A former CIA analyst has admitted guilt in a case involving the unauthorized sharing of Top Secret National Defense Information. Asif William Rahman, aged 34 from Vienna, confessed to retaining and transmitting sensitive information to unauthorized individuals, which subsequently appeared on social media in October 2024.

Rahman had been employed by the CIA since 2016 and held a Top Secret security clearance. U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber stated, "Asif Rahman is pleading guilty in federal court three months to the day that he disclosed top secret American documents in violation of his oath, his responsibility, and the law." She added that his actions jeopardized lives, affected U.S. foreign relations, and threatened future intelligence collection.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen emphasized the gravity of Rahman's breach of trust: "Mr. Rahman betrayed the trust of the American people by unlawfully sharing classified national defense information he swore an oath to protect."

Robert Wells from the FBI's National Security Branch noted that Rahman had taken steps to conceal his activities: "Rahman blatantly violated that pledge and took multiple steps to hide his actions." He assured that the FBI would use all available resources to hold such violators accountable.

Assistant Director David Sundberg from the FBI Washington Field Office reiterated this commitment: “This is a good reminder to all clearance holders that the FBI and our Intelligence Community partners will spare no resource to immediately find and hold accountable those who violate the law.”

Court documents revealed that on October 17, 2024, Rahman accessed two Top Secret documents concerning a U.S. ally's planned actions against an adversary. He removed these documents from their secure location, photographed them, and shared them with unauthorized individuals. By October 18, they were publicly accessible on various social media platforms.

To avoid detection post-disclosure, Rahman altered personal electronic records and destroyed devices used for transmitting classified data. His unlawful conduct extended over several months in 2024 when he repeatedly mishandled classified information at home.

Rahman's arrest occurred shortly after a grand jury indictment on November 7, 2024. He has remained in custody since November 12 of that year.

Having pled guilty to two counts related to willful retention and transmission of classified information concerning national defense matters, Rahman's sentencing is set for May 25. Each count carries a potential maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment; however, actual sentences are typically less than statutory maximums as determined by federal guidelines.

The investigation into this case is led by the FBI Washington Field Office with prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy A. Edwards Jr., along with Trial Attorney Brett Reynolds from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

For further details or access to related court documents, refer to resources available through both the Eastern District of Virginia’s U.S. Attorney’s Office website or PACER under Case No. 1:24-CR-249.