June 2020 Intelligence News

White House Updates More Lawmakers on Alleged Russian Bounties on US Troops in Afghanistan VOA 30 Jun 2020 -- Senior U.S. lawmakers walked out of a White House briefing early Tuesday, saying they are not satisfied with what the administration had to say about allegations Russia offered bounties to Taliban fighters to kill American and coalition troops in Afghanistan.
White House Defends Trump Not Being Briefed on Russia 'Bounty' for US Soldiers VOA 30 Jun 2020 -- The White House is on the defensive about President Donald Trump not being briefed on reports that a Russian military intelligence unit offered bounties to Taliban militants in Afghanistan to kill U.S. soldiers.
Trump Not Briefed on 'Unverified' Intel Allegations of Russian Collusion With Taliban - O'Brien Sputnik 30 Jun 2020 -- Groundless allegations that Russia offered reward money to Taliban militants for killing American soldiers, published in a recent article in The New York Times, have been denied by Moscow, the White House and the Taliban itself.
Republicans Urge 'Swift And Serious Action' If Reports About Russian Bounties Paid To Taliban True RFE/RL 30 Jun 2020 -- Republican lawmakers who have been briefed about reports alleging that Russia paid the Taliban bounties to kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan are calling for consequences for Russia, if the reports are true.
Kremlin denies report on Russian bounties for killing U.S. troops in Afghanistan People's Daily 30 Jun 2020 -- The Kremlin on Monday denied a New York Times report alleging that Russia offered bounties for killing U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan.
US House intelligence panel chairman calls for Russia sanctions after bounty briefing Press TV 30 Jun 2020 -- The United States should weigh new sanctions on Russia in response to unfounded reports that a Russian military intelligence unit had offered Taliban-linked militants bounties to kill American troops in Afghanistan.
US Should Consider Imposing More Sanctions on Russia Over Bounty Allegations, Schiff Says Sputnik 30 Jun 2020 -- The United States should consider imposing additional sanctions against Russian in light of the allegations that it offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants to assassinate US soldiers, House of Representatives Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said on Tuesday.
Statement by Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs on Intelligence That Russian GRU Operatives Were Engaged in Malign Activity Against the U.S. and Coalition Forces in Afghanistan DoD 29 Jun 2020
White House Defends Trump Not Being Briefed on Russia 'Bounty' for US Soldiers VOA 29 Jun 2020 -- The White House is on the defensive about President Donald Trump not being briefed on reports that a Russian military intelligence unit offered bounties to Taliban militants in Afghanistan to kill U.S. soldiers.
Congress Calls for Probe Into Reported Russian Bounties on US Troops VOA 29 Jun 2020 -- As members of Congress called for an investigation, President Donald Trump said Sunday he was not briefed on reports that a Russian military intelligence unit offered bounties to Taliban militants in Afghanistan to kill U.S. soldiers because U.S. intelligence officials did not deem them credible.
Lawmakers Press For Briefing On Claims Russia Paid Bounties For Taliban To Kill U.S. Troops RFE/RL 29 Jun 2020 -- Democratic and Republican lawmakers are demanding a full congressional briefing from top intelligence officials on reports that Russia offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants to kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
Explainer: Controversy Over Alleged Russian Bounties Puts Spotlight On Moscow's Motives, History In Afghanistan RFE/RL 29 Jun 2020 -- Controversy continues to mount over reports that Russian security officers allegedly offered bounties to the Taliban for the killing of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
White House: No Consensus Among US Intel on Alleged 'Russian Bounties' for US Troops in Afghanistan Sputnik 29 Jun 2020 -- The New York Times' allegation that Russia has been offering reward money to Taliban-linked militants in Afghanistan to kill US and coalition troops has been attacked from all sides, with Moscow, the Trump administration and the Taliban itself saying that the claims aren't true.
Kremlin Refutes Reports of Russia's 'Deal' With Taliban, Notes Trump Doesn't See Claims as Credible Sputnik 29 Jun 2020 -- On Friday, The New York Times ran a story citing an anonymous source claiming that President Trump had received an intelligence report suggesting that Moscow paid the Taliban to kill US soldiers in Afghanistan. The Taliban refuted the report and President Trump dismissed the claims saying he had never been presented with such intelligence data.
Moscow Sees Reports About 'Bounties' for Taliban as 'Blatant Lies' Refuted Even by Trump Sputnik 29 Jun 2020 -- Russia sees new media reports about its alleged bounties offered to Taliban militants in Afghanistan to kill US troops there as part of the US' domestic political fight, since forces interested in US military presence in the country use fake news to justify their failure, Russia's special presidential representative said.
Trump denies being briefed on alleged Russian-Taliban bounties intelligence Global Times 29 Jun 2020 -- US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he was never briefed on intelligence that Russians offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing US troops.
Kremlin rejects reports of Russian bounties to Taliban to kill US troops in Afghanistan Press TV 29 Jun 2020 -- Russia has dismissed as "lies" media reports alleging that a Russian military intelligence unit attempted to pay bounties to members of the Taliban militant group to kill American troops in Afghanistan.
Trump: No briefings ever on Russian bounties to kill US troops in Afghanistan Press TV 29 Jun 2020 -- US President Donald Trump has denied he was ever briefed about an alleged Russian attempt to pay bounties to Taliban-linked militants to kill Western forces, including US troops, in Afghanistan, blasting a report by The New York Times on the bounties.
COVID-19 Disinformation From Russia, China More Influential Than Domestic News Sources, Study Finds RFE/RL 29 Jun 2020 -- Coronavirus disinformation published by Chinese and Russian state media outlets in France, Spain, and Germany is in some cases reaching a greater audience on social media than news coverage of the global pandemic produced by major domestic media outlets in those countries, according to a study by the Oxford Internet Institute (OII).
Trump Says He Wasn't Briefed on Reported Russian Bounties on US Troops in Afghanistan VOA 28 Jun 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday he had never been told about reports that a Russian military intelligence unit was secretly offering bounties to Taliban militants in Afghanistan to kill U.S. soldiers.
Trump Denies Being Briefed On Reported Intelligence That Russia Offered Bounties RFE/RL 28 Jun 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump denies he has been briefed on a reported finding that Russian military intelligence offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants to kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
Australia wages espionage offensive against China: source Global Times 28 Jun 2020 -- Australia is waging an intensifying espionage offensive against China - sending agents to China to spy, gather intelligence and recruit assets, instigating defection among Chinese nationals, spying on Chinese students and organizations in Australia, feeding fake news to media to hype up the "China espionage theory" and even in early years attempting to install wiretaps in the Chinese Embassy in Canberra, the Global Times has learned from a source with a Chinese law-enforcement agency.
White House Denies Trump Having Been Informed About Alleged Russian Bounty Intelligence Sputnik 27 Jun 2020 -- US President Donald Trump was not informed about the alleged intelligence that reportedly suggested that Russian intelligence had solicited killings of US troops by the Taliban* in Afghanistan, the White House said.
Report: Russian Military Intelligence Paid Afghan Militants To Target U.S. Troops RFE/RL 27 Jun 2020 -- U.S. intelligence officials have concluded that Russian military intelligence offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants to kill U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan, The New York Times reported.
Taliban Refutes Reports on Russia's Alleged Role in Killings of US Troops in Afghanistan Sputnik 27 Jun 2020 -- Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid refuted on Saturday the recent reports citing US intelligence assessments alleging that Russian intelligence has solicited killings of US troops by the Taliban in Afghanistan, saying that these rumors are set to create obstacles to US pullout from the country.
Russian Diplomat Says Reports on Moscow's Role in Killings of US Troops in Afghanistan 'Fake News' Sputnik 27 Jun 2020 -- Media reports citing US intelligence assessments alleging that Russian intelligence has solicited killings of US troops by the Taliban in Afghanistan are yet another fake news pursing to disrupt the Afghan peace process, a representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.
US Spending Report Sheds Light on China's Global Propaganda Campaign VOA 27 Jun 2020 -- This month China reported to the U.S. Department of Justice that one of its English language publications has paid $19 million to U.S. media since November 2016, including $12 million in payments to major U.S. newspapers like The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal.
US court's espionage ruling unfair: Chinese prof's family Global Times 27 Jun 2020 -- The family of Zhang Hao, a Chinese professor from Tianjin University arrested in May 2015 by the US and charged with economic espionage, said the US justice system is unfair, after a federal judge convicted Zhang of economic espionage on Friday.
Chinese Professor Convicted of Stealing Trade Secrets for China VOA 27 Jun 2020 -- A U.S. judge found a Chinese professor guilty of economic espionage, stealing trade secrets and conspiracy following a four-day trial that ended Friday.
Chinese Citizen Convicted of Economic Espionage, Theft of Trade Secrets, and Conspiracy US Dept. of Justice 26 Jun 2020 -- Defendant Stole from U.S. Companies to Benefit Instrumentality of the Chinese Government
Microsoft Details Sophisticated Hacking Linked To Iranian Cyber Espionage Group Radio Farda 25 Jun 2020 -- The Microsoft Threat Protection Intelligence Team has identified a chain of attacks on its cloud service in a post published on June 18.
WikiLeaks Founder Charged in Superseding Indictment US Dept. of Justice 24 Jun 2020 -- A federal grand jury returned a second superseding indictment today charging Julian P. Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, with offenses that relate to Assange's alleged role in one of the largest compromises of classified information in the history of the United States.
Fear, lack of confidence push US to restrict Chinese media Global Times 23 Jun 2020 -- The latest US restrictions on Chinese media that saw the listing of four more Chinese media outlets as foreign missions exposed its declining confidence and increasing fear of China, after the media's objective reports on China's effective fight against COVID-19 showed a stark contrast to US failures. Chinese experts said China should take reciprocal actions by limiting US media and implementing countermeasures.
China threatens to retaliate against US curbs on Chinese outlets Press TV 23 Jun 2020 -- China has threatened to retaliate against the new restrictions imposed by the United States on four Chinese media outlets.
India, Pakistan Expel Embassy Staff In Latest Spying Row RFE/RL 23 Jun 2020 -- India says it has decided to expel half the staff in Pakistan's Embassy in New Delhi, saying they have been engaged in "acts of espionage" and maintained contacts with "terrorist organizations."
India to Mandate 50% Staff Cut at Pakistan's Embassy - Ministry of External Affairs Sputnik 23 Jun 2020 -- India wants Pakistan to reduce by half the strength of its diplomatic mission in New Delhi, citing the questionable activities of Pakistani diplomats, the Ministry of External Affairs said Tuesday.
Joint Statement: Five Eyes Defense Ministers' Meeting DoD 22 Jun 2020 -- The defense ministers/secretaries from the Five Eyes nations (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States) met via videoconference on 22 / 23 June.
Businessman to serve 9 months in prison for espionage CNA 22 Jun 2020 -- A Taiwanese businessman surnamed Tu (凃), who had implemented a plan more than 10 years ago to obtain and pass on Taiwan military documents to China, will serve a prison sentence of nine months, as the Supreme Court on Monday rejected his final appeal.
Unified Vision 2020 to guide further development of NATO Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities NATO 22 Jun 2020 -- NATO Allies joining this year's Unified Vision (UV) event began today the second week of the operational evaluation of Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities across the Alliance.
NATO Launches RQ-4D Surveillance Drone Test Flights Over Mediterranean Sea Sputnik 22 Jun 2020 -- NATO has begun testing the first of five new RQ-4D Alliance Ground Surveillance drones through a number of flights over the Mediterranean Sea earlier this month, advancing the alliance's implementation of the aircraft, which activists have argued is potentially dangerous for civilians in the area.
Another Russian Scientist Sentenced On High Treason Charge RFE/RL 22 Jun 2020 -- Another Russian scientist has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term on a high treason charge in an ongoing spate of similar secretive cases targeting Russian academics.
US state dept. designates 4 Chinese news organizations as foreign missions Press TV 22 Jun 2020 -- The United States is designating four Chinese media organizations with operations in the US as foreign missions.
Briefing With Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David R. Stilwell On Designating Additional PRC State Media Entities as Foreign Missions US Dept. of State 22 Jun 2020
US Designates Four Chinese Outlets as Foreign Missions VOA 22 Jun 2020 -- The United States has designated four more Chinese state-run outlets as "foreign missions," a move that U.S. officials said will "not prevent them from reporting legitimate news" but to "increase transparency" relating to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and what Washington called Beijing government's "propaganda activities" in the U.S.
Designation of Additional Chinese Media Entities as Foreign Missions US Dept. of State 22 Jun 2020 -- "Over the past decade and particularly under General Secretary Xi Jinping's tenure, the CCP has reorganized China's state propaganda outlets disguised as news agencies and asserted even more direct control over them."
Chinese FM refutes claim prosecution of 2 Canadians 'revenge' for Meng Global Times 22 Jun 2020 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday stressed that two Canadians were prosecuted in China for allegedly endangering China's national security, and that there is no such a thing as "arbitrary" detention, refuting accusations that the prosecution is revenge for Huawei's senior executive Meng Wanzhou's case.
Canada to face consequences when China-US ties improve in the future Global Times 22 Jun 2020 -- Tighter rules and stepped-up scrutiny of food imports are steps China is taking to curb a resurgence of COVID-19, rather than an excuse to target any specific country for a political reason as some Canadian exporters have claimed, Chinese experts said, urging exporters to respect the nation's rules if they want to make profits in China.
China: Espionage cases of Canadians irrelevant to Huawei CFO prosecution Press TV 22 Jun 2020 -- Beijing has dismissed Ottawa's attempts to link the espionage charges brought against two Canadian citizens to the ongoing extradition case in Canada of a Huawei senior executive.
United States Stands with Canada Against China's Arbitrary Detention of Canadian Citizens US Dept. of State 22 Jun 2020 -- "The United States is extremely concerned by the People's Republic of China's (PRC) decision to proceed with formal charges against Canadian citizens Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor."
Statement from the Press Secretary The White House 20 Jun 2020
Judge Rules Book About Trump Presidency Can Be Published VOA 20 Jun 2020 -- A U.S. federal judge ruled Saturday that former U.S. national security adviser John Bolton's book about the Trump Administration can be published, despite an emergency request from the Justice Department to block it.
2 Canadians prosecuted in China for spying with 'abundant evidence' Global Times 19 Jun 2020 -- On Friday, two Canadian nationals, former diplomat Michael John Kovrig, and his intelligence contact Michael Peter Todd Spavor, were prosecuted by the procuratorates in Beijing and Dandong, Northeast China's Liaoning Province, respectively, for spying on China's national secrets and collecting classified intelligence.
China Charges Canada's 'Two Michaels' With Espionage Radio Free Asia 19 Jun 2020 -- Authorities in China said on Friday they have indicted two Canadian nationals -- Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor -- on spying charges, after arresting them in the days following the arrest of Huawei Technologies' chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver.
Former White House national security adviser: Trump is not 'fit for office' Press TV 18 Jun 2020 -- US President Donald Trump is not fit for office and solely focused on getting reelected in the November election, former White House national security adviser John Bolton has said.
Bolton bombshell: Trump willing to halt criminal investigations as 'favor to dictators' Press TV 18 Jun 2020 -- Former US national security adviser John Bolton has said in his new book that President Donald Trump had expressed a willingness to halt criminal investigations as "favor to dictators he liked".
Bolton accuses Trump of lying more than once while in office Press TV 18 Jun 2020 -- Former national security adviser John Bolton has accused US President Donald Trump of lying more than once while being in office, according to a promotional clip of an interview with ABC News.
Two former legislative aides detained, suspected of spying for China CNA 18 Jun 2020 -- Two former legislative aides in Taiwan's national legislature were detained and held incommunicado Thursday on suspicion of involvement in developing organizations for Chinese intelligence officers and providing them with classified information.
Former DIA Analyst Sentenced for Leaking Classified Information to Journalists US Dept. of Justice 18 Jun 2020 -- A former employee of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for leaking classified information to two journalists in 2018 and 2019.
German Prosecutors Accuse Russian Government Of Ordering Killing In Berlin RFE/RL 18 Jun 2020 -- Prosecutors in Germany have filed murder charges against a Russian national accused of the slaying of a Georgian man in Berlin last year and said the Russian government ordered the killing.
Germany Says Kremlin Behind Murder of Ethnic Chechen VOA 18 Jun 2020 -- Germany's federal prosecutors Thursday charged a Russian national for the killing last year of a Georgian rebel fighter in Berlin and said Moscow ordered the assassination. The development is likely to further strain Berlin's already rocky relations with the Kremlin, according to diplomats.
Russian Info Ops Putting US Police in Their Crosshairs VOA 18 Jun 2020 -- Russia appears to be intensifying its focus on police enforcement issues in the United States, using popular reactions to protests that have gripped the nation as part of a larger propaganda campaign to divide Americans ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November.
OK, Yes, Big Brother IS Watching: Russian Schools Getting Surveillance Systems Called 'Orwell' RFE/RL 17 Jun 2020 -- You might think governments seeking digital oversight of their citizens would avoid invoking the author who coined the phrase "Big Brother is watching you" and implanted the nightmare of total state surveillance in the imaginations of millions of readers.
2016 Theft of Top Secret CIA Info 'Occurred Due to Agency's Woefully Lax Security Protocols' Sputnik 17 Jun 2020 -- A leak, revealed in 2017, apparently was the largest theft of data in CIA history, given that a total of 34 terabytes of information was reportedly compromised.
New unit to enforce national security law in HK not secret police: secretary for security Global Times 16 Jun 2020 -- A new unit to be set up by Hong Kong police to enforce the upcoming national security law in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) won't be a secret police, and the national security branches set up by central authorities in the SAR won't replace the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), as those two would be connected with "a special bond" to handle relevant cases, Hong Kong secretary for security John Lee Ka-chiu told the Global Times in an exclusive interview on Tuesday.
U.S. Citizen Whelan Sentenced To 16 Years For Spying By Russian Court RFE/RL 15 Jun 2020 -- A Russian court has found former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan guilty on an espionage charge, a verdict that the top U.S. diplomat in Russia called a "mockery of justice."
Russian Foreign Ministry Slams Accusations of Moscow Drawing Out Whelan's Process Sputnik 15 Jun 2020 -- The accusations of the Western media of Moscow drawing out the process of US citizen Paul Whelan, sentenced to 16 years in prison over espionage earlier in the day, are groundless and absurd, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Monday.
The Conviction of U.S. Citizen Paul Whelan in Russia US Dept. of State 15 Jun 2020 -- "The United States is outraged by the decision of a Russian court today to convict U.S. citizen Paul Whelan after a secret trial, with secret evidence, and without appropriate allowances for defense witnesses."
Russian Court Sentences former US Marine to 16 Years for Espionage VOA 15 Jun 2020 -- A Moscow court convicted former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan on charges of espionage on Monday, sentencing him to 16 years of hard labor in a ruling all but certain to further roil the current low ebb in US-Russian relations.
Another Russian Researcher Charged With High Treason RFE/RL 15 Jun 2020 -- The Russian authorities have charged the president of the St. Petersburg-based Arctic Academy, Valery Mitko, with high treason in an ongoing spate of similar investigations targeting Russian academics.
In Diplomatic Tit-For-Tat, Moscow Expels Two Czech Diplomats RFE/RL 15 Jun 2020 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry has declared two Czech diplomats personae non gratae in retaliation to a similar move by Prague several days ago.
Russian Foreign Ministry Summons Czech Ambassador Over Diplomatic Row Sputnik 15 Jun 2020 -- The Czech ambassador has been summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry in connection with a diplomatic scandal, a source in the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Pakistan Use of Spy Technology for Coronavirus Patients Raises Concerns VOA 13 Jun 2020 -- Pakistan has turned to its spy agency's terror surveillance technology to track coronavirus patients, which rights activists and medical professionals worry could lead to the "militarization of a health emergency" and stigma toward infected people.
Man Sentenced To Death For Espionage Spied On Iranian Forces In Syria, Judiciary Says Radio Farda 13 Jun 2020 -- The Spokesman of Iran's Judiciary on Saturday said Mahmoud Mousavi-Majd who has been sentenced to death for "espionage on behalf of CIA and Mossad" had spied on Iranian forces in Syria.
Opposition Report Labels Russia's FSB A 'Second Government' RFE/RL 12 Jun 2020 -- Russia's powerful Federal Security Service (FSB) has been transformed into a semicriminal structure that is functioning essentially as a "second government," according to a new report by the Dossier (Dosye) Center, which is funded by a former oligarch and staunch critic of President Vladimir Putin, Mikhail Khodorkovsky.
US Charges Chinese Researcher Identified as PLA Officer With Visa Fraud Sputnik 12 Jun 2020 -- A Chinese researcher and officer in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Sunday after US agents discovered that the individual "intentionally made false statements about his military service in his visa application."
China a victim not instigator of disinformation: Chinese Mission to EU Global Times 11 Jun 2020 -- China, as a victim of disinformation, has always opposed the creation and spread of disinformation by any people or organization, said the Chinese Commission to the EU on Wednesday, in response to the EU's joint communication claiming China has been engaged in targeted influence operations and disinformation campaigns amid the pandemic.
Denmark Summons Saudi Envoy Over Spying And Terror Plot Radio Farda 11 Jun 2020 -- The Danish Foreign Ministry on Wednesday summoned the Saudi ambassador after terrorism charges were brought against three leaders of an Iranian Arab separatist group based in Denmark.
As Russia Lifts Lockdowns, Expanded Surveillance Network May Remain RFE/RL 11 Jun 2020 -- When Marina Khublarova, a Russian mother of seven, experienced coronavirus symptoms in late April, she called the local health service to report them.
U.S. Says China 'Bullied' U.K. Over Huawei 5G Contract Radio Free Asia 10 Jun 2020 -- The United States has hit out at China over its "bullying" of the U.K., saying that the Chinese Communist Party "threatened to punish" the country over its refusal to allow Chinese telecoms giant Huawei to bid for contracts in the country's implementation of the next-generation 5G mobile network.
Retired Austrian Army Colonel Found Guilty Of Spying For Russia RFE/RL 10 Jun 2020 -- An Austrian court has sentenced a retired army colonel to three years in prison after convicting him of spying for Russia's military intelligence service (GRU) for more than 25 years.
Court-Appointed Expert Urges US Government Not to Drop Charges Against Michael Flynn Sputnik 10 Jun 2020 -- The US government should not drop charges against former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI, a former US federal judge John Gleeson said in an 86-page brief on Wednesday.
Harvard Professor Indicted on China Program Charges VOA 10 Jun 2020 -- The former chair of Harvard University's chemistry and chemical biology department was indicted today for allegedly lying about research funding while participating in China's Thousand Talents Program, the Department of Justice said.
Iran's Judiciary Refutes Own Spokesman On Spy's Role In Soleimani Killing Radio Farda 09 Jun 2020 -- Hours after Iran's Judiciary spokesman announced on Tuesday that a "collaborator" has been sentenced to death for informing the CIA and Mossad about the whereabouts of Qassem Soleimani', Judiciary's media center said the spy case had nothing to do with Soleimani's targeted killing on January 3.
Iran To Execute 'Collaborator' For US Targeting Of Soleimani Radio Farda 09 Jun 2020 -- Iran's Judiciary Spokesman Gholam-Hossein Emaili on Tuesday said a "collaborator" who had provided foreign intelligence services with details of movements of Qods Force Commander Qassem Soleimani, has been sentenced to death.
CIA, Mossad spy sentenced to death, Iran's Judiciary spox says IRNA 09 Jun 2020 -- Iran's Judiciary's spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaeili Mahmoud Mousavi Majd who was linked with CIA and Mossad and has provided them with intelligence from security bodies, especially armed forces like IRGC was sentenced to death.
Iran to Execute Alleged CIA Spy Involved in Killing of Ex-Quds Commander Soleimani Sputnik 09 Jun 2020 -- On 3 January, a US drone strike, authorised by President Donald Trump, killed Qasem Soleimani and Shia militia commander Abu Mahdi Muhandis who both were in a car at the Baghdad International Airport.
COVID-19 Offers 'World of Opportunity' For Spies, Terrorists Australian Spy Boss Says VOA 09 Jun 2020 -- Australia's spy chief is warning of a surge in espionage, extremist propaganda and cyber-crime during the COVID crisis.
UK Police To Gain New Powers to Question Individuals Suspected of Espionage Sputnik 08 Jun 2020 -- Law enforcement officers at the United Kingdom's ports will be given greater powers to detain and question individuals suspected of espionage, according to a government statement on Monday.
Two Indians Held for 'Passing Military Information to Pakistan' From Strategically Important Site Sputnik 08 Jun 2020 -- On 31 May, two officials at the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi were detained over espionage charges. A Delhi Police investigation revealed that the officials wanted to lure and trap railway staff and then acquire information about the movement of army units and defence equipment.
On the Chinese Communist Party's Obscene Propaganda US Dept. of State 06 Jun 2020 -- "The Chinese Communist Party's callous exploitation of the tragic death of George Floyd to justify its authoritarian denial of basic human dignity exposes its true colors yet again. As with dictatorships throughout history, no lie is too obscene, so long as it serves the Party's lust for power. This laughable propaganda should not fool anyone."
India's Investigative Agency Arrests Terror Funding Conspirator in Navy Espionage Racket Sputnik 06 Jun 2020 -- Authorities uncovered a major espionage ring in November in which Pakistani spies recruited agents in India's defence establishment to collect classified information regarding submarines, warships and data on the location of naval commands.
Chinese Nationals Slammed with Prison Sentences for Photos of Restricted Areas at Florida Naval Base Sputnik 06 Jun 2020 -- The trespassing incidents involving the Chinese nationals took place shortly after two Chinese Embassy officials were reported by The New York Times to have been "secretly expelled" by the US in December 2019 after breaching a "sensitive" military base near Norfolk, Virginia.
Facing More Pressure from Washington, Britain Pushes Back on Huawei Dependence VOA 05 Jun 2020 -- The Trump administration's campaign to keep Chinese tech giant Huawei out of its allies' 5G networks appears to be gaining ground in Britain.
Czech Government Orders Out Two Russian Embassy Staff Over Ricin Plot Hoax RFE/RL 05 Jun 2020 -- Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis says his government has designated two staff members at the Russian Embassy in Prague as personae non gratae and ordered them to leave.
Foreign States or Criminals Trying to Steal UK's COVID Vaccine Secrets, Spy Chief Claims Sputnik 05 Jun 2020 -- The GCHQ director would not disclose who is believed to be behind the attacks, although he described China as the UK's "intelligence adversary" elsewhere in the interview.
US Ban on Chinese Students With Military Links Divides Experts on Impact VOA 04 Jun 2020 -- A new U.S. ban on Chinese graduate students with military ties went into effect this week, and universities are still grappling over its expected impact on American universities and several thousand Chinese students.
Senate Republicans Launch Investigation Into Origins of Russia Probe VOA 03 Jun 2020 -- Former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein defended his decision to open a special counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, telling a Senate panel Wednesday that while there was "reasonable suspicion" for the probe, he should not have signed an application for a surveillance warrant against a Trump campaign adviser.
Briefing with Senior State Department Officials on Limiting the CCP's Ability to Steal U.S. Technologies and Intellectual Property US Dept. of State 02 Jun 2020
U.S. Limits the People's Liberation Army's Ability to Use Nonimmigrant Visa Programs to Illicitly Acquire U.S. Technologies and Intellectual Property US Dept. of State 01 Jun 2020 -- "On May 29 President Trump issued a proclamation that limits the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) ability to misuse nonimmigrant student and researcher visa programs. The Trump Administration is committed to achieving a fair and reciprocal relationship with the People's Republic of China (PRC), and also continues to value the important contributions of international students and researchers, including from China. However, the Administration is also committed to protecting our national and economic security."
Pakistan, India In Diplomatic Spat Over Spying Allegations RFE/RL 01 Jun 2020 -- Pakistan has protested the expulsion of two of its embassy officials in India, which accused them of spying.

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