DOJ Adviser’s Past In Piracy And Hacking Comes Under Spotlight

Christopher Stanley, a senior advisor in the U.S. Justice Department, has come under scrutiny for his past activities as a hacker and distribution of pirated software, as first reported in an exclusive article by Reuters.

Stanley, 33, was previously employed at Elon Musk’s companies X and SpaceX and was posted to the Justice Department’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk oversees.

Reuters reports that Stanley started operating websites containing pirated software, ebooks, and video game cheats in 2006, when he was 15. Through online forums Stanley shared details about his hacking activities, which included website breaches, and obtaining administrative access.

The Justice Department did not comment on Stanley’s role or past activities but confirmed that he has an active security clearance. Reuters adds that Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed confidence in him, saying she has “full trust and confidence in Chris’s ability to help the federal government.” Stanley, the White House, X, and SpaceX did not respond to requests for comment, as noted by Reuters.

The Internet Archive removed several of Stanley’s former websites after Reuters reached out to him. The Wayback Machine director Mark Graham confirmed website owners can request content removal but he did not verify Stanley’s role in the content disappearances, as reported by Reuters.

People have different opinions about Stanley’s past. Jonathan Rusch, a former Justice Department prosecutor, expressed his doubts, saying, “I would have very serious concerns about hiring him in and giving him access to these kinds of records,” as reported by Reuters. He noted that Stanley had previously leaked data obtained through questionable means.

Others were more lenient. Dan Guido, CEO of security firm Trail of Bits, argued that Stanley’s hacking history shouldn’t disqualify him, as he primarily targeted other hackers. “That is a way I’ve seen a lot of people learn,” Guido said, as reported by Reuters.

The exact responsibilities of Stanley at the Justice Department are still unclear, as well as his employment status with X and SpaceX. Reuters noted that his LinkedIn profile still lists both companies but does not mention his government work. He is a “special government employee” and does not get a government salary.

Reuters argues that the controversy stems from a recent report that revealed that DOGE staffer Edward Coristine allegedly offered network support to cybercriminals. Democratic lawmakers have demanded an investigation into DOGE’s hiring practices.

Stanley previously distanced himself from hacking in a 2010 post, stating, “I no longer hack into Paypals, gain root access into other people’s computer (sic), or exploit online websites like StickAM,” as reported by Reuters. However, records show he continued discussing software piracy and cyber exploits even after making that claim, said Reuters.