A young technologist, known online as "Big Balls," is working for Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he has access to sensitive US government systems. However, his history raises concerns about whether he would pass the necessary background checks for such access, according to security experts.
Edward Coristine, a 19-year-old high school graduate, has established multiple companies, including Tesla.Sexy LLC, which he founded at 16. This company, along with others under his control, manages various domains, including those registered in Russia. One active domain listed offers an AI bot service targeted at the Russian market, raising possible red flags during any security clearance investigations due to foreign connections.
Coristine worked briefly in 2022 at Path Network, a firm known for employing reformed hackers. His past actions include soliciting cyberattack services, which complicates his qualifications for a security clearance.
Experts consulted by WIRED suggest that his background would likely disqualify him from obtaining privileged access to government systems. His record raises significant questions about the vetting process for DOGE’s employees, especially given that Coristine has reportedly been acknowledged within federal personnel records as an "expert."
Moreover, archived messages on Telegram linked to Coristine show he sought assistance for DDoS attacks, a serious concern for his suitability for sensitive positions. His online presence, previously marked by unique handles and descriptions, has recently been deleted, further obfuscating his digital footprint but not enough to erase the gravity of his background.
Questions persist about his limited real work experience and the implications of his online persona, underscoring the ongoing debate about hiring practices in positions of trust within government agencies.
