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US Air Force employee detained for leaking classified data on Russia, Ukraine

He was arrested on March 2 on charges of transmitting classified information relating to the US national defense

WASHINGTON, March 5. /TASS/. The US authorities have detained a civilian employee of the US Air Force on charges of revealing classified data on Russia and Ukraine on an online dating platform, the US Department of Justice said in a press release.

According to the indictment, the employee is a 63-year-old Nebraska resident, an Air Force civilian employee and retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel David Franklin Slater. He was arrested on March 2 on charges of transmitting classified information relating to the US national defense. Slater worked at the US Air Force base in Nebraska, where the US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) is headquartered. He had access to classified USSTRATCOM data, including that related to Russia's special military operation in Ukraine.

According to the US Department of Justice, Slater shared classified information on a "foreign online dating website" and via email with "co-conspirator, who claimed to be a female living in Ukraine." The documents do not specify whether US authorities have identified this person in the case.

In correspondence between February and April 2022, Slater's addressee repeatedly asked him questions about Russia, Ukraine, and the special military operation. He provided classified national security data including on "Russia's military capabilities" related to the special military operation.

The retired US military officer is to make his initial court appearance in Nebraska on March 5. If convicted, Slater could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.

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