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WASHINGTON, D.C. – A senior advisor within the Justice Department, who previously held roles at Elon Musk’s X and SpaceX, is facing scrutiny over his past activities involving hacking and software piracy.
Christopher Stanley, 33, now a key figure in the Deputy Attorney General’s office, allegedly boasted about hacking and distributing pirated software on websites he operated years ago, according to archived records reviewed by Reuters. His appointment comes as part of Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), established to streamline the federal bureaucracy.
Records indicate that Stanley ran several online forums since 2006, some of which distributed pirated ebooks, software, and video game cheats. Archived posts also show him claiming responsibility for hacking into websites.
In one instance, he posted a YouTube video in 2014 demonstrating his involvement in breaching a rival hacking group’s customer data.
While the Justice Department didn’t directly comment on Stanley’s past, they affirmed he possesses an active security clearance predating his DOGE employment. Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed “full trust and confidence” in Stanley’s capabilities.
Interestingly, after Reuters’ inquiry, several of Stanley’s old websites disappeared from the Internet Archive. The director of the Wayback Machine noted that site owners can request exclusion from the archive.
Concerns Arise Among Former Officials
The revelation has sparked debate among national security professionals. Some former Justice officials expressed serious reservations, citing the sensitive information handled by the department. Jonathan Rusch, a former prosecutor, emphasized concerns about Stanley’s access to federal investigation details and grand jury secrecy.
Others, like Dan Guido of Trail of Bits, were more lenient, suggesting that Stanley’s past, particularly targeting other hackers, could be viewed as a learning experience.
Reuters was unable to determine Stanley’s precise responsibilities within the Justice Department. It remains unclear if he continues to be employed by X and SpaceX, though his LinkedIn profile suggests ongoing affiliations.
A History of Piracy and Hacking Claims
Before joining SpaceX, Stanley operated forums focused on software piracy, video game cheats, and hacking, using pseudonyms like eNkrypt and Reneg4d3. Archived data links these activities to Stanley through registration details and biographical information.
One website, launched in 2006, reportedly boasted about “Fucking Up Servers!” Another archived post described how he hijacked a competing message board, labeling its operators “stupid noobs.” In 2010, Stanley claimed to have distanced himself from malicious cyber activity, citing a threatened lawsuit from Nexon Co for “infiltrating their game software.” He also posted footage of hacking a customer database connected to Lizard Squad in 2014.
The situation has ignited further discussion about the vetting process for individuals working in sensitive government positions, particularly those with a history in the digital underground.
Reported by Raphael Satter and Sarah N. Lynch, Reuters.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.