US indicts ex-L3Harris chief over selling secrets to Russians

The U.S. government has accused a former executive at a prominent defense contractor of stealing trade secrets and selling them to a buyer in Russia, according to court documents reviewed by TechCrunch. The case underscores the high stakes of safeguarding sensitive information and highlights the growing threat of espionage in the tech and defense sectors.

Peter Williams, a 39-year-old Australian citizen and former general manager at Trenchant—a division of L3Harris known for developing advanced hacking and surveillance tools for Western governments—is at the center of the allegations. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has formally accused Williams of stealing eight trade secrets between April 2022 and August 2025, selling them for $1.3 million. The DOJ is now seeking to forfeit any property derived from the alleged crimes.

Key Insights from the Case

1. The Role of Trenchant in National Security: Trenchant, formed after L3Harris acquired Azimuth and Linchpin Labs in 2018, specializes in creating hacking tools for intelligence-sharing groups like the Five Eyes alliance (comprising the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand). The tools developed by Trenchant are highly sensitive, often targeting vulnerabilities in major platforms like Google Chrome and iOS.

2. Williams’ Background and Alleged Crimes: Williams, known internally as “Doogie,” worked at Trenchant from October 2024 to August 2025. During this time, the DOJ alleges he stole and sold trade secrets to a Russian buyer, whose identity remains undisclosed. The stolen information could potentially compromise national security, given the nature of Trenchant’s work.

3. Internal Investigations and Corporate Accountability: The case has raised questions about internal security measures at Trenchant. Earlier this year, the company was investigating a leak of its hacking tools, with some employees claiming unfair treatment during the process. A former exploit developer at Trenchant alleges they were wrongfully accused of the breach, pointing to a culture of compartmentalization where access to sensitive information is tightly controlled.

4. The FBI and DOJ’s Role: The DOJ’s National Security Division is handling the case, specifically its Counterintelligence and Export Control section, signaling the gravity of the allegations. The FBI has also been involved, though they declined to comment on the matter. Williams is not currently in custody, and an arraignment and plea agreement hearing is scheduled for October 29 in Washington, D.C.

5. Implications for National and Corporate Security: The case highlights the vulnerabilities in even the most secure organizations. Trade secrets, especially those tied to defense and intelligence, are highly coveted on the black market. The alleged sale of such information to Russia raises concerns about the potential misuse of these tools by foreign adversaries.

The Bigger Picture: Espionage in the Digital Age

The allegations against Peter Williams represent a broader challenge in the tech and defense industries: protecting sensitive information from both external and internal threats. As cyber espionage becomes more sophisticated, companies and governments must adopt stronger safeguards to prevent the unauthorized transfer of critical data.

Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance and Accountability

The case of Peter Williams serves as a stark reminder of the high-stakes world of trade secrets and espionage. While the full details of the case remain unclear, one thing is certain: the consequences of such breaches can be dire, threatening national security and undermining trust in the organizations tasked with protecting it. As the digital landscape evolves, so too must the measures taken to safeguard sensitive information. For companies and governments alike, the lesson is clear: internal security must be as robust as external defenses, and accountability must be unwavering.