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Ex-L3Harris Trenchant Boss Pleads Guilty to Selling U.S. Cyber Exploits to Russian Broker

The plea positions him for a January sentencing under guidelines of roughly seven to nine years.

Overview

  • Peter Williams admitted stealing at least eight sensitive exploit components between 2022 and 2025 that were intended only for the U.S. government and select allies.
  • Prosecutors say he signed written contracts with a Russia‑based reseller, transmitted the tools via encrypted channels, and received about $1.3 million in cryptocurrency.
  • The Justice Department has moved to seize a Washington, D.C., home, multiple bank and crypto accounts, and luxury items allegedly purchased with illicit proceeds.
  • Officials estimate more than $35 million in losses to the defense contractor and characterize exploit brokers as a new class of international arms dealers.
  • Media reports identify the employer as L3Harris’s Trenchant unit and note Williams’s prior ASD ties, and he remains on home confinement ahead of a January 27, 2026 sentencing.