A 32-year-old former National Security Agency employee, Jareh Sebastian Dalke, was sentenced to nearly 22 years in prison for attempting to sell classified information to Russia. Dalke, an Army veteran from Colorado, briefly worked at the NSA and was reapplying to the agency when he tried to sell information to a person he believed was a Russian agent, but was actually an FBI agent. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that Dalke, who had sworn an oath to defend the country, believed he was selling classified information to a Russian agent, but in reality was outing himself to the FBI. Garland emphasized that those who seek to betray the country will be held accountable for their crimes.
Dalke exchanged emails in 2022 with an FBI agent posing as a Russian agent, stating that he was motivated by curiosity for secrets and a desire to cause change. Court documents revealed that Dalke claimed he was in debt and saw an opportunity to help balance the scales of the world while tending to his own needs. He shared excerpts of documents he possessed to demonstrate his legitimate access and willingness to share and offered to sell all the information for $85,000. The documents included information on sensitive US defense capabilities, a threat assessment of an undisclosed country, and details of a US cryptographic program.
In September 2023, to make the final exchange, the agent instructed Dalke to go to a train station in Denver and send the documents over a secure connection. Dalke complied by leaving his phone at home, disabling location systems in his car, parking by the station, walking inside, and transferring five documents through a secure connection on his laptop. Shortly after, Dalke was arrested by the FBI. The sentence serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of attempting to sell classified information and highlights the vigilance of law enforcement agencies in uncovering such illegal activities.
Dalke’s actions represent a serious breach of national security, as he was willing to disclose classified information to a foreign government. His attempt to profit from selling sensitive information demonstrates a lack of loyalty and integrity, especially given his background as a former NSA employee and Army veteran. The case underscores the importance of robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access to classified materials and the need for stringent punishment for those who betray their country by engaging in espionage. The successful operation by the FBI to uncover Dalke’s intentions and prevent any harm arising from his actions highlights the effectiveness of intelligence agencies in protecting national interests.
The sentencing of Dalke to nearly 22 years in prison sends a strong message that individuals who attempt to compromise national security will face severe consequences. The extensive network of law enforcement agencies and intelligence services works tirelessly to identify and apprehend individuals involved in espionage and illegal activities against the country. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by individuals seeking to sell classified information to foreign entities and the importance of detecting and thwarting such attempts. By holding Dalke accountable for his actions, the justice system reaffirms the commitment to safeguarding national security and protecting sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.
