The Justice Department has announced charges against Nathan Vilas Laatsch, a 28-year-old information technology specialist for the Defense Intelligence Agency. The charges relate to allegations of attempting to transmit classified information to a purported representative of a foreign government.
According to reliable sources, Laatsch, a resident of Alexandria, Virginia, was apprehended at a location where he planned to deposit sensitive records. The recipient, whom Laatsch believed to be an official of a foreign government, was in reality an undercover FBI agent. The Justice Department has characterized the supposed recipient nation as friendly or allied. The identity of the country, however, remains undisclosed.
Reports indicate that the investigation into Laatsch began in March. This development follows earlier reports that officials received a tip indicating Laatsch had offered to provide classified information to another nation. The evidence suggests that in his email correspondence, Laatsch expressed his disagreement with the values of the current administration and his willingness to transmit sensitive materials, including intelligence documents.
The Justice Department states that an undercover agent made contact with Laatsch, who began transcribing classified information onto a notepad. Arrangements were made for the alleged foreign government representative to collect the information in a park. During one such drop-off, Laatsch reportedly left behind a thumb drive containing numerous typed documents classified as Secret and Top Secret. In exchange, Laatsch allegedly expressed interest in obtaining citizenship from the undisclosed country, citing a lack of optimism about future improvements domestically.
Laatsch was arrested at a prearranged drop-off location last Thursday. Legal representation for Laatsch has not yet been confirmed. This raises important questions about the safeguarding of classified information and the motives of those entrusted with it.
