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Prosecutors Seek Nine Years for Australian Executive Who Sold U.S. Cyber Exploits for Crypto

A new sentencing memo details crypto-funded sales that prosecutors say endangered Five Eyes capabilities.

Overview

  • Peter Williams pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of trade secrets and awaits sentencing in Washington this month.
  • Prosecutors say he sold eight protected exploit components, including zero-days, to a Russia-linked broker under written contracts.
  • The Justice Department says Williams received more than $1.26 million in cryptocurrency, with up to $4 million more promised.
  • Filings describe anonymized crypto routing and spending on luxury goods, travel, and a $1.5 million down payment on a Washington property.
  • The government seeks nine years in prison, $35 million in restitution, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release, citing losses exceeding $35 million.