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Retired U.S. Admiral Arrested on Federal Bribery Charges for Alleged Contract Steering Scheme
Retired Admiral Robert Burke arrested on bribery charges for allegedly steering Navy contracts in exchange for future employment.
Admiral Burke Visits Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (DVIDS)
A retired top U.S. admiral was arrested on Friday on federal bribery charges, accused of directing Navy contracts to a company in exchange for future employment while serving as the commander of Navy forces in Europe. According to the Justice Department, Robert Burke, a four-star admiral, allegedly steered lucrative contracts to the company in 2021 and was subsequently hired by the same company in 2022 for a starting salary of $500,000 per year.
Two executives from the company were also arrested for their alleged roles in the bribery scheme. If convicted, Burke faces a maximum of 30 years in prison.
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U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves stated, "As alleged in the indictment, Admiral Burke used his public office and his four-star status for his private gain." The indictment accuses Burke of leveraging his position for personal benefit, despite the law making no exceptions for high-ranking officials. The urgency to hold those involved accountable is emphasized, especially when senior government officials and executives are implicated in corruption.
The two business executives arrested alongside Burke were identified as Yongchul "Charlie" Kim and Meghan Messenger, both facing potential 20-year sentences. Although the indictment did not name the company involved, it appears to be Next Jump, based on publicly available information.
The Justice Department alleges that Kim and Messenger met with Burke in July 2021 to reestablish the company's relationship with the Navy. They allegedly agreed that Burke would use his position to steer contracts to the company in exchange for future employment. Burke is accused of helping the company obtain a $355,000 contract in 2021 and attempting to influence other Navy officers to award contracts to the company.
To conceal the scheme, Burke allegedly made false statements to the Navy, including denying his involvement in issuing contracts and misleading about the timeline of employment discussions with the company. Burke began working at the company in 2022, receiving a substantial salary and stock options.
The Navy has cooperated with the investigation and takes the matter seriously, according to Rear Adm. Ryan Perry, the Navy's top spokesman. The investigation continues as the Justice Department pursues legal action against those involved in the alleged bribery scheme.
