I’m no lawyer but I do recall an episode of Cops waaaay back where a guy got busted for selling “weed” except it was actually oregano. He still got charged with something. But I can’t remember what.

All American States punish the sale of ersatz narcotics, under special statutes.

That makes sense. I was sort of thinking there’s likely something similar with regard to selling national secrets.

Thanks for pointing this out, i didnt know that, and it's really weired.

Did he end up doing hard thyme?

Don't know, but perhaps he was trying to fennel money?

I think it all stems from a misunderstanding between buyer and seller.

Mail fraud. Wire fraud. Attempt. Conspiracy.

Are they actually applicable?

Conspiracy requires intent, which has to be proven beyond reasonable doubt. Good luck convincing a jury that cleaner had intent to sell gov. secrets, and it wasnt a joke.

Fraud, entering into a contract without intent to fullfill it? I don't think it works if the obligations would be illegal