November 2022 Intelligence News

Iran thwarted all-out hybrid war waged by 47 foreign spy agencies: Basij chief Press TV 30 Nov 2022 -- The head of Basij volunteer forces says the Islamic Republic of Iran successfully managed to thwart hybrid war planned by 47 foreign spy agencies during the recent foreign-backed riots in the country.
Iran arrests "spy agents" related to U.S. intelligence services: IRGC commander People's Daily 30 Nov 2022 -- An Iranian military chief said Tuesday that a number of people have been arrested for contact with U.S. intelligence services during the recent riots in the country.
Lebanese security forces capture man suspected of spying for Israel's Mossad, report says Press TV 29 Nov 2022 -- Lebanon's security forces have arrested a Lebanese man suspected of spying for Israel's Mossad spy agency and collaboration with the regime's authorities through taking pictures of commercial centers and gathering intelligence about a Palestinian citizen living in the Arab country.
Australia Lowers National Terrorism Threat Level, Shifts Focus on Foreign Interference and Espionage VOA 29 Nov 2022 -- Australia has five official levels under its national terrorism threat classification system, ranging from "certain" to "not expected."
Ex-military officer convicted of leaking secrets to China loses pension case CNA 28 Nov 2022 -- The Supreme Administrative Court has upheld a ruling that a retired military intelligence officer convicted of leaking military secrets to a middleman who passed them on to China must return his pension payments totaling about NT$1.66 million (US$53,531).
Sweden's Saab to Build Two Signal Intelligence Ships for Poland Sputnik 25 Nov 2022 -- Sweden's aerospace and defense company Saab signed a deal with Poland on building two signal intelligence ships for the country's navy, the company said on Friday.
FCC Bans Equipment Authorizations for Chinese Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Equipment Deemed to Pose a Threat to National Security FCC 25 Nov 2022 -- The Federal Communications Commission adopted new rules prohibiting communications equipment deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to national security from being authorized for importation or sale in the United States. This is the latest step by the Commission to protect our nation's communications networks.
'Open for business': CIA to recruit spies among Russians displeased with Ukraine war Press TV 23 Nov 2022 -- A senior CIA official says the US spy agency has been seeking to recruit Russian nationals frustrated with the course of war in Ukraine, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.
Meta Report: US Military Behind Online Influence Campaign Targeting Central Asia, Middle East VOA 23 Nov 2022 -- People associated with the U.S. military created fake accounts on more than seven internet services as part of a "coordinated inauthentic" influence operation targeting people in Central Asia and the Middle East, according to Meta, the parent of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, in its report out this week.
Chinese Refugees in Italy Wary of Beijing Outposts VOA 23 Nov 2022 -- Chinese refugees in Italy, some of whom are dissidents, are increasingly wary of the presence of what appear to be four outposts of Beijing's security apparatus operating without official diplomatic trappings, according to experts.
Chinese spy case in Taiwan raises issue of reviving military trials CNA 23 Nov 2022 -- Scholars and lawmakers in Taiwan suggested on Tuesday that the government consider reinstating military trials during peacetime or amending laws to better deter military espionage after an Army colonel was indicted Tuesday for working for China.
Serbia's Legal Tug-Of-War Over Chinese Surveillance Technology (Part 2) RFE/RL 23 Nov 2022 -- As hundreds of thousands of people filled the streets across Serbia in late 2021 to protest weak environmental standards and changes in the law to the benefit of a foreign company's plan to mine lithium, images began circulating that alarmed activists and tapped into a multiyear political fight over the expansion of Chinese surveillance technology.
The Fight In Serbia Over Chinese-Style Surveillance (Part 1) RFE/RL 22 Nov 2022 -- The spread of Chinese surveillance technology that is under way in Serbia today began with a mysterious death in 2014.
Ukraine's Security Service Conducts 'Counterintelligence' Raid At Historic Kyiv Monastery RFE/RL 22 Nov 2022 -- Security agents in Ukraine have conducted a "counterintelligence" operation at Kyiv's historic Pechersk Lavra and other facilities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) as part of a probe into suspected pro-Russia activity.
Ukraine Security Service Raids Kyiv Monastery Linked to Russian Orthodox Church VOA 22 Nov 2022 -- Ukraine's security service said Tuesday it carried out a raid at a historic Russian Orthodox Christian monastery in Kyiv in order to counter suspected "subversive activities by Russian special services."
U.S. attorney general names special counsel in investigations relating to Trump People's Daily 20 Nov 2022 -- U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced on Friday the appointment of a special counsel to oversee investigations relating to former President Donald Trump.
US Justice Dept. names war crimes prosecutor as special counsel for Trump probes Press TV 19 Nov 2022 -- The US Justice Department has named Jack Smith, a war crimes prosecutor, to serve as special counsel to oversee the department's investigations related to former president Donald Trump including his handling of sensitive documents and alleged efforts to overturn the disputed 2020 election.
U.S. attorney general names special counsel in investigations relating to Trump People's Daily 19 Nov 2022 -- U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced on Friday the appointment of a special counsel to oversee investigations relating to former President Donald Trump.
US Attorney General Appoints Special Counsel for Trump Investigations VOA 19 Nov 2022 -- U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced Friday that he appointed veteran prosecutor Jack Smith as special counsel for two ongoing federal investigations involving former President Donald Trump, just days after Trump announced his reelection bid.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers Remarks on the Appointment of a Special Counsel US Dept. of Justice 18 Nov 2022
Statement of Special Counsel Jack Smith US Dept. of Justice 18 Nov 2022 -- Following his appointment by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today, Special Counsel Jack Smith made the following statement:
Appointment of a Special Counsel US Dept. of Justice 18 Nov 2022 -- Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced today the appointment of former career Justice Department prosecutor and former chief prosecutor for the special court in The Hague, Jack Smith, to serve as Special Counsel to oversee two ongoing criminal investigations.
FBI investigating 'outrageous' Chinese police stations in US Radio Free Asia 18 Nov 2022 -- U.S. authorities are investigating claims that Chinese police are operating clandestine foreign stations in the United States, FBI director Christopher Wray told a Senate hearing on Thursday.
Political Consultant Convicted for Scheme Involving Illegal Foreign Campaign Contribution to 2016 Presidential Campaign US Dept. of Justice 17 Nov 2022 -- A federal jury today convicted a political consultant for his role in funneling illegal foreign campaign contributions from a Russian foreign national to a 2016 presidential campaign.
Changes proposed to police intelligence gathering methods Finnish Government 17 Nov 2022 -- The provisions of the Police Act on secret intelligence gathering methods and apprehending wanted persons are to be updated and clarified. The Government submitted its proposal to Parliament on 17 November.
FBI Investigating Chinese 'Police Station' In New York VOA 17 Nov 2022 -- The FBI is investigating the operation of an unauthorized "police station" that China is running out of New York as part of a global network of such stations, FBI Director Chrstopher Wray said Thursday, vowing to put a stop to Beijing's apparently unsanctioned law enforcement activity in the United States.
Chinese spy gets 20 years in US prison Radio Free Asia 17 Nov 2022 -- A Chinese intelligence official found guilty of corporate espionage for theft of trade secrets in the aviation industry was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison by a court in Ohio on Wednesday.
Canada Reacts to Alleged Chinese Political Interference VOA 17 Nov 2022 -- The arrest of an employee of Quebec's public electricity provider on suspicion of sending trade secrets to China is prompting the latest in a series of allegations that Beijing is actively spying and conducting clandestine operations within Canada. Beijing has denied wrongdoing.
Chinese Government Intelligence Officer Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Espionage Crimes, Attempting to Steal Trade Secrets From Cincinnati Company US Dept. of Justice 16 Nov 2022 -- The first Chinese government intelligence officer ever to be extradited to the United States to stand trial was sentenced today in federal court in Cincinnati. Yanjun Xu, 42, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. According to court documents, Xu targeted American aviation companies, recruited employees to travel to China, and solicited their proprietary information, all on behalf of the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC).
Chinese Intelligence Official Sentenced to 20 Years in US Prison VOA 16 Nov 2022 -- The first Chinese intelligence officer extradited to the United States and tried for attempting to steal trade secrets will spend 20 years in prison.
China has stolen more US data 'than every other nation combined': FBI head Press TV 16 Nov 2022 -- Christopher Wray, the director of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), on Tuesday told a US House committee hearing that China has stolen more American data and information "than every other nation combined".
Autopsy Says American Investor Known For Russian Nightclub Died Of 'Blunt Force Injuries' Due To Fall RFE/RL 16 Nov 2022 -- An American stockbroker who made a fortune in the Russian market in the 1990s and 2000s and later co-founded a posh Moscow nightclub before leaving the country died of blunt force injuries suffered as a result of a fall from a Washington, D.C. building.
IT security researchers find 2 new surveillance tools that target Uyghur mobile apps Radio Free Asia 16 Nov 2022 -- China has been hacking into Uyghur-language mobile apps and infecting users' devices to further monitor the persecuted predominantly-Muslim group in its northwestern Xinjiang region and in other countries, according to a new report.
FBI Says It has 'National Security Concerns' About TikTok VOA 15 Nov 2022 -- FBI Director Christopher Wray said on Tuesday that the bureau has "national security concerns" about popular short-form video hosting app TikTok as the Chinese-owned company seeks U.S. government approval to continue operating in the country.
CIA Director Burns Meeting Russian Counterpart Naryshkin in Ankara, Reports Say Sputnik 14 Nov 2022 -- CIA director William Burns is meeting his Russian counterpart Sergei Naryshkin in Ankara on Monday for talks on detained US citizens and nuclear risks, CNN reported, citing a National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson.
Qatar arrests eight former Indian naval forces over spying for Israel: Report Press TV 11 Nov 2022 -- Qatari security forces have reportedly arrested eight former officers of the Indian Navy on suspicion of spying for the Israeli regime.
Ohio State University Pays Over $875,000 to Resolve Allegations that It Failed to Disclose Professor's Foreign Government Support US Dept. of Justice 10 Nov 2022 -- The Ohio State University (OSU), a public university in Columbus, Ohio, has paid $875,689 to resolve civil allegations that it failed to disclose an OSU professor's affiliations with and support from a foreign government in connection with federal research funding.
Maryland Nuclear Engineer and Wife Sentenced for Espionage-Related Offenses US Dept. of Justice 09 Nov 2022 -- A Maryland man and his wife were sentenced today for conspiracy to communicate Restricted Data related to the design of nuclear-powered warships.
Three Arrested for Illegal Scheme to Export Controlled Data and Defraud the Department of Defense US Dept. of Justice 09 Nov 2022 -- A federal indictment was unsealed today following the arrest of three defendants and their initial appearances in the U.S. District Court in the Western District of Kentucky.
Greek PM Takes Heat Over Phone Tapping Scandal VOA 08 Nov 2022 -- Greece's Supreme Court has ordered an investigation into allegations that the country's intelligence service was tapping the phones of nearly three dozen politicians, businessmen, and journalists. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has denied the allegations but the scandal, analysts say, may force him to resign as leader of the country's center-right party.
On Eve Of Voting, 'Putin's Chef' Prigozhin Admits To U.S. Election Interference RFE/RL 07 Nov 2022 -- Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin -- both of whom have been sanctioned by Washington and European countries -- has admitted Moscow interferes with U.S. elections and vowed to continue to do so.
Former U.S. Military Pilot Sentenced for Acting as Paid Agent of the Government of the People's Republic of China and Lying on National Security Background Forms US Dept. of Justice 07 Nov 2022 -- Former U.S. Army helicopter pilot-turned-civilian-contractor Shapour Moinian, 67, of San Diego, was sentenced in federal court today to 20 months in prison for acting as an agent of the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and accepting thousands of dollars from representatives of the Chinese government to provide aviation-related information from his defense-contractor employers.
New Wave of Disinformation Expected on Eve of US Election VOA 07 Nov 2022 -- Voting machine manufacturers are likely to be targeted by a new wave of disinformation intended to discredit election results as American voters head to the polls Tuesday.
International concern grows over Chinese 'police service stations' Radio Free Asia 07 Nov 2022 -- More governments in Europe and the Americas have launched their own investigations into alleged Chinese secret police stations identified by a human rights group, with Germany and Chile looking into the reports and France "monitoring."
Intelligence Carries Out Most Difficult Tasks in Russia's Operation in Ukraine: Defense Minister Sputnik 05 Nov 2022 -- Officers of the Russian military intelligence are carrying out the most difficult tasks in the course of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Saturday on the occasion of Military Intelligence Day in the country.
Project set up by Ministry of Defence to examine additional restrictions on foreign real estate ownership Finnish MoD 04 Nov 2022 -- On 4 November 2022, the Ministry of Defence set up a project to examine needs to further restrict real estate transactions by Russians. The project group will examine the possibility of a total ban and other restrictive measures as well as their consequences. In addition, the project group will explore other possible alternatives to develop the supervision of buyers outside the EU and EEA who wish to buy real estate in Finland.
China buys up US technology to keep tabs on its citizens Radio Free Asia 04 Nov 2022 -- Chinese public security entities have been acquiring U.S. technology with the transfers becoming increasingly regular, especially of DNA analysis equipment needed for mass surveillance, a new report has found.
Saudi Arabia intensifies targeting dissidents in US using Israeli spyware Press TV 02 Nov 2022 -- An investigative report says Saudi Arabia has stepped up its crackdown on dissidents on the United States' soil, using an Israeli spyware.
Saudi dissidents targeted in US, other Western countries amid crackdown: Report Press TV 02 Nov 2022 -- Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman is scaling up his vicious crackdown against dissidents, exiles, and members of the extended royal family in the United States and other Western countries, according to rights groups.
Department of Defense Releases 2022 Military Intelligence Program Budget DoD 01 Nov 2022 -- The Department of Defense released today the Military Intelligence Program (MIP) appropriated top line budget for FY 2022. The total MIP budget was $24.1 billion and is aligned to support the National Defense Strategy.

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