Peter Williams, a 39-year-old Australian national and former general manager at a U.S. defense contractor, pleaded guilty in federal court to selling his employer’s trade secrets to a Russian cyber-tools broker. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Williams admitted to two counts of theft of trade secrets involving software with national security applications. Over three years, he stole at least eight sensitive cyber-exploit components intended for exclusive use by the U.S. government and select allies. He sold these components to a Russian broker known for reselling cyber exploits to various clients, including the Russian government.
Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 or twice the financial gain or loss resulting from the offense.
The case was announced alongside U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Alexander Arnett from the Baltimore Field Office.
"America's national security is NOT FOR SALE, especially in an evolving threat landscape where cybercrime poses a serious danger to our citizens," said Attorney General Bondi. “Thank you to all the attorneys who worked so hard to secure this guilty plea.”
U.S. Attorney Pirro stated: “We continue to vigorously investigate those who betray our national security by selling valuable U.S. trade secrets to international cyber brokers who support foreign cyber actors. These international cyber brokers are the next wave of international arms dealers and we continue to be vigilant about their activities. The conduct here caused over $35 million of loss to a company in the District of Columbia and allowed non-allied foreign cyber actors to obtain sophisticated cyber exploits that were likely used against numerous unsuspecting victims.”
Assistant Attorney General Eisenberg added: “Williams betrayed the United States and his employer by first stealing and then selling intelligence-related software to a foreign broker that touted its ties to Russia and other foreign governments. His conduct was deliberate and deceitful, imperiling our national security for the sake of personal gain. Today’s guilty plea reflects our commitment to ensuring that insiders who abuse their positions of trust face serious consequences.”
FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Arnett commented: “Today’s guilty plea is the result of an extensive investigation by the FBI Baltimore Field Office in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Peter Williams betrayed the United States and our allies by selling trade secrets. The harm caused by his crimes cannot be undone. The FBI and our partners will aggressively investigate and hold accountable anyone who threatens U.S. national security.”
According to court documents, between 2022 and 2025 Williams accessed his employer’s secure network without authorization, stealing software components considered trade secrets related to cybersecurity operations.
He entered into several contracts with the Russian broker, agreeing on initial payments as well as ongoing compensation for continued support services related to these stolen components. Transactions were conducted through encrypted channels with payment promised in cryptocurrency; Williams used some proceeds for personal purchases.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation - Baltimore Field Office led the investigation into this matter.
Prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tejpal Chawla and Jason McCullough from the District of Columbia; Trial Attorney Prava Palacharla from NSD’s National Security Cyber Section; and Trial Attorney Nicholas Hunter from NSD’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Interim U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford from Oregon also provided substantial assistance prior to his current appointment.
