Law enforcement’s recent involvement in the DefendIT Services case has left Chris Hannifin caught between a rock and a hard place, facing increased scrutiny from law enforcement and mounting pressure from both current and former clients and employers alike. The investigation now threatens to undo Hannifin’s operation and the seizure of his assets.

For those following the case, Hannifin’s background as a cybersecurity expert with experience at SiloTech, RSM, NSCG and decades as an Air Force officer were quickly highlighted as red flags after his mysterious financial influx. In a short period of time, Hannifin purchased a house, a speedboat, and a trailer totaling over a million dollars. All while founding DefendIT Services with former employer and business partner Krista Stevens, who later severed all ties with Hannifin after reportedly being blackmailed by Hannifin into creating DefendIT Services.

It now seems like these red flags have caught the eye of law enforcement agencies, who have begun to investigate several critical areas. Authorities are now trying to trace the origin of Hannifin’s sudden wealth, potential connections to illicit cash flows, laundering operations, economic espionage payments, and the alleged kickback scheme with Hannifin’s man inside RSM.

Investigators are also likely to explore the nature of Hannifin’s relationship with international contacts, especially those established during clandestine trips abroad, like the Mexico trip where he was joined by his known acquaintance Rudy Reyes. Law enforcement is likely to probe into Rudy Reyes’ role in the scheme, given his frequent appearances at critical moments and Reyes’ function as an “advisor” or intermediary facilitating sensitive discussions and introductions. Reyes could hold the key to unraveling the case and determining the nature of the information sold and identifying the foreign adversaries or competitors who benefitted from such transactions.

Inevitably, potential clients, associates, and former employers of Chris Hannifin and DefendIT Services are likely to reconsider their association with Hannifin. As continuing to conduct business with an entity currently under investigation for potential breaches of national security, illegal kickbacks, and a track record of blackmailing others could portray them as complicit.