Brookline Man Accused of Spying on Cambridge High-Tech Firm

A Brookline man was arrested and charged yesterday with secretly leaking confidential business information to someone he believed was an agent for a foreign government.

Elliot Doxer, 42, allegedly exchanged more than 60 written communications with the person, who was actually an undercover FBI agent, over an 18-month period. Doxer reportedly providing a variety of information about the customers, employees and business practices of Cambridge-based Akamai Technologies, Inc., an internet content firm where Doxer worked.

The foreign country reportedly cooperated with the FBI investigation and did not seek or obtain any sensitive information, according to the complaint. Prosecutors have not identified the country involved in the case.

The investigation reportedly started in 2006 when Doxer emailed a foreign consulate in Boston and offered to provide information about Akamai, where he worked in the finance department. In later communications, he allegedly wrote that he wanted "to help our homeland and our war against our enemies," and asked for $3,000 because of the risk involved.

In 2007, an undercover agent reportedly established a "dead drop" where Doxer and the agent could exchange written communication. From September 2007 through March 2009, Doxer allegedly visited the drop box 62 times to pick up and drop off documents.

Prosecutors say Doxer provided the agent with a list of Akamai's customers, copies of contracts between the company and its customers, and full contact information for its employees. He also allegedly provided information about the company's physical and computer security.

If convicted, Doxer could face up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine or twice the gain or loss—whichever is highest—and restitution to the victim.