Former US Navy second-in-command arrested in connection with alleged bribery scheme

A former commander of U.S. naval forces in Europe and Africa was arrested Friday in connection with an alleged bribery scheme that authorities say involved awarding government contracts to a company in exchange for future employment, according to the Department of Justice.

Robert Burke, 62, is accused of participating in a bribery scheme during his tenure as a four-star admiral from 2020 to 2022. According to an indictment unsealed Friday, Burke met with the co-CEOs of the unidentified company Yongchul “Charlie”. » Kim and Meghan Messenger, in 2021 in an effort to reestablish its business relationship with the Navy – despite terminating its contract in 2019 and the Navy ordering the company not to contact the admiral.

“During the meeting, the defendants allegedly agreed that Burke would use his position as Navy admiral to enter into a sole-source contract with Company A in exchange for future employment with the company,” the Department of Defense said. Justice in a press release. “They further reportedly agreed that Burke would use his official position to influence other Navy officers to award another contract to Company A to train a large portion of the Navy, at a value that Kim reportedly estimated to triple-digit millions.”

In 2021, Burke reportedly awarded a $355,000 contract to the company to train staff in Italy and Spain. The Justice Department claims Burke attempted to cover up the scheme by making “several false and misleading statements to the Navy,” including that he played no role in awarding the company a contract and that discussions about his employment there began months later. the contract has been issued.

Burke began working at the company in October 2022, according to the Department of Justice.

Burke was charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, corruption, performing acts affecting personal financial interest, and concealing material facts from the United States. He faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

NBC News has contacted an attorney for Burke.

Kim and Messenger were each charged with conspiracy to commit bribery and kickbacks, according to the Justice Department. They each face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. It's unclear whether Kim and Messenger have attorneys representing them at this time.

The Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the FBI are investigating the case.