US Army Intelligence Analyst Jailed for 7 Years Over $42,000 Military Secrets Deal With China

A former US Army intelligence analyst has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison after admitting to selling sensitive American military information to an individual believed to have connections with the Chinese government in exchange for approximately $42,000.

The defendant, 25-year-old former Sergeant Korbein Schultz of Texas, held a top-secret security clearance and worked as an intelligence analyst at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

What Information Did He Share?

According to US authorities, Schultz disclosed more than 92 sensitive military documents containing information about American national security.

The materials reportedly included:

US military strategies and operational tactics.

Lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war and their potential application to Taiwan's defence.

US military exercises and deployments in South Korea and the Philippines.

Information about missile defence systems and artillery.

Details concerning American fighter aircraft.

Information about Chinese military capabilities and tactics.

How Much Money Did He Receive?

Investigators found that Schultz received approximately $42,000 in exchange for providing sensitive military information over an extended period.

Authorities said he communicated with an individual based in Hong Kong whom he believed had connections to the Chinese government.

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

The case began attracting federal attention after Schultz allegedly started sharing sensitive information between May 2022 and March 2024.

He was arrested at Fort Campbell in March 2024 following an investigation involving the FBI and US Army counterintelligence authorities.

In August 2024, Schultz pleaded guilty to the charges against him. On April 23, 2025, a federal court sentenced him to 84 months, or seven years, in prison.

Another Former US Soldier Also Sentenced

In a separate case, former US Army Sergeant Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 31, was sentenced to four years in federal prison in October 2025 for attempting to provide sensitive American military information to Chinese authorities.

Schmidt previously served with the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state.

US National Security Concerns

The cases have highlighted growing concerns among American security officials about foreign intelligence efforts targeting current and former military personnel.

US authorities have repeatedly warned that protecting classified military information is essential to national security and that attempts to obtain such information through recruitment or financial incentives will be treated seriously.

The cases also underline the importance of counterintelligence investigations in protecting sensitive government and military information.