The United States saw one of its most significant intel leaks in recent years last week. Approximately 50 top secret intel were leaked on the Discord server called Thug Shaker Central, comprising 20-30 people. Jack Teixeira, the prime suspect behind the leak, is said to have been an administrator of Thug Shaker Central.

Who is Jack Teixeira

Jack Teixeira, 21, worked as an IT specialist for the Air National Guard.

He is detailed to an Air Force intelligence unit, according to Facebook posts from the 102nd Intelligence Wing based at Otis Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts.

The affidavit provided by FBI Special Agent Patrick Lueckenhoff to the court stated that the suspect began posting the leaked documents on "The Shaker Central" some time in December.

What did the leak contain

The leaked documents seem to detail the aid provided to Ukraine by the U.S. and NATO. It also contains some sensitive intelligence about allies like Israel, South Korea, and UAE which may strain the relationship U.S. has with its allies.

The papers comprise details about the course of the war in eastern Ukraine that are particularly explosive. They include maps of the Bakhmut and Kharkiv regions, as well as a delivery timetable for Western munitions to Ukraine. According to these documents, the U.S. has infiltrated the Russian forces and its private army Wagner Group, to inform Ukraine's forces about Russia's plans.

How did the leak spread

The documents were initially posted on a small private chat group called Bear vs Pig. This was itself a subgroup of another known as Thug Shaker Central on the Discord social media platform. Both were accessible by invitation-only.

In court papers in support of Mr Teixeira's arrest, the FBI says he first posted classified information online as paragraphs of text "in or about December 2022".

It says he then posted photographs of documents "in or around January 2023".

Some of the papers were initially circulated in early March on Discord, and later on 4chan. Later, the leaked documents were manipulated and posted on Russian Telegram channels that claimed to have got its hands on confidential NATO documents.

The leaked documents include information on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, potential UK policies on the South China Sea, and the activities of a Houthi figure in Yemen. The documents were widely spread on internet forums before appearing on pro-Russian Telegram channels and major media outlets.

What will happen to Jack Teixeira

Jack Teixeira was taken into custody without any incident by the FBI from his home in North Dighton, a town about 40 miles south of Boston.

Jack Teixeira has been officially charged in a court appearance in Boston on Friday. He faces up to 15 years in prison over charges of unauthorized transmission of defense information. He is also charged with the unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents.

The airman faces up to 10 years in prison for the first charge, and up to 5 years in prison for the second.