Summary
A 58-year-old retired military member residing in South Korea was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant's financial difficulties totaled approximately $107,000 in unresolved debts, including specific amounts owed to Chase ($17,391), Discover ($6,135), Unifund ($18,915), American Express ($3,796), and two other collection agencies ($29,829 and $31,643). These debts were primarily attributed to his wife's gambling addiction, and he had not actively addressed them. Additionally, the applicant admitted to failing to file income tax returns timely from 1998 through 2005.
Foreign influence concerns arose from the applicant's long-term residency in South Korea and his wife being a South Korean national. While the applicant provided evidence suggesting his foreign relationships were unlikely to create a conflict of interest with U.S. interests, the judge found this insufficient to mitigate the risks.
Ultimately, the clearance was denied because the applicant had approximately $107,000 in unresolved debts, demonstrating financial irresponsibility. His financial issues were linked to his wife's gambling addiction, which he had not adequately addressed, and he failed to show a good-faith effort to resolve his debts. Despite his long-term employment and loyalty to the U.S., the judge found insufficient evidence to mitigate the risks associated with both his financial situation and foreign connections.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant has approximately $107,000 in unresolved debts, indicating financial irresponsibility.
- The applicant's financial issues are linked to his wife's gambling addiction, which he has not adequately addressed.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a good-faith effort to resolve his debts, undermining his claims of reliability.
Conditions referenced
- F.1raisedFinancial Considerations
- B.7(a)raisedForeign Influence
- B.7(b)raisedForeign Influence
- B.7(d)raisedForeign Influence
- F.20(g)rejectedFinancial ConsiderationsThe applicant has not shown evidence of resolving his financial issues.
- B.7(a)appliedForeign InfluenceThe applicant's connections to South Korea do not create a significant risk of divided loyalties.
- B.7(b)appliedForeign InfluenceThe applicant's loyalty to the U.S. was established despite foreign connections.
Key rule quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedDec 17, 2007
- Answer filedFeb 20, 2008
- Hearing heldFeb 10, 2009via Video Tele-Conference
- Decision dateMay 27, 2009
Cite for
- Financial Irresponsibility Due to Gambling Addiction Under Guideline F
- Foreign Influence Concerns Related to Foreign Family Members Under Guideline B
- Insufficient Evidence of Debt Resolution Impacting Security Clearance Eligibility