US intelligence agent denies spying

Regan could face the death penalty

A former United States Air Force sergeant has pleaded not guilty to trying to spy for Iraq, Libya and China.

Retired intelligence analyst Brian Regan, 39, is accused of writing to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and offering to provide him with secret information for $13m.

"We enter a plea of not guilty and request a trial by jury," his lawyer Nina Ginsberg told a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia.

Saddam Hussein: Sworn enemy of US

Mr Regan, who could face the death penalty if found guilty, was originally charged with attempted espionage last October.

Prosecutors say Mr Regan said in a letter to the Iraqi leader: "I am willing to commit esposinage (sic) against the United States by providing your country with highly classified information."

Because of the risks involved, Mr Regan allegedly said he wanted at least $13m - "a small price to pay for what you [Saddam] will receive".

Mr Regan worked for the National Reconnaissance Office, a military intelligence agency that builds and operates America's network of spy satellites.

In the letter, Mr Regan allegedly said he had access to highly sensitive material from all the US intelligence services.

He is said to have told the Iraqi leader that he was planning to retire soon and needed the extra money because he would only receive a "small" government pension.

Mr Regan is also said to have offered to give Iraq a sample of classified documents for $1m.

He allegedly said the information he was offering was worth "billions" and urged the Iraqi leader not to pass up "the chance of a lifetime".

Arrest

Mr Regan is also accused of drafting a similar letter to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson did not disclose whether the letter was actually delivered, but said the case against Mr Regan "paints a picture of betrayal".

Mr Regan was arrested in August last year at Dulles International Airport as he tried to board a flight to Germany.

Police allegedly found addresses for the Chinese and Iraqi embassies in Switzerland and Austria in his wallet and secreted in the sole of his shoe.