Former green beret Peter Rafael Dzibinksi Debbins was charged with sending defense intelligence to the Russian government, NBC reported Friday.
Federal investigators said Debbins worked with Russian intelligence agents from 1996 to 2011, sending classified information regarding his time in the Special Forces including names of fellow personnel to the GRU, the Kremlin's intelligence agency. Debbins, a Virginia resident, faces up to life in prison if convicted.
"When service members collude to provide classified information to our foreign adversaries, they betray the oaths they swore to their country and their fellow service members," said U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia G. Zachary Terwilliger. "We will be steadfast and dogged in holding such individuals accountable."
With extensive ties to Russia, Debbins was a natural target for GRU agents. Prosecutors say Debbins was indoctrinated through a lengthy process that began when he studied abroad in Russia in 1996 before enlisting in the military. He also met his wife in Russia. His mother was a native of the Soviet Union, while his father-in-law is a veteran of the Russian military.
When pressed by his Russian handlers about his loyalty to Moscow, Debbins said he was fully committed to Russia over his native United States. Citing America’s global dominance, Debbins stated his desire to undermine Washington’s strength and world leadership.
The investigation was jointly performed by the FBI, Army Counterintelligence, British Metropol, and MI5.
Russia has made extensive efforts to undermine U.S. interests in recent months. The Kremlin has already attempted to interfere in the 2020 election, coordinate operations with the Taliban, and even breach sensitive COVID vaccine data. Russia has also made overtures towards closer relationships with American rivals such as Turkey, China, and Iran.