May 2024 Intelligence News

Chinese state security authority warns of 'network espionage traps'; government employee sentenced to 10 years for spying Global Times 31 May 2024 -- China's Ministry of State Security on Friday unveiled a case involving a former government employee who was lured by a foreign intelligence agency through the internet, stealing secrets for money. The individual was sentenced to 10 years in prison lawfully.
ODNI Releases IC Information Technology Roadmap Director of National Intelligence 30 May 2024 -- The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) today released its inaugural Vision for the IC Information Environment: An Information Technology Roadmap.
Naval Commander Sentenced for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material and Retaining Classified National Defense Information US Dept. of Justice 30 May 2024 -- Gregory Edward McLean, 40, of Jacksonville, Florida, was sentenced today to 160 months for distributing child sexual abuse material and 120 months for unlawfully retaining classified national defense information. The sentences will be served concurrently.
China's state security authority warns against foreign espionage threat to rare-earth industry Global Times 30 May 2024 -- China's Ministry of State Security on Thursday issued an article warning of foreign espionage agencies targeting China's rare-earth industry, engaging in theft and sabotage, posing threat to the country's natural resource security. Authorities vowed to crack down on illegal activities to protect national security and promote the sustainable development in the industry.
Stockholm says Iran uses gangs to target Israeli, Jewish interests in Sweden VOA 30 May 2024 -- Sweden's domestic security agency accused Iran on Thursday of using gangs in the country to target Israeli or Jewish interests.
Zambian authorities arrest five on espionage charges VOA 30 May 2024 -- Police in Zambia have arrested five people on espionage charges following their earlier allegations via social media that the government was involved in the apparent abduction of independent lawmaker Jay Jay Banda last week.
Belgium searches home, office of European Parliament employee VOA 29 May 2024 -- The office of Belgium's federal prosecutor says police searched the residence and offices of a European Parliament employee Wednesday as part of its probe into a suspected Russian interference campaign to pay EU lawmakers to promote Russian propaganda.
DIA report confirms North Korean missile debris found in Ukraine DIA 29 May 2024 -- Analysis confirms that Russia used ballistic missiles produced in North Korea in its war against Ukraine. North Korean missile debris was found throughout Ukraine, according to an unclassified report released today by the Defense Intelligence Agency.
Hong Kong businessman defends home against spies - on British soil Radio Free Asia 29 May 2024 -- Hong Kong businessman Herbert Chow, who fled the city after his pro-democracy children's clothing chain Chickeeduck was targeted by the government, has surrounded his U.K. home with floodlights and surveillance cameras as an unexplained death in a Hong Kong spying case sends shockwaves through the exile community.
Information manipulation in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine: EU lists two individuals and one entity European External Action Service (EEAS) 28 May 2024 -- Today the Council decided to impose restrictive measures against two individuals and one entity responsible for conducting propaganda actions targeted at civil society in the EU and its neighbouring countries, gravely distorting and manipulating facts in order to justify and support Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
China's state security authority refutes hypes of phone checks at border Global Times 28 May 2024 -- China's Ministry of State Security issued a bilingual article on Tuesday, refuting claims hyped by certain overseas anti-China forces that travelers will be subject to phone checks at the Chinese border as absolutely preposterous. The ministry also emphasized that checks upon entry will only be conducted under specific circumstances, with specific targets and procedures in accordance with laws.
Information manipulation in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine: EU lists two individuals and one entity EC/CEU 27 May 2024 -- Today the Council decided to impose restrictive measures against two individuals and one entity responsible for conducting propaganda actions targeted at civil society in the EU and its neighbouring countries, gravely distorting and manipulating facts in order to justify and support Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
US accusation of Chinese company 'engaging in undersea cable espionage' is groundless, another bid to discredit China: FM Global Times 27 May 2024 -- China's Foreign Ministry (FM) blasted the unfounded accusations by US officials regarding Chinese repair ships' alleged espionage on Monday. The ministry called the US accusation groundless, constituting a deliberate smearing against Chinese companies.
Prime Minister's Office-Mossad Announcement Israel - Prime Minister 27 May 2024 -- Mossad Director David Barnea, today, announced the appointment of A as Mossad Deputy Director. A. will replace H., who has been serving as Mossad Deputy Director since June 2021.
China slams UK for 'wanton stigmatization' of its citizens Press TV 25 May 2024 -- China says the United Kingdom is making false charges against Chinese citizens after the death of an alleged British "spy" working for Beijing.
Former CIA Officer Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Espionage US Dept. of Justice 24 May 2024 -- Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, 71, of Honolulu, a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to gather and deliver national defense information to the People's Republic of China (PRC).
China strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposes UK fabricating charges against Chinese citizens: FM Global Times 24 May 2024 -- China voiced strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition on Friday toward the UK continuously fabricating charges and cases under the so-called pretext of national security and stigmatizing China and even arbitrarily arresting and prosecuting Chinese citizens in the UK.
Romania Arrests Suspected Spy For Russia, Declares Diplomat Persona Non Grata RFE/RL 24 May 2024 -- Prosecutors with Romania's anti-organized crime agency on May 24 announced the arrest of a Romanian man suspected of spying for Moscow since 2022.
Thailand moves toward ratifying UN convention against enforced disappearances VOA 24 May 2024 -- Thailand is set to ratify a U.N. convention that would see new ways to protect at-risk individuals from being extrajudicially abducted, kidnapped or disappeared.
Submarine cables become tool for certain countries to steal intelligence: China's National Security Ministry Global Times 24 May 2024 -- Submarine cables have in recent years become a tool for some countries to steal intelligence information and even seek geopolitical interests, China's Ministry of State Security revealed on Friday.
China's state security authorities unveil espionage case involving military expert, sentenced to 15 years in prison Global Times 23 May 2024 -- China's Ministry of State Security on Thursday unveiled details of an espionage case involving a military expert who was compromised while participating in an international conference. Initially denying accusations, he eventually admitted to his illegal activities when faced with irrefutable evidence, leading to a 15-year prison sentence.
Chinese Embassy refutes fake news of Le Monde about Chinese intelligence agents' operations in France Global Times 23 May 2024 -- The Chinese Embassy in France refuted the fake news published in the French daily Le Monde alleging so-called Chinese intelligence department's actions against dissidents in France. The embassy said that the two cases cited by the newspaper are clearly fabricated and some French journalists' true intention lies in smearing China.
Former British Marine accused in Hong Kong spy case found dead Radio Free Asia 22 May 2024 -- A former British Marine charged with spying for the Hong Kong government has been found dead in an English park, with police treating his death as "unexplained," prompting calls for a review of economic and trade links with the city.
Briton charged in Hong Kong foreign intelligence case found dead VOA 21 May 2024 -- Matthew Trickett, 37, was pronounced dead Sunday in a park in Maidenhead, an area of southern England west of London, according to a statement by Thames Valley Police. The police said they discovered Trickett's body after receiving a call from a member of the public.
How Kremlin uses false fact checks to spread disinformation VOA 21 May 2024 -- Just a few weeks after Russia's full invasion of Ukraine, Moscow started to promote a website that claims to tell the truth about the war.
Statement by the Ministers for European Affairs of France, Germany, Poland, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain Germany Federal Foreign Office 21 May 2024 -- With the envisaged adoption of the Council conclusions on "Democratic resilience: safeguarding electoral processes from foreign interference", we are taking an important step to defend our European democratic values, fundamentals and political culture and should continue this integrated approach to address current challenges we face from outside the EU. We welcome the ongoing debate on how to protect our European Democracy and want to contribute with concrete ideas, which should also be considered by the future Commission and High Representative.
Wikileaks' Assange can appeal US extradition on freedom of speech grounds VOA 20 May 2024 -- The United States government's attempts to extradite Wikileaks founder Julian Assange from Britain on charges of espionage took another legal twist Monday, as a British court ruled he must be given the right to a full appeal against the order on freedom of speech grounds.
Julian Assange wins High Court victory in case against extradition to U.S. People's Daily 21 May 2024 -- WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Monday won a victory in his ongoing battle against extradition from the United Kingdom (UK) to the United States, after the High Court in London granted him permission to appeal.
Two Taiwanese given suspended sentences in Chinese recruiting case CNA 20 May 2024 -- Two Taiwanese men have been given suspended sentences after being found guilty of illegally recruiting personnel for a Chinese high-tech company in Taiwan, the Hsinchu District Court said Monday.
Chinese agents highly active in democratic Taiwan, dissidents say Radio Free Asia 19 May 2024 -- On Jan. 13, 2023, Guangdong dissident Xiao Yuhui crossed the 10-kilometer (6-mile) stretch of water from China to Kinmen, a small island that is still controlled by Taiwan, paddling across on a surfboard.
Working group completes report on prohibition of foreign real estate transactions Finnish MoD 17 May 2024 -- A working group, appointed by Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen, has completed its report on additional restrictions on real estate acquisitions in Finland by parties outside the EU and the EEA.
Russia Vows to Retaliate Against EU Over Media Ban Sputnik 17 May 2024 -- The Council of the EU has decided on Friday to suspend the broadcasting activities of four more Russia-associated media outlets Voice of Europe, RIA Novosti, Izvestia and Rossiyskaya Gazeta in the European Union.
Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine: Council bans broadcasting activities in the European Union of four more Russia-associated media outlets EC/CEU 17 May 2024 -- The Council today decided to suspend the broadcasting activities in the European Union of four additional media outlets, which spread and support the Russian propaganda and war of aggression against Ukraine: Voice of Europe, RIA Novosti, Izvestia and Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
Chinese ambassador warns UK not to further jeopardize ties People's Daily 15 May 2024 -- China's Ambassador to the United Kingdom (UK) Zheng Zeguang met with relevant UK Foreign Office official on Tuesday, and told the UK side not to go further down the dangerous path of jeopardizing China-UK relations.
Hong Kong trade official accused of spying for city's government Radio Free Asia 14 May 2024 -- Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee on Tuesday confirmed that one of three defendants charged with spying for his government in the United Kingdom holds a senior post at the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, but defended the role of his city's global network of offices.
Hong Kong leader criticizes Britain after arrest of trade official in London VOA 14 May 2024 -- Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee is criticizing the arrest of a key trade official in Britain on allegations of spying for the city's foreign intelligence service.
China voices serious concern over spying charges against Chinese citizens in UK Global Times 14 May 2024 -- China on Tuesday voiced serious concern over the arrest and prosecution of the Chinese citizens and strongly urge the UK to earnestly protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens in the UK.
Ex-Australian military lawyer sentenced to five years in prison for sharing classified info VOA 14 May 2024 -- A former Australian military lawyer has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison for sharing classified documents with journalists that revealed potential war crimes committed by Australian forces in Afghanistan.
DOD Statement on the President's Decision Prohibiting the Acquisition of Certain Real Property of Cheyenne Leads by MineOne Cloud Computing Investment I L.P. in Close Proximity to Francis E. Warren Air Force Base DoD 13 May 2024 -- Today President Biden issued an order prohibiting the purchase and requiring the divestment of certain real estate operating as a cryptocurrency mining facility located within one mile of Francis E. Warren Air Force Base (F.E. Warren AFB).
Philippines probes alleged Chinese disinformation campaign over South China Sea Radio Free Asia 13 May 2024 -- The Philippines said Monday it was officially investigating allegations that Chinese embassy staff in Manila had engaged in a disinformation campaign related to the South China Sea.
Chinese agents hatched brazen plot to kidnap RFA cartoonist Radio Free Asia 13 May 2024 -- Chinese security forces once sought to kidnap Radio Free Asia cartoonist Rebel Pepper, a defector has claimed to the Australian Broadcast Corporation, or ABC.
Former spy alleges global Chinese spy network hunts and abducts dissidents VOA 13 May 2024 -- An investigation by Australia's public broadcaster accuses China's secret police service of tracking down dissidents living overseas.
3 men charged with helping Hong Kong intelligence appear in UK court VOA 13 May 2024 -- Three men appeared in a London court Monday after being charged with assisting the Hong Kong intelligence service.
State security authorities disclose data collection by spies, warning of threat to ecological security Global Times 13 May 2024 -- China's Ministry of State Security disclosed several ecological security cases on Monday, warning that some overseas non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or foundations have illegally collected and stolen sensitive geographic, meteorological, and biological data under the cover of research projects, compromising national security.
Yemen's intelligence agencies bust members of Israeli espionage network Press TV 11 May 2024 -- Yemeni intelligence agencies have identified and arrested members of an Israeli espionage network involved in gathering intelligence about Yemeni missile and drone capabilities.
China's state security authorities warn overseas personnel of potential spy recruitment Global Times 10 May 2024 -- China's Ministry of State Security issued an article on Friday warning Chinese nationals stationed overseas to be aware of "friendly" individuals who usually focus on key groups of overseas personnel using various methods to approach, gather intelligence, and infiltrate and recruit.
Mossad admits for first time: We were surprised by Hamas operation Press TV 10 May 2024 -- The Israeli spy agency Mossad has admitted that it was "surprised" by the operation conducted by the Gaza-based Palestinian Hamas resistance group in early October.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares at the Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Foreign State Information Manipulation US Dept. of State 10 May 2024
Australian study says China uses global apps, games for propaganda VOA 10 May 2024 -- An Australian study claims that China's monitoring of global internet users' online habits — a practice that has made TikTok controversial in the United States — extends far beyond the popular social media app to numerous other platforms and even online games.
U.S. and Tanzania Co-Host Military Intelligence Conference AFRICOM 09 May 2024 -- U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Tanzania Peoples' Defence Forces (TPDF) hosted the Chiefs & Directors of Military Intelligence Conference (CDMIC) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from April 30 to May 3.
China's state security authorities unveil illegal monitoring devices in sea areas Global Times 09 May 2024 -- Chinese national security authorities have unveiled the illegal monitoring devices discovered in the country's sea areas, emphasizing the need to remain vigilant against the potential threats from foreign intelligence agencies, as the country's vast maritime areas are not only rich in resources, but also crucial in safeguarding national security, according to China's Ministry of State Security on Thursday.
Historian. Activist. Spy? Radio Free Asia 09 May 2024 -- For years, an American academic pushed for democracy in his native China. The FBI claims it was a front.
FM 'saddened' at having to take 'necessary' legal action against lawmaker CNA 09 May 2024 -- Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) on Thursday said he was "saddened" at having to take legal action against an opposition lawmaker over an alleged confidential document leak, but stressed that doing so was necessary to prevent future leaks that could damage Taiwan.
Investigation: Who is Ilya Gambashidze, the man the US government accuses of running a Kremlin disinformation campaign? VOA 09 May 2024 -- According to the U.S. government, Russian political consultant Ilya Gambashidze is responsible for a large-scale disinformation campaign aimed at undermining trust in democratic processes and institutions in the United States and beyond.
Russia vows retaliation after UK's expulsion of defense attaché Press TV 08 May 2024 -- Moscow has vowed to give an "appropriate response" to Britain's expelling Russia's defense attaché.
UK to expel undeclared Russian spy in response to growing threat UK FCDO 08 May 2024 -- The move is part of a major package of measures to tighten defences against alleged malign activity by Russia across the UK and Europe.
New rules let China's state security police check people's devices Radio Free Asia 08 May 2024 -- China's state security police will be given sweeping powers to search electronic devices including smartphones and laptops from July 1, as part of a nationwide campaign to ensure "national security," a broad term often used by the government to include detailed economic data and political dissent.
3 Taiwanese found guilty of illegally working for Chinese firm CNA 06 May 2024 -- Three Taiwan nationals have been found guilty of engaging in business with a Chinese firm not permitted by the competent authority in Taiwan, according to the Hsinchu District Court which handed down its verdict in late April.
Canada stands with Germany to condemn malicious cyber campaign Canada 06 May 2024 -- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs of Canada and the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement:
Counter-espionage regulations effectively safeguard security in 3 years: Ministry of State Security Global Times 06 May 2024 -- China's state security authorities have successfully prevented national security risks across a number of authorities, organizations, and enterprises, in accordance with the regulations on counter-espionage security work issued three years ago, safeguarding the national security and interests, China's Ministry of State Security said in an article released on Monday.
US-Israeli espionage cell dismantled in Yemen Press TV 06 May 2024 -- Yemen's security forces have dismantled a major espionage network operating for the US and Israeli intelligence services amid a campaign by the Arab country to defend the people of Palestine in their struggle against the Israeli aggression on Gaza.
Failure of US-Zionist espionage network in Yemen IRNA 05 May 2024 -- Yemeni sources announced on Sunday night about the failure of the US and Zionist regime's espionage operation in that country.
Canada nabs three Indians over assassination of Sikh separatist leader, probes India link Press TV 04 May 2024 -- Canadian police have arrested three Indian nationals over assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year, which sparked a diplomatic tension between Ottawa and New Delhi.
Canada smearing China over meddling in elections 'baseless political fabrication': embassy Global Times 04 May 2024 -- The accusation of "China's interference in Canada's internal affairs" is a baseless political fabrication, the Chinese Embassy in Canada said on Friday following Canada's report claiming China "meddled in" its elections.
Germany warns Russia about cyberattacks VOA 03 May 2024 -- Germany's Foreign Ministry summoned the acting charge d'affaires of the Russian embassy — Russia's top embassy official — accusing Moscow's military intelligence agency of launching cyberattacks against Germany's ruling coalition party dating back to last year.
Cyber: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on continued malicious behaviour in cyberspace by the Russian Federation European Commission 03 May 2024 -- The European Union and its Member States, together with international partners, strongly condemn the malicious cyber campaign conducted by the Russia-controlled Advanced Persistent Threat Actor 28 (APT28) against Germany and Czechia.
Lithuania condemns the continued malicious Russian behavior in cyberspace alongside the EU and NATO Allies Lithuania MND 03 May 2024 -- European Union, NATO and partners have issued declarations condemning hostile activities of the Russian state-sponsored Advanced Persistent Threat Actor 28 (APT28) hacker group targeting institutions and processes of Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Lithuania, Slovakia, Sweden and other allies.
Statement by the North Atlantic Council concerning malicious cyber activities against Germany and Czechia NATO 03 May 2024 -- "We stand in solidarity with Germany following the malicious cyber campaign against a political party, in this case the Social Democratic Party of Germany, and with Czechia following the malicious cyber activities against its institutions."
The United States Condemns Malicious Cyber Activity Targeting Germany, Czechia, and Other EU Member States US Dept. of State 03 May 2024 -- The United States strongly condemns the malicious cyber activity by Russia's General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), also known as APT28, against Germany, Czechia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Sweden. We join Germany in attributing specific malign activity carried out by APT28 that targeted a German political party.
UK joins partners in condemnation of malicious cyber activity by Russian Intelligence Services: UK government statement UK FCDO 03 May 2024 -- The United Kingdom has joined with its international partners to condemn malicious cyber activity by the Russian Intelligence Services.
Readout of Annual Principals Meeting of the Five Eyes Law Enforcement Group US Dept. of Justice 03 May 2024Attorney General Merrick B. Garland attended the Five Eyes Law Enforcement Group (FELEG) Annual Principals Meeting this week, where international and national partners met to discuss technology, innovation and encryption, and the emergent impacts on global safety.
Taiwan bans its citizens from working for China's Confucius Institutes CNA 03 May 2024 -- Confucius Institutes have been added to a list of Chinese political, governmental and military bodies at which Taiwan's citizens are banned from working, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said on Thursday.
U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar and His Wife Charged with Bribery, Unlawful Foreign Influence, and Money Laundering Schemes US Dept. of Justice 03 May 2024 -- An indictment was unsealed today in the Southern District of Texas charging U.S. Congressman Enrique Roberto "Henry" Cuellar, 68, and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, 67, both of Laredo, Texas, with participating in two schemes involving bribery, unlawful foreign influence, and money laundering. Congressman Cuellar and Imelda Cuellar made their initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Palermo in Houston.
Statement by the North Atlantic Council on recent Russian hybrid activities NATO 02 May 2024 -- NATO Allies are deeply concerned about recent malign activities on Allied territory, including those resulting in the investigation and charging of multiple individuals in connection with hostile state activity affecting Czechia, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and the United Kingdom.
As Telegram's Popularity Soars, Is It 'A Spy In Every Ukrainian's Pocket'? RFE/RL 01 May 2024 -- Whenever Russia launches drones and missiles against Ukrainian cities, mobile phones vibrate and the unpleasant sound of an air-raid siren goes off.
Taiwan travelers cautioned after new state secrets law takes effect in China CNA 01 May 2024 -- Taiwanese are reminded of the risks of visiting China following the enactment of an amended state secrets law on Wednesday, Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) head Chiu Tai-san (邱太三) said the same day.
India rejects Washington Post report on alleged plot to kill US-based Sikh activist VOA 01 May 2024 -- A day after The Washington Post named an official of India's spy agency for plotting the killing of a U.S.-based Sikh separatist leader, the Indian government on Tuesday dismissed the media report, calling it an "unwarranted and unsubstantiated" accusation.
China's amended secrets law sparks fears over widening state powers Radio Free Asia 01 May 2024 -- Recent changes to the way the Chinese government will investigate cases involving "state secrets" and sensitive information have sparked concerns that foreign nationals and companies could be a target of a renewed focus on security under ruling Communist Party leader Xi Jinping, analysts told Radio Free Asia.

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