In a case that’s as disturbing as it is revealing, Nathan Vilas Laatsch, a 28-year-old Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) IT specialist entrusted with Top Secret clearance, was arrested for attempting to leak classified military intelligence to a foreign government—all because he couldn’t stomach the current administration.
According to damning court documents, Laatsch’s motivations were rooted not in financial desperation or coercion—but in raw political disillusionment. Fueled by what appears to be Terminal Derangement Syndrome (TDS) over the Biden administration, Laatsch allegedly wrote in an email to a supposed foreign official (who was actually an undercover FBI agent):
“The recent actions of the current administration are extremely disturbing to me. I do not agree or align with the values of this administration and intend to act to support the values that the United States at one time stood for.”
From there, the betrayal escalated. Twice, Laatsch is accused of transcribing classified information into a notebook, later transferring it to a thumb drive. That device was then dropped at a location believed to be accessible to a foreign government. Fortunately, the FBI was already watching—and intercepted both drops.
Today, an IT specialist employed by the Defense Intelligence Agency was arrested for attempting to transmit classified national defense information to a foreign government.
This case underscores the persistent risk of insider threats. The FBI remains steadfast in protecting our…
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 29, 2025
One of those attempted handovers included information marked as Secret and even Top Secret, suggesting Laatsch had access to a broad array of sensitive defense material. Whether this included military systems, surveillance operations, or strategic planning is still unclear, but the language used in DOJ filings implies the data posed significant national security implications.
Nathan Vilas Laatsch is a data scientist and IT specialist employed as a civilian at the DIA in Washington DC.
But he didn’t like the Trump Admin.
So, he decided to betray his country. https://t.co/WmH3F5t4vq pic.twitter.com/raEuf2TMYc
— Just Human (@realjusthuman) May 29, 2025
In what the DOJ describes as a calculated and deliberate betrayal, Laatsch expressed in writing that he had “given a lot of thought” to his treasonous actions, citing a belief that the country’s trajectory under current leadership was beyond repair.
“Despite the risks, the calculus has not changed,” he reportedly wrote. “I do not think it is appropriate or right to do nothing when I am in this position.”
Notably, Laatsch was not motivated by money—a rare twist in espionage cases. Instead, he sought citizenship in the foreign country he attempted to assist. His financial records showed no signs of strain. This was ideological espionage—cold, calculated, and, in his mind, morally justified.
The case has sparked fresh concerns over insider threats within America’s intelligence and defense networks. FBI Director Kash Patel responded forcefully, stating:
“This case underscores the persistent risk of insider threats. The FBI remains steadfast in protecting our national security and thanks our law enforcement partners for their critical support.”
