FBI Makes Bombshell Arrest in Classified Leak Scheme
DIA Employee Arrested in Plot to Hand US Secrets to Foreign Power
A Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) employee was arrested Thursday on charges of attempting to share classified U.S. information with an individual he believed to be a foreign government agent, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Nathan Laatsch, a 28-year-old IT specialist, is accused of trying to pass sensitive intelligence materials during a sting operation conducted by the FBI.
Laatsch has worked as a civilian in the DIA’s Insider Threat Division since 2019 and held a top secret security clearance, according to DOJ officials.
The FBI began investigating him after receiving a tip in March that he was willing to provide classified information to a foreign government.
According to the DOJ, Laatsch communicated multiple times with an undercover FBI agent posing as a foreign official.
During these exchanges, he confirmed his readiness to share classified data, including completed intelligence products, unprocessed intelligence and other assorted classified documents.
He reportedly transcribed the sensitive information onto notepads at his desk over several days in preparation for transferring the material, Fox News reports.
The FBI set up a covert operation at a northern Virginia park where Laatsch was instructed to leave classified documents for pickup.
Around May 1, he was observed depositing an item at the designated location.
The FBI recovered a thumb drive containing a message from Laatsch and several classified documents marked Secret or Top Secret.
His message suggested he was sharing a “decent sample size” of information to demonstrate the scope of intelligence he could access.
Following the initial drop, Laatsch sent messages to the undercover agent indicating he sought compensation for additional classified information.
On May 8, he specified he wanted “citizenship for your country” because he did not expect conditions in America to improve over the long term.
He also mentioned he was “not opposed to other compensation,” but said he was not in urgent need of material benefits.
Between May 15 and May 27, Laatsch continued to transcribe and remove classified material from the DIA facility, hiding notes in his clothing.
On Thursday, he appeared at a prearranged drop-off site in northern Virginia to hand over more classified documents. FBI agents arrested him immediately after receiving the materials.
Laatsch is scheduled to make his first court appearance Friday in the Eastern District of Virginia, according to Fox News.
The DIA, part of the Department of Defense, plays a critical role in gathering and analyzing foreign military intelligence.
Established to provide comprehensive defense-related intelligence, the DIA supports U.S. military operations and informs national security policymakers, according to the agency’s official website.
Its work often involves handling highly sensitive and classified information, making the protection of its data vital to national security.
This case highlights concerns over insider threats within U.S. intelligence agencies and the challenges of safeguarding classified information.
According to federal officials, Laatsch’s actions represent a serious breach of trust and security protocols.
The FBI continues to investigate the incident, and prosecutors are preparing to pursue charges that may carry severe penalties if Laatsch is convicted.
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