Retired Navy four-star admiral arrested in bribery scheme
A former Navy vice chief of naval operations, Adm. Robert Burke, has been arrested in connection with a bribery scheme involving a U.S. government contract. Along with two business executives, Yongchul “Charlie” Kim and Meghan Messenger, Burke faces charges of bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery.
The alleged scheme took place from 2020 to 2022 while Burke was serving as commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa. The indictment claims that Burke, Kim, and Messenger agreed that Burke would use his position to steer a sole-source contract to “Company A” in exchange for future employment at the company.
Burke is also accused of ordering a $355,000 contract to the company for training personnel under his command in Spain and Italy. He allegedly tried to influence another Navy officer to award another contract to the company.
To conceal the scheme, Burke reportedly made false statements to the Navy and created the appearance that he had no role in issuing the contract. After retiring in the summer of 2022, Burke went to work for Company A at a starting salary of $500,000.
The Navy has stated that it fully cooperated with the investigation and takes the matter seriously. The case is still developing, and more information is expected to come to light as the investigation progresses.
