CIA Insider Sentenced for Leaking Top Secret Intelligence
In a major breach of national security, former CIA analyst Asif William Rahman has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for illegally retaining and sharing Top Secret National Defense Information (NDI). The case, involving the unauthorized disclosure of highly sensitive U.S. intelligence, highlights ongoing threats posed by internal actors within national security agencies.
Who is Asif William Rahman?
Rahman, 34, from Vienna, worked for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) since 2016 and held Top Secret and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance. His employment was terminated after his arrest in Cambodia in November 2024.
In January 2025, Rahman pleaded guilty to two felony charges:
- Willful retention of classified documents
- Transmission of national defense materials without authorization
What Classified Information Did He Leak?
According to court records, Rahman:
- Illegally removed Secret and Top Secret documents from CIA premises on October 17, 2024
- Carried them to his residence in a backpack
- Photographed and edited the classified documents
- Shared them with unauthorized individuals
Some of the leaked materials reportedly contained Israel’s military plans regarding Iran, which later surfaced online via a Telegram account named “Middle East Spectator.”
How Did He Try to Cover His Tracks?
Rahman attempted to conceal his digital footprint by:
- Using software tools to edit and anonymize document images
- Launching a “deletion campaign” to wipe approximately 1.5 GB of sensitive data
- Erasing emails, journal entries, and personal notes critical of U.S. policy
Official Statement from U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert (Eastern District of Virginia) stated:
“Asif Rahman violated his trusted position by removing and distributing documents critical to U.S. and allied national security. His prosecution reflects the swift and professional response of our national security teams.”
Authorities emphasized that the case serves as a serious warning to any individuals considering compromising national defense for personal motives.
Why This Case Matters
This incident is a reminder of the ongoing insider threats facing intelligence agencies like the CIA. The rapid identification, arrest, and sentencing demonstrate the U.S. government’s zero-tolerance policy for breaches of classified information.
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