A US Army soldier from Fort Campbell, Korbein Schultz, was indicted on charges of selling national defense secrets to China, according to US Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, Henry C. Leventis.
Schultz, an army intelligence analyst with the First Battalion of the 506th Infantry Regiment at Fort Campbell, faces six counts, including conspiracy to unlawfully communicate defense information, unlawful export of defense articles to China, and bribery of a public official.
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Korbein Schultz’s Alleged Espionage Activities
Leventis stated that Schultz received $42,000 over 14 payments for trading national defense information for cash.
The indictment alleges that starting in June 2022, Schultz collected and shared information about US military operations with a co-conspirator in China.
This information included details on advanced military helicopters, high-mobility artillery rocket systems, defensive missile systems, Chinese military tactics, as well as manuals for the F22-A fighter jet and intercontinental missiles.
Schultz expressed a desire to emulate the fictional spy character Jason Bourne, and in August 2022, he mentioned to a conspirator that he considered moving to Hong Kong to work in person.
The conspirators enticed Schultz with promises of wealth and perks related to his interest in racing, as evidenced by his social media.
The indictment details how Schultz was asked to provide information on Russia’s war with Ukraine and what the United States could do to help defend Taiwan.
Schultz received $200 for his initial document and expressed interest in a long-term partnership. The conspirator instructed Schultz to acquire more sensitive military information, including studies on future development of U.S. military forces and summaries of military drills/operations.
To conceal their activities, Schultz and the conspirator discussed describing their online financial transactions as being related to “car customizations.”
Fort Campbell Soldier’s Arrest Stuns Family and Community
The conspirator also mentioned paying Schultz more if documents contained classified information pertaining to the Philippine Sea, to which Schultz responded, “I hope so! I need to get my other BMW back!”
Schultz’s second cousin, Kolby Weldon, described the arrest as a jarring experience and a complete surprise for the family. Weldon, who also served in the U.S. Army at Fort Campbell, expressed deep disappointment over the charges, stating, “It really pisses me off.”
Leventis announced the indictment in Nashville, joined by FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas DePodesta. A spokesperson from Fort Campbell confirmed that Schultz was assigned to the Clarksville post but provided no further details.
This arrest follows similar cases, including that of a civilian U.S. Air Force employee in Nebraska and a Navy sailor from San Diego, highlighting the ongoing efforts to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of classified information.
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