Robert Burke: Retired US admiral accused of corruption in Navy contract

A retired four-star U.S. Navy admiral has been arrested on allegations that he agreed to award a government contract to a company in exchange for future employment with the company.

Admiral Robert Burke, who served as vice chief of naval operations until 2022, faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of corruption, according to prosecutors.

The 62-year-old did not enter a formal plea during his first court appearance in Miami, Florida, on Friday.

Two company executives – identified only as Company A – were also arrested. They could each be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.

“As alleged in the indictment, Admiral Burke used his public office and four-star status for personal gain,” U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves said in a statement Friday.

“The law makes no exception for admirals or CEOs. Those who pay and receive bribes must be held accountable. The emergency is at its height when, as here, high-ranking officials and executives would be involved in corruption,” he added. .

Admiral Burke – who oversaw naval operations in Europe, Russia and Africa from 2020 to 2022 – is accused of corruption and conspiracy to commit bribery, as well as committing acts affecting personal financial interest and concealing material facts from the United States.

At the time of his retirement, Admiral Burke was the second highest-ranking officer in the United States Navy.

His lawyer was quoted by the Associated Press as saying his client would plead not guilty at trial.

The company’s two executives – Yongchul “Charlie” Kim, 50, and Meghan Messenger, 47 – are accused of corruption and conspiracy to commit bribery.

Prosecutors alleged he participated in a scheme in which the company agreed to hire Admiral Burke after his retirement in 2022 with an annual salary of $500,000 (£393,000) and the grant of 100,000 stock options. purchase of shares.

They alleged that in return, Admiral Burke awarded the company a $355,000 contract to train Navy personnel in 2021 – just two years after the company lost a previous naval training contract .

Prosecutors said Admiral Burke awarded the contract after meeting Mr Kim and Ms Messenger in Washington DC, despite being ordered by Navy officials not to contact him.

Agents from the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and the FBI’s Washington Field Office continue to investigate the case, officials added.