A former CIA software engineer, Joshua Schulte, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for leaking classified information and possessing child sexual abuse material. Schulte, 35, was found guilty of espionage, computer hacking, and lying to FBI agents after handing over classified materials to WikiLeaks. Additionally, he was convicted of contempt of court, making false statements, and possessing child abuse material.
The bulk of the sentence was imposed over the so-called Vault 7 leak, which revealed embarrassing details of the CIA’s spying overseas. The leak exposed how US spies hacked Apple and Android smartphones and sought to turn internet-connected televisions into listening devices, prompting US officials to plan for an “all-out war” against WikiLeaks, including discussing the possible kidnapping or assassination of its founder Julian Assange.
Schulte’s actions were condemned by US officials, with Judge Jesse M Furman stating that the full extent of the damage caused by Schulte would likely never be known but affirming that it was massive. US Attorney Damian Williams described Schulte’s crimes as some of the “most brazen, heinous crimes of espionage in American history”, causing untold damage to national security in his quest for revenge against the CIA.
During his sentencing, Schulte complained about the harsh conditions he endured in detention and expressed frustration at the government’s pursuit of a life sentence despite previously offering a plea deal. He claimed that the government sought vengeance rather than justice.
Schulte’s actions have had far-reaching consequences, highlighting the severe ramifications of leaking classified information. His sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the severe penalties for compromising national security and the importance of upholding confidentiality within intelligence agencies.
