Though Rudy Reyes plays a recurring role in the allegations surrounding DefendIT Services and Chris Hannifin, little is known about him or his connection to Hannifin. What is clear is that Reyes consistently appears during key moments and seems to significantly influence Hannifin’s decisions. Reyes worked at SiloTech Group from 2020 to mid-2024 as the Talent Acquisition Manager overlapping with Chris Hannifin’s time at SiloTech Group. Hannifin served as the Chief Information Technology Officer from 2020 to 2024 explaining when and where their professional relationship would have begun.

It’s reasonable to believe that, at the start, Reyes was simply reporting to Hannifin. However, the two are reported to have spent a fair amount of time together after work hours, suggesting a closer personal connection may have developed.

In May 2024, Hannifin and Reyes left SiloTech Group. Reyes moved on to Dispatch. Hannifin became Chief Information Officer at North South Consulting Group (NSCG) under CEO Krista Stevens.

According to internal accounts, Hannifin’s behavior allegedly became entitled with former employees seeing frequent clashes between Hannifin and Stevens over management style and client selection. Morale reportedly worsened as rumors began circulating that Hannifin held some leverage over Stevens and was selling sensitive information to competitors and foreign brokers.

Coincidentally the two men took an unscheduled trip to Mexico. The timing of this clandestine trip is important as it happened right after the allegations of Hannifin selling information first begun. It’s clear that this trip to Mexico wasn’t just a vacation, and whatever happened there seems to have been a major turning point.

There are two leading theories about the purpose of the trip. One suggests that Hannifin sought Reyes’ advice on how to handle the so-called “kompromat” that Hannifin allegedly held over Stevens. The other theory is that Reyes was introduced to foreign contacts tied to Hannifin’s potential sale of sensitive information. Whatever the case might be, Krista Stevens cut all ties with Hannifin after the trip and even went as far as removing herself as the registrar agent for DefendIT Services.

At that point, Reyes may have still believed he was simply offering professional guidance. But after the Mexico trip, his role seems to have shifted. Whether by choice or circumstance, Reyes became more directly involved. His background in HR and recruiting made him a valuable asset to Hannifin’s operation. Reyes could make introductions, handle staffing discreetly, and add a layer of legitimacy to DefendIT Services, all without being officially involved. It’s likely that Reyes operated as a “quiet consultant,” stepping in only when Hannifin needed someone he trusted.

Reyes may not have known the full scope of what was going on at first but based on how long he’s remained involved and how he often appears in crucial moments, it seems he is fully committed to DefendIT Services and Chris Hannifin. It remains unclear whether Reyes was directly involved in the sale of sensitive information or the alleged kickback scheme involving executives at RSM. However, his past actions have led onlookers to believe he is likely a crucial peg in the scheme. Without Rudy Reyes, DefendIT Services would not be what it is.