Former Special Forces Captain Peter Rafael Dzibinski Debbins pleads guilty to espionage

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Throughout his period as an active-duty servicemember, Debbins gave compromising information to Russian agents regarding fellow servicemembers in the Special Forces and chemical unit. Russian intelligence reportedly wanted Special Forces member details to see if they could find another willing candidate to spy on their behalf.

“Debbins today acknowledged that he violated this country’s highest trust by passing sensitive national security information to the Russians,” said John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security.  “Debbins betrayed his oath, his country, and his Special Forces team members with the intent to harm the United States and help Russia.  Debbins’s guilty plea represents another success in the Department’s continuing effort to counter the national security threat posed by our nation’s adversaries, including Russia.”

Debbins is set to undergo sentencing in Alexandria, VA., on Feb. 26 before a federal judge where he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.