# Army Official Pleads Guilty in Hawaii Contract Case

On October 28, 2026, former civilian U.S. Army official Carlos Duque pleaded guilty to conspiracy, bribery, and major fraud tied to subcontracting connected to an Army technology innovation lab in the Pacific. The case involved more than $3 million in Army payments to an unnamed contractor and approximately $55,167 in bribes received by Duque. Two contractors charged in the related case remain presumed innocent, with trial scheduled for May 17, 2027. For defense procurement teams and contractors, the case highlights exposure around subcontractor selection, conflicts of interest, and inflated costs.

- Contractors should review subcontractor selection and approval controls, conflict-of-interest safeguards, cost documentation, and reporting procedures.
- The two contractors’ trial is scheduled for May 17, 2027; the charges against them remain allegations, and they are presumed innocent.
- Qualifying whistleblowers may be eligible for a DOJ award of 15–30% of money recovered.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 28, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
- U.S. Army (Army)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DCIS, DoD OIG)
- U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (Army CID)

### Sources
- [ Office of Public Affairs |  Former Army Official Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy, Bribery, and Major Fraud Related to Hawaii Defense Contracts | United States Department of Justice](https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/honolulu/news/former-army-official-pleads-guilty-to-conspiracy-bribery-and-major-fraud-related-to-hawaii-defense-contracts) - FBI