War Thunder, the military vehicle MMO, is popular for two things. Firstly, for the accuracy of the military vehicles in the game, and for being the cause of numerous military secret leaks. It’s just ridiculous how many times it’s happened, but it looks like they’ve got a handle on it now. However, it looks like the leaks are popping up elsewhere now.
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A 22-year old former US Air National Guard member named Jack Teixeira has reportedly been sentenced to 15 years in prison for stealing military secrets and sharing them on a Minecraft Discord server with his friends. These documents were reportedly above Taxiera’s clearance level, but he somehow managed to get his hands on them.
Taxiera Gets 15 Years For Knowingly Leaking Military Secrets
According to The Register, Taxiera joined the service in September 2019 as a cyber defense operations journeyman for the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts (thanks, PCGamer). The documents contained information on US and NATO plans to support Ukraine, Chinese drone programs, and other sensitive material.
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The Turkish Justice Minister spoke out on the issue that has been plaguing the game.
In a memo to the court, the prosecution wrote that “The documents and information Teixeira posted to social media are highly classified and contain vital national defense information. By posting intelligence products on the social media platform Discord to feed his own ego and impress his anonymous friends, Teixeira caused exceptionally grave damage to the national security of the United States. The scope of his betrayal is breathtaking. The amount of damage he caused is immeasurable.”
Somehow, it gets worse. Taxiera reportedly posted these documents on a Minecraft Discord server of around 250 members. This server regularly talked about topics such as mass murders, talked about conducting assassinations, and “culling the weak minded,” according to the prosecution. Taxiera was eventually found out when the documents made their way into other Discord servers and even 4chan.
Taxiera was arrested in April 2023, and with the proceedings finally over, will face 15 years in prison and three years probation.
“This sentencing is a stark warning to all those entrusted with protecting national defense information: betray that trust, and you will be held accountable,” said FBI director Christopher Wray.
Minecraft
Minecraft is a game made up of blocks, creatures, and community. You can survive the night or build a work of art – the choice is all yours.