U.S. detains soldier who allegedly passed data on Abrams tanks to Russia
7 August 22:15
on August 6, in El Paso, Texas, the US authorities detained 22-year-old soldier Taylor Adam Lee. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, he is suspected of attempting to pass classified information about American military equipment to the Russian Ministry of Defense, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Lee had access to information classified as “top secret” and “restricted information.” Since May 2025, according to investigators, he has been trying to establish contact with the Russian authorities to pass on US defense data.
In June, he sent some information on the Internet, including a statement that he was ready to voluntarily help Russia. In July, during a face-to-face meeting with an undercover agent whom Lee believed to be a representative of the Russian Federation, he handed over an SD card with technical data on an M1A2 Abrams tank, other armored vehicles, and combat operations. Some of the documents contained controlled technical information that is prohibited for disclosure.
on July 31, Lee left the alleged Abrams equipment item in a rented storage facility and then sent a message: “Task completed”.
The investigation is ongoing.
