A Defense Department contractor has been charged with unauthorized removal and retention of classified material after allegedly attempting to leave the country with top secret documents.

According to Fox News, FBI agents executed a search warrant on Gokhan Gun and two of his homes on the morning of his planned departure.

Gokhan Gun, a 50-year-old electrical engineer working with the Air Force, was arrested on Friday as he was departing for a flight to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Agents discovered documents marked as "TOP SECRET" inside a backpack in front of his home, as well as stacks of documents with visible classification markings in his dining room.

Extensive Printing Of Classified Materials Uncovered

Investigators allege that Gun had been printing classified documents without authorization since May.

Since starting his work with the Air Force in 2020, Gun has reportedly printed approximately 3,400 pages of classified and non-classified materials.

Last week alone, Gun printed 406 pages, including 82 marked as top secret. The contractor is accused of transporting these documents from his office in rolled-up wads contained in plastic shopping bags.

Gun's actions raised suspicions, leading to investigators' surveillance. In August, they observed him leaving his workplace with a bag full of hard-copy documents before entering two different residences he owned in Fairfax and Falls Church, Virginia.

Suspect Claims Fishing Trip As Reason For Travel

When confronted by FBI agents, Gun claimed he was headed to Mexico for a "fishing trip."

However, investigators described this explanation as "nonsensical" in court documents, stating: "It is unclear how highly classified U.S. Government information would help him in this endeavor."

Gun, who was born in Turkey and holds dual citizenship, provided what prosecutors describe as "demonstrably false information" during his interview with the FBI.

He claimed he never took any classified documents home and that if they were in his home, the classifications had "expired."

Legal Consequences And Flight Risk Concerns

The contractor now faces serious legal consequences for his alleged actions. If convicted on the charge of unauthorized removal and retention of classified material, Gun could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Prosecutors have requested that Gun be kept in custody in the United States, citing concerns that he is a flight risk. They point to his various trips over the years and the fact that his parents still live in Turkey as factors supporting their request.

Government officials have indicated their intention to file additional felony charges against Gun, potentially increasing the severity of his legal situation.

Gun's public defender has maintained the claim that he was indeed heading to Mexico for a fishing trip, arguing against the prosecution's assertion that he is a flight risk.

Conclusion

Gokhan Gun, a Defense Department contractor, has been charged with unauthorized removal and retention of classified material. He was arrested while attempting to leave for Mexico with top-secret documents in his possession.

FBI agents discovered classified materials in Gun's backpack and home during a search. Gun faces potential prison time and hefty fines if convicted, with prosecutors requesting he be held in custody due to flight risk concerns.