**FBI Uncovers Massive Hacking Scandal: Former Trenchant Boss Sold Exploits to Russian Broker**

The U.S. Department of Justice has revealed that the former general manager of a leading U.S. defense contractor, Trenchant, sold sensitive hacking tools to a Russian broker capable of accessing millions of computers and devices worldwide.

Peter Williams, 39, an Australian national, pleaded guilty in October to selling eight hacking tools stolen from his employer between 2022 and 2025. The Justice Department has now confirmed that these tools could have been used for indiscriminate government surveillance, cybercrime, and ransomware attacks globally.

Prosecutors alleged that Williams sold the exploits to a Russian company, Operation Zero, which explicitly states it only sells to the Russian government and local organizations. Williams made over $1.3 million in cryptocurrency from the sales, according to the Justice Department.

The U.S. intelligence community was directly harmed by Williams' actions, prosecutors said, as he knowingly sold the hacking tools to a company that would use them for nefarious purposes. The Justice Department has requested that Williams be sentenced to nine years in prison, with three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $35 million in restitution.

Williams' lawyer, John P. Rowley, argued that none of the stolen hacking tools were classified, and there was no evidence that Williams knew they would end up in the hands of Russian governments or other countries. However, prosecutors countered that Williams chose Operation Zero because he knew they paid the most, driven by his desire for a better lifestyle.

Williams' actions have raised serious concerns about the security of sensitive information and the potential consequences of selling such tools to malicious actors. The case highlights the importance of robust internal controls and oversight within companies handling sensitive technology.

The Justice Department has called Operation Zero "one of the world's most nefarious exploit brokers," and prosecutors alleged that Williams' decision to sell the hacking tools to this company was motivated by his desire for personal gain.

The case is set to go to trial in February, with Williams facing a maximum sentence of nine years in prison. The Justice Department has requested that he be deported to Australia after serving his sentence.

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