A Defense Intelligence Agency IT specialist, Nathan Laatsch, faces federal charges after the FBI arrested him for attempting to leak classified details to a foreign government. An FBI investigation, sparked by a tip, revealed Laatsch’s plans to provide sensitive data. The IT specialist, employed by the DIA as 2019 and working within the Insider Threat Division, communicated with an undercover FBI agent, transcribing classified data into a notepad. Surveillance and a sting operation in a Virginia park secured his arrest. This arrest highlights the ever-present risks of espionage. Stay informed with News Directory 3 for updates on this and similar high-profile cases. Discover what’s next as the investigation unfolds.
Defense Intelligence Agency IT Specialist Arrested in Espionage Case
Updated May 30, 2025
A Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) IT specialist was arrested Thursday on charges of attempting to leak classified facts to a foreign government, the Justice department said. Nathan Laatsch, 28, faces federal charges after an FBI investigation that began in March.
The FBI initiated the probe following a tip that Laatsch allegedly offered to provide classified intelligence to a foreign power as he disagreed with the current U.S. administration’s values. the tipster claimed Laatsch was willing to share completed and unprocessed intelligence, along with other classified documents. The specific foreign contry involved has not been disclosed in court documents.
Laatsch allegedly communicated with an undercover FBI agent posing as a foreign government representative. Over three days,he transcribed classified data into a notepad at his DIA desk,intending to hand it over,according to court documents.
Surveillance video reportedly showed Laatsch writing multiple pages of notes, folding them, and concealing them in his socks. Another DIA employee reportedly witnessed Laatsch placing notebook pages in his lunchbox, according to an affidavit.
On May 1, the FBI conducted an operation where laatsch allegedly agreed to leave a thumb drive containing classified information at a designated location in a northern Virginia park.The drive purportedly held Secret and Top Secret classified material. About a week later,Laatsch contacted the agent,expressing interest in obtaining citizenship in the unnamed country,stating he did not “expect things here to improve in the long term,” according to the documents.
Laatsch was apprehended in northern Virginia during another attempt to provide classified information to the agent. His arrest highlights concerns among intelligence officials about potential espionage amid current turmoil within the intelligence community.
laatsch, employed by the DIA since August 2019, most recently worked as a data scientist and IT specialist focused on information security within the agency’s Insider Threat Division. Attorney information for Laatsch was not immediately available in online court records.
What’s next
The case against Laatsch underscores the ongoing vigilance required to protect classified information and prevent potential espionage activities. The investigation is ongoing.
