Washington, D.C. – Retired Admiral Robert Burke, previously the commander of US naval forces in Europe and Africa, as well as the former head of NATO’s Allied Joint Forces Command in Naples, has been arrested under charges of corruption, as stated in a recent press release from the American Department of Justice.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Burke along with two businessmen from New York, was detained today to face criminal charges connected to a bribery scheme involving a government contract. The allegations include corruption and criminal conspiracy, with Burke facing additional charges of acting in his personal financial interest and concealing material facts from U.S. authorities. If convicted, Burke could receive up to 30 years in prison, while the businessmen could face up to 20 years each.

The Department of Justice detailed that the implicated businessmen managed a company providing a pilot workforce training program for the US Navy between August 2018 and July 2019. Despite the termination of their contract in late 2019 and explicit orders not to contact Burke, the businessmen allegedly met with him in July 2021, seeking to reinstate their business relationship with the Navy. During this meeting, Burke reportedly agreed to leverage his position to secure services from the company in exchange for a future high-paying job.

By December 2021, Burke allegedly directed his subordinates to award the company $355,000 under a contract to train personnel in Italy and Spain. He is also accused of attempting, though unsuccessfully, to facilitate further contracts for the company with the Navy. In October 2022, Burke commenced employment with this company, receiving an annual salary of $500,000.