The FBI arrested Gokhan Gun, a Turkish-American dual citizen, on 9 August as he attempted to flee to Mexico with classified Pentagon documents. Gun, 50, who worked as an electrical engineer at the Joint Warfare Analysis Center in Virginia, part of the US Department of Defense, allegedly printed and removed numerous documents marked “Top Secret” between May and August 2024.
Gun was apprehended outside his home in Falls Church, Virginia, on the way to the airport. A search of his residences uncovered a “Top Secret” document and other classified materials, including a printout listing Gun’s security clearances. Gun claimed he was travelling to Mexico for a fishing trip, but prosecutors argue that his actions suggest otherwise.
Gun, who obtained US citizenship in 2021, has taken numerous trips to Turkey and other international destinations in the past two decades. The case has raised concerns about potential espionage, and prosecutors may pursue additional charges as the investigation continues.
A US magistrate judge has ordered Gun to be held under home detention while he awaits trial. If convicted, Gun faces up to five years in prison for unauthorised removal and retention of classified information.
