A contractor working for the U.S. State Department’s information technology department has been arrested on charges of espionage for allegedly selling secrets to Ethiopia, according to the Justice Department. The contractor, Abraham Teklu Lemma, a naturalized U.S. citizen of Ethiopian descent, had access to secret U.S. intelligence reports and is accused of downloading and sharing top-secret information with an agent from an undisclosed nation, possibly Ethiopia. The intelligence breach is said to involve satellite photos, intelligence reports, and sensitive compartmented information. Mr. Lemma faces a maximum penalty of death or life in prison if convicted.
The case details are sparse, with the identity of the nation and the FBI agent involved being kept secret. However, the court documents suggest that Mr. Lemma has previously traveled to Ethiopia and has family ties there. He had been an IT help desk contractor since 2019 and had access to secrets from other intelligence agency computer networks. He also worked within the Justice Department and had access to sensitive information. Mr. Lemma is accused of copying portions of secret documents, removing the classification markings, and sending the information to a foreign agent via an encrypted messaging application. Bank records revealed that he received over $55,000 in suspected payments from the foreign government.
The State Department is working with investigators on the case and has stated that it will implement recommendations to strengthen security and protect sensitive information. If convicted, Mr. Lemma could face a maximum penalty of death or life in prison.
Source: The Washington Times
