An Australian man, Peter Williams, has pleaded guilty to stealing powerful hacking tools from an American defence contractor and selling them to a Russian buyer, the US Justice Department announced.
The tools, intended to be sold exclusively to the US government and select allies, were allegedly sold by the 39-year-old former Trenchant general manager to a Russian software exploit broker claiming ties to Moscow and other foreign governments.
Prosecutors say the theft resulted in $35 million (US) in losses for the company. Trenchant, owned by L3Harris Technologies, is described as a trusted provider of security products, consultancy, training, and integration services to allied governments, defence, security, and law enforcement agencies.
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro described online brokers selling hacking tools as “the next wave of international arms dealers”, noting that Williams’ actions allowed non-allied foreign cyber actors to acquire sophisticated exploits likely used against numerous unsuspecting victims.
Williams allegedly used proceeds from the sales to purchase luxury watches and other items and was promised millions in cryptocurrency payments, according to prosecutors.
The case highlights ongoing national security concerns over the commercialization of hacking techniques developed by American or Western intelligence, which could be turned against the US. Attorney-General Pamela Bondi emphasized, “America’s national security is NOT FOR SALE,” particularly as cybercrime continues to pose a serious threat.
