US Soldier Arrested for Attempting to Transfer Data to Russia

• A US soldier is accused of espionage for the benefit of Russia.
• He was attempting to transfer data about M1A2 Abrams tanks.
• The case is being investigated by the FBI with support from the Army's counterintelligence.

A 22-year-old soldier of the US Army, Taylor Adam Lee, was arrested on September 6, 2025, in El Paso, Texas. He is accused of attempting to transfer sensitive information about M1A2 Abrams battle tanks to Russia, as reported by the US Department of Justice.

Lee, who has access to classified information, allegedly sought to provide technical data about the tanks via the internet in 2025. Along with court documents, he stated that "the US was not satisfied with me for trying to reveal their weaknesses" and promoted his support for the Russian Federation.

In July, Lee met with an individual he believed to be a representative of Russian intelligence and handed them an SD card with documents. Prosecutors assert that the card contained information about the vulnerabilities of the tanks, as well as data about other combat vehicles.

Lee also attempted to transfer an element of tank equipment, which, according to his words, was handed over to a safe house in El Paso. After this, he sent a message stating: "Mission accomplished."

The case is led by the FBI with support from the Army's counterintelligence. Lee is charged with violating the Espionage Act and attempting to export controlled technical data without a license.

Tags: USA/Crime