In the United States of America, a lawsuit has concluded against former CIA analyst Asif William Rahman for transferring highly sensitive materials to unauthorized individuals. According to prosecutors, Rahman had access to classified documents since 2016 and was charged in November 2024 for illegally transmitting materials related to national defense.
The investigation revealed that in the fall of 2024, Rahman removed secret documents from the CIA, classified as “Top Secret”. He then copied and altered the files to conceal their origin before sharing them with unauthorized parties.
Court documents show multiple instances of unauthorized disclosures, with ten more secret documents being sent to unauthorized recipients in the fall of 2024. Additionally, printed files detailing planned military operations of a US ally appeared on social media platforms in October. The publications were marked “Top Secret” and hinted at possible operations against another country.
Aside from information transfer, the investigation exposed attempts by Rahman to destroy evidence by deleting files from his devices and altering records. Officials stated that such actions jeopardize national security by undermining intelligence safety.
While Rahman’s defense acknowledged the disclosure of sensitive information, they argued for a lenient sentence citing the complexity of the political landscape in the region referenced in the documents. Prosecutors emphasized the strategic value of the documents and their impact on the US global standing.
Recent developments indicate a growing focus within the US government on improving access protocols for classified information. Discussions include stricter monitoring of employees with access to such materials and additional psychological evaluations. Congressional talks are also underway to enhance penalties for unauthorized copying and sharing of sensitive documents.