary cyber-exploit tools from L3Harris between 2022 and 2025.
He then entered into contracts with a Russian broker, who publicly advertises as a reseller of cyber exploits to various customers, including the Russian government.
Williams transferred the stolen tools and trade secrets to the broker using encrypted means.
Payment and Consequences
Prosecutors stated that Williams received payment for the initial sale of the components and additional periodic payments for follow-on support.
The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took parallel action, designating several individuals and entities for their role in acquiring and distributing cyber tools that harm U.S. national security.
The case highlights the ongoing threat of cyber espionage and the importance of protecting sensitive information and trade secrets.
Broader Efforts to Disrupt the Global Market for Cyber Exploits
In a related development, the U.S. government continues to take action against individuals and entities involved in the acquisition and distribution of malicious cyber tools.
The OFAC designations are part of a broader effort to disrupt and dismantle the global market for cyber exploits and other malicious software.
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