January 2024 Intelligence News

CIA Director Says Ukraine War 'Corroding' Putin's Grip On Power RFE/RL 31 Jan 2024 -- Russia's war against Ukraine has eroded President Vladimir Putin's grip on power, hollowed out the Russian military, and stoked an "undercurrent of disaffection" within the country, according to the director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Brazil's Leader Reshuffles Intelligence Agency Over Alleged Spying on Officials - Reports Sputnik 31 Jan 2024 -- The deputy director of the Brazil Intelligence Agency (ABIN), Alessandro Moretti, and seven heads of the agency's departments will leave their positions as part of the restructuring launched by the government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva after another round of police operations, media reported.
Brazil's President Fires Intelligence Agency's Second-in-Command VOA 31 Jan 2024 -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has dismissed a top official in the country's intelligence agency amid an investigation of suspected illegal spying involving the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
10 offenses that could lead to getting hauled in to 'drink tea' Radio Free Asia 31 Jan 2024 -- China's feared state security police have published a listicle of 10 offenses under the country's vague Counter-espionage Law that can get you hauled in for questioning, known colloquially as "drinking tea."
China's Ministry of State Security adopts 'Invitation for Tea' slang, unveils 10 Investigation triggers Global Times 31 Jan 2024 -- The internet slang of "invitation for tea" has been given a new connotation among Chinese netizens, meaning being summoned or investigated for suspected illegal activities by law enforcement departments. China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Tuesday on its official Wechat public account listed 10 types of misconduct and scenarios under which individuals might find themselves invited for "a cup of tea" by the national security agencies.
CIA's Burns: US Would Make Mistake of 'Historic Proportions' to Abandon Ukraine VOA 30 Jan 2024 -- With more aid for Ukraine stalled in Congress, U.S. spy chief William Burns says in a new assessment that it would be a self-inflicted mistake of "historic proportions" for the United States to walk away from its support for Kyiv in its nearly two-year war with Russia.
China's Jailing of Brit for Espionage Will Further Discourage Business, Analysts Say VOA 30 Jan 2024 -- Beijing's revelation that it sentenced an elderly and well-connected British businessman who has lived in China for decades to five years in prison for espionage will further discourage business and trade, say analysts and a friend of the man.
One Iranian and Two Canadian Nationals Indicted in Murder-for-Hire Scheme US Dept. of Justice 29 Jan 2024 -- One Iranian and two Canadian nationals have been charged with conspiracy to use interstate commerce in the commission of a murder-for-hire plot.
One Iranian, Two Canadians Charged With Conspiracy in Murder-for-Hire Plot in US VOA 29 Jan 2024 -- One Iranian and two Canadian nationals were charged Monday with conspiracy to use interstate commerce in the commission of a murder-for-hire plot in the U.S.
Four Mossad-linked terrorists executed in Iran IRNA 29 Jan 2024 -- Four members of a team convicted of working for the Zionist regime's spy agency Mossad have been executed in Iran.
Four Mossad-linked terrorists executed in Iran Press TV 29 Jan 2024 -- Iranian Judiciary authorities have executed four people convicted of working for the Israeli Mossad spy agency and plotting a bomb attack against a Defense Ministry factory in the country's central province of Isfahan.
Iran Executes Four Ethnic Kurds Despite Claims Of Unfair Trials RFE/RL 29 Jan 2024 -- Iran has hanged four ethnic Kurds - all under the age of 30 - convicted of spying for Tehran's archenemy, Israel, despite protests by rights group who said they were found guilty without a fair trial.
Working group to assess possibility of total ban on acquisition of real estate by Russian citizens Finnish MoD 28 Jan 2024 -- Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen appointed a cross-administrative working group. Its task is to assess the possibility of a total ban on acquisition of real estate by Russian citizens and Russian communities and to prepare related legislation.
Germany failed to persuade Hezbollah to stop retaliatory strikes against Israel: Report Press TV 28 Jan 2024 -- A Lebanese daily newspaper has revealed that a recent meeting between the deputy director of German intelligence and a top Hezbollah official failed to convince Lebanon's resistance movement to stop its retaliatory strikes against the Israeli regime in support of Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Prime Minister's Office Announcement Israel - Prime Minister 28 Jan 2024
Iran holds final court hearing in trial of Swede detained on espionage charges IRNA 28 Jan 2024 -- The fifth and final court hearing in the trial process of Swedish National Johan Floderus over espionage charges against the Islamic Republic of Iran has been held in the capital Tehran.
Media discloses details of German intelligence agent's meeting with Hezbollah deputy chief IRNA 27 Jan 2024 -- A Lebanese media published details of a senior German intelligence official's trip to Beirut and his meeting with the deputy secretary-general of the Lebanese Hezbollah.
Canada Starts Inquiry Into Election Interference by China, Others VOA 26 Jan 2024 -- An official commission is about to get underway in Ottawa as Canada tries to determine to what extent China and other countries interfered in its last two elections. The investigation also will examine whether Russia and India interfered as well. All three countries have denied the allegations.
Berklee College of Music Student Convicted of Stalking, Threatening Individual Promoting Democracy in China US Dept. of Justice 25 Jan 2024 -- A federal jury convicted a People's Republic of China (PRC) national and Berklee College of Music student for stalking and threatening an individual who posted fliers in support of democracy in China around the Berklee campus area.
Chinese Student Convicted of Stalking, Threatening Pro-Democracy Activist in US VOA 25 Jan 2024 -- A federal jury in Boston has convicted a Chinese music student on charges of stalking and harassing one of his Chinese classmates after she posted flyers in support of democracy in China around the campus of the Berklee College of Music in the fall of 2022.
Appeal by retired military officers in China spying case rejected CNA 24 Jan 2024 -- The convictions of retired military officers Lee Ching-hsien (李慶賢) and Yeh Jui-chang (葉瑞璋) have been finalized after their appeals were rejected by the Supreme Court on Wednesday.
Disinformation and Foreign Interference: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the EEAS Conference European External Action Service (EEAS) 23 Jan 2024 -- Check against delivery!
China's state security authority exposes foreign spies targeting crucial employee during overseas visits Global Times 23 Jan 2024 -- China's Ministry of State Security on Tuesday revealed a case involving an employee in a key position from a state-owned enterprise who was targeted by foreign intelligence agencies during an overseas visit. The disclosure of this case aims to raise public awareness, reminding people to exercise caution during their travels overseas, safeguarding national security interests.
Readout of Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Meeting With "Five Eyes" Defense Policy Senior Officials DoD 21 Jan 2024
Chinese drones may pose security risks, US agencies warn Radio Free Asia 18 Jan 2024 -- Chinese-made drones could pose a national security risk to the United States due to laws in China that force companies to provide authorities access to user data, two U.S. agencies say in a new memo.
US Launches Effort to Combat Foreign Information Manipulation VOA 18 Jan 2024 -- The United States announced Thursday an initiative to combat efforts by authoritarian governments to manipulate information, distort debates on important topics and undermine democratic institutions.
After Taiwan election, Beijing vows to step up influence ops Radio Free Asia 17 Jan 2024 -- Since Taiwanese voters elected Beijing's least favorite candidate Lai Ching-te as their next president, China is responding with growing pressure towards what it terms "peaceful unification," in a bid to bring the island under its control through propaganda, threats and infiltration rather than armed invasion, analysts told Radio Free Asia.
State security organs intensify efforts to combat subversion, espionage related to China's Taiwan island Global Times 17 Jan 2024 -- China's state security organs continue to intensify efforts to combat subversion, espionage, and separatist activities related to China's Taiwan island, and will based on the rule of law, prevent, stop, and punish the infiltration, sabotage activities of hostile forces, China's Ministry of State Security said in an article published on Wednesday.
China resolutely objects to Canada's clampdown on researchers with ties to China citing unfounded national security risks as pretext Global Times 17 Jan 2024 -- China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute objection against Canada and has lodged a solemn representation with the Canadian side who has politicized regular scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation, undermining the openness, trust and collaboration in the scientific and technological sectors between the two countries under the pretext of baseless national security risks, Chinese Embassy in Canada said on Tuesday in response to Canada's clampdown on researchers with ties to China.
Iranian missiles destroy Mossad HQ in Iraqi Kurdistan: IRGC IRNA 16 Jan 2024 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps confirms it has targeted the espionage headquarters of the Zionist regime in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region with ballistic missiles as part of an operation against anti-Iran terror groups and networks in the region.
IRGC missiles hit anti-Iran terrorists' bases in Syria, Mossad espionage center in Iraqi Kurdistan Press TV 15 Jan 2024 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says it has fired barrages of ballistic missiles at Syrian bases of terrorists who were involved in recent attacks in Iran, as well as an Israeli espionage center in the Iraqi Kurdistan region.
Army intelligence leader: 'cultural shift' will help service become data centric Army News 12 Jan 2024 -- To better acquire and access data on the battlefield, the Army has revamped how it integrates data across warfighting functions, an Army intelligence leader said.
Japan Launches H2A Rocket Carrying Spy Satellite Sputnik 12 Jan 2024 -- The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched an H2A rocket carrying the Kogaku-8 optical satellite from the Tanegashima Space Center on Friday, according to a broadcast by the MBC television station.
Turkey's anti-Mossad operation 'seriously surprised' Israel, Erdogan boasts Press TV 11 Jan 2024 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has boasted about the recent detention of individuals suspected of spying for Israel's Mossad by the country's intelligence service, saying the operation has "seriously surprised" Tel Aviv.
US Working on Creating Fifth Column in Russia, Intel Chief Warns Sputnik 11 Jan 2024 -- The Foreign Intelligence Service reported that the US plans to recruit Russian graduates of exchange programs to create a fifth column to fill the void that the previous opposition left when they had exited Russia and interfere in the presidential elections scheduled for March.
Case of personnel frequently entering mainland to carry out spy intelligence activities revealed on Police's Day Global Times 11 Jan 2024 -- On the celebration of the 4th China Police's Day on Wednesday, China's state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) revealed a case of foreign espionage involving frequent entry into China through the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, taking advantage of streamlined customs clearance.
Three negative decisions on real estate transactions in Ilomantsi and Sotkamo Finnish MoD 10 Jan 2024 -- On 10 January 2024, Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen issued three negative permit decisions concerning real estate acquisitions by buyers from outside the EU and EEA.
Danish court upholds terror, espionage verdicts against three anti-Iran terrorists Press TV 10 Jan 2024 -- An appeals court in Denmark has upheld guilty verdicts against three members of the so-called Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz (ASMLA) terrorist group convicted of promoting terror in Iran and espionage for the Saudi intelligence service.
3 spy cases released as China celebrates its 4th Police Day, honoring contributions to national security work Global Times 10 Jan 2024 -- As the fourth Chinese People's Police Day was celebrated on Wednesday, the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) released details about three spy cases, honoring the state security officers' contributions to China's counter-espionage security work, which achieved significant progress in 2023.
US spreads China-related spy claims while launching large-scale intelligence activities against China: Chinese FM Global Times 09 Jan 2024 -- In response to some media reports about a US Navy sailor being sentenced to 27 months in jail on Monday on China-related spy charges, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said she did not know the specific situation, but added that the US is spreading China-related spy claims while launching spying activities against China.
China's Arrest of 'MI6 Spy' Could be Retaliation, Analysts Say VOA 09 Jan 2024 -- China's arrest of a man allegedly working as a spy for Britain could be retaliation, analysts say.
US Navy sailor jailed for working with Chinese spy Radio Free Asia 09 Jan 2024 -- A U.S. Navy sailor was sentenced to more than two years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to accepting almost US$15,000 in bribes from a Chinese spy in exchange for sensitive military information.
SKorea's Spy Agency: Hamas Used North Korean Weapons Against Israel VOA 08 Jan 2024 -- South Korea's spy agency confirmed Monday that Palestinian militant group Hamas has been using North Korean-made weapons in its conflict with Israel, amid a report of new photos showing weapons etched with Korean characters retrieved in the conflict.
US Opposes 'Malign Influence' in Taiwan's Elections VOA 08 Jan 2024 -- The United States says it opposes "outside interference or malign influence" in Taiwan's elections, ahead of the island's hotly contested presidential and legislative elections on January 13.
U.S. Navy Sailor Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Transmitting Sensitive U.S. Military Information to Chinese Intelligence US Dept. of Justice 08 Jan 2024 -- A U.S. Navy service member was sentenced today to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay a $5,500 fine for transmitting sensitive U.S. military information to an intelligence officer from the People's Republic of China (PRC) in exchange for bribery payments.
Iran: We have a good interaction with neighbor's intel. services ISNA 08 Jan 2024 -- Iran foreign ministry spokesman says the country have a good interaction with intelligence services of neighbors.
China detains foreign national over 'espionage for MI6' Press TV 08 Jan 2024 -- China says its security agencies have detained a foreign national over espionage charges related to Britain's foreign intelligence agency MI6.
China arrests foreign consultancy chief as 'spy' for Britain's MI6 Radio Free Asia 08 Jan 2024 -- China's Ministry for State Security said Monday it has arrested a man surnamed Huang, who heads a foreign consultancy in the country, as an alleged British spy, with one newspaper warning that there are "007s" everywhere in real life.
Ministry of State Security reveals UK'S MI6 using foreign consultant for espionage targeting China Global Times 08 Jan 2024 -- China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Monday disclosed a case in which the British Secret Intelligence Service (known as MI6) used foreign personnel from "a third country" to engage in espionage activities against China.
Ministry of State Security reveals MI6's use of foreign national for espionage operations targeting China Global Times 08 Jan 2024 -- China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Monday disclosed a case in which the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) used foreign personnel from a third country to engage in espionage activities against China.
Foreign organizations found exploiting aviation enthusiasts to collect sensitive flight data in China: Ministry of State Security Global Times 06 Jan 2024 -- China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Saturday disclosed that multiple foreign organizations are using the lure of providing free equipment and sharing aviation information to attract "volunteers" among domestic aviation enthusiasts to illegally collect and transmit flight data of Chinese aircraft to foreign countries.
Q&A: Taiwan AI Labs Founder Warns of China's Generative AI Influencing Election VOA 05 Jan 2024 -- China has ramped up efforts to influence Taiwan's January 13 presidential and legislative election in recent weeks, with some experts pointing to the dangers of disinformation campaigns created by generative artificial intelligence - which can produce text and other types of content.
Trump's businesses received '$7.8mn' from foreign states during his term Press TV 05 Jan 2024 -- Donald Trump's businesses have received at least "$7.8 million in payments" from foreign governments during the term of the former US president in office, according to a Congressional report.
Oversight Democrats Release Report Proving Trump Pocketed Millions From At Least 20 Foreign Governments As President House Committee on Oversight and Accountability - Democrats 04 Jan 2024 -- Today, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, released a new staff report and new documents produced by Donald Trump's former accounting firm, Mazars USA LLC, establishing that while former President Trump was in office, he received at least $7.8 million from 20 governments, including the governments of China, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Malaysia, through his businesses.
Ranking Member Raskin's Statement On Republican Response to New Oversight Democrats' Latest Report House Committee on Oversight and Accountability - Democrats 04 Jan 2024 -- Today, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, issued a statement following Chairman James Comer's response to Oversight Democrats new report, "White House for Sale: How Princes, Prime Ministers, and Premiers Paid Off President Trump":
Army awards contract for HADES prototyping efforts US Army 03 Jan 2024 -- The U.S. Army Contracting Command-Redstone Arsenal, in coordination with the Army Fixed Wing Project Office, awarded a firm-fixed-price contract to Bombardier Defense (Learjet, Inc.) on Dec. 12, 2023. This contract procures one Global 6500 jet aircraft with options to purchase two additional aircraft over a three-year period. These aircraft will support prototyping efforts for the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System, also known as HADES.
Deferred prosecution for 2 men who helped Chinese firms operate in Taiwan CNA 02 Jan 2024 -- Two Taiwanese nationals were given three years deferred prosecution for their roles in helping two leading Chinese tech companies operate illegally in the country, according to the Taipei Prosecutors Office.
Man indicted for activities on behalf on China-based digital company CNA 02 Jan 2024 -- A Chinese national has been indicted for illegally setting up an office in Taiwan on behalf of a Chinese security camera giant and conducting commercial activities from that office, according to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office.
Prime Minister's Office-Mossad: Former Mossad Director Zvi Zamir, 1925-2024 Israel - Prime Minister 02 Jan 2024 -- Zvi Zamir, the fourth Director of the Mossad (1968-1974), passed away last night; he was 98.
Turkish police arrest 33 suspected Mossad spies during raid in eight provinces Press TV 02 Jan 2024 -- The Turkish police have detained 33 people on charges of espionage for Israel's Mossad spy agency, weeks after the Tel Aviv regime threatened to target members of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas living abroad, including in Turkey.
Indictment reveals MKO had links to French intelligence service IRNA 02 Jan 2024 -- The fourth session of the trial of the members of the Mujahedin-e-Khalq Organization (MKO) terrorist group was held on Tuesday, during which the prosecutor's representative highlighted the connection between the group and the French government.

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