In a shocking development, an active duty Army soldier and intelligence analyst has been charged with selling classified military documents to China. The indictment, unsealed on Thursday, alleges that Sergeant Korbein Schultz used his top secret security clearance to download sensitive U.S. government records and pass them on to an unnamed individual in Hong Kong.

According to federal prosecutors, Schultz sold military documents related to the defense of Taiwan, weapons systems, and missile defense systems to the tune of $42,000. The charging documents reveal that Schultz, who was assigned to the 506th Infantry Battalion, allegedly began communicating with his co-conspirator in June 2022, using encrypted messaging applications.

The indictment does not specifically name the Chinese government as the recipient of the information or as the mastermind behind the scheme. However, most of the military information Schultz is accused of passing on is related to China. Prosecutors allege that Schultz was instructed to prioritize passing on "original and exclusive documents," including information on Russia's war in Ukraine and sensitive U.S. military systems and their capabilities.

Court documents detail a months-long exchange between Schultz and his co-conspirator, with the soldier allegedly providing requested documents in exchange for large sums of money. The money appears to have been Schultz's motivation, as he expressed a desire to buy another BMW in one message to his handler.

In addition to selling information on High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, hypersonic equipment, and U.S. military drills, Schultz also discussed with his handler the arrests of two U.S. Navy sailors accused of transmitting sensitive information to China. His co-conspirators warned him to be cautious during these discussions.

These charges come on the heels of other damaging leaks within the military. Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Texeira recently pleaded guilty to illegally posting classified military records on an online gaming platform. In another case, an Air Force employee was charged with leaking classified information related to Russia's war in Ukraine through a foreign dating site.

Sergeant Korbein Schultz's first court appearance is scheduled for Friday. It remains unclear if he has legal representation at this time. The severity of these charges highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in safeguarding classified military information and preventing unauthorized access and dissemination.