December 2024 Intelligence News

US Treasury's hacking accusation unfounded, China opposes disinformation out of political purposes: FM Global Times 31 Dec 2024 -- In response to US Treasury's claim that a China state-sponsored actor infiltrated Treasury workstations in what US Treasury officials are describing as a "major incident," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that regarding these unfounded accusations lacking evidence, we have repeatedly stated our position.
Underwater investigations restarted in the Gulf of Finland Police of Finland 31 Dec 2024 -- The authorities have restarted their underwater investigations after interruption due to, for example, poor weather conditions. The criminal investigation into the cable ruptures that took place in the Gulf of Finland on Christmas Day 25 December is active and continues with also other investigative measures.
Cable ruptures also investigated as offences of aggravated interference of communications Police of Finland 30 Dec 2024 -- The joint operation carried out by the authorities in the Gulf of Finland remains active. The operation began after multiple cables were ruptured in the Baltic Sea on Christmas Day, 25 December.
NATO to enhance military presence in the Baltic Sea NATO 30 Dec 2024 -- Allies met today (30 December 2024) at NATO Headquarters to consult on the security of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, following damage to undersea cables connecting Estonia and Finland on 25 December.
Finnish Investigators Find Anchor Marks On Seabed Near Damaged Cables RFE/RL 30 Dec 2024 -- Finland said drag marks from an anchor have been found on the Baltic Sea floor in an area where several power and data cables were damaged, which authorities suspect was caused by a vessel linked to Russia's "shadow fleet."
Finland discovers anchor 'dragging track' amid suspicions of Russian subsea sabotage VOA 30 Dec 2024 -- Finnish authorities have discovered anchor drag marks running for several kilometers across the Baltic seabed as they probe the recent severing of important power and internet cables.
National Bureau of Investigation continues investigation into cable rupture Police of Finland 29 Dec 2024 -- The investigation into the events in the Gulf of Finland is still at an early stage. The police, together with other authorities, continue the investigation into the events.
Eagle S tanker successfully transferred to Porvoo Police of Finland 28 Dec 2024 -- The police, in cooperation with the other authorities, have successfully transferred the Eagle S tanker to the Svartbeck inner anchorage near Porvoo.
Germany Says Baltic Cable Damage A 'Wake-Up Call' As Report Describes 'Spy Ship' RFE/RL 28 Dec 2024 -- Germany's foreign minister described the suspected sabotage of a Baltic Sea power cable as a "wake-up call" for the West and urged the European Union to impose new sanctions targeting what is known as Russia's "shadow fleet."
Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service: US, UK special forces directing attacks on bases in Syria Press TV 28 Dec 2024 -- Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) says US and British special services are plotting a series of terrorist attacks on Russian military bases in Syria, following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad's government by militant groups earlier this month.
Gulf of Finland cable rupture: Investigation of the seabed underway Police of Finland 27 Dec 2024 -- The police have continued the investigation into the events in the Gulf of Finland in cooperation with other authorities.
On-the-Record Press Gaggle by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby The White House 27 Dec 2024
The Minister of Defence and the Commander of the Defence Forces agreed on a naval operation to protect Estlink 1 Estonia MoD 27 Dec 2024 -- Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur and Commander of the Defence Forces Major General Andrus Merilo agreed that this morning the Estonian Navy will commence the protection of the Estlink 1 undersea cable with patrol ships to secure energy connections between Estonia and Finland.
Heightened maritime surveillance to protect critical undersea infrastructure Swedish Coast Guard 27 Dec 2024 -- The Swedish Coast Guard has increased its surveillance of marine traffic. Among other things, this increased presence is intended to protect critical undersea infrastructure.
NATO Vows To Bolster Baltic Presence Amid Suspected Undersea Sabotage RFE/RL 27 Dec 2024 -- NATO has said it would bolster its presence in the Baltic Sea after undersea power lines and Internet cables were damaged by suspected sabotage believed to be carried out by vessels belonging to Russia's so-called "shadow fleet."
Foreign Minister Tsahkna: Threat to our infrastructure will get a response Estonia MFA 27 Dec 2024
President and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discuss recent damage to cables in Gulf of Finland and related follow-up measures Finnish Government 27 Dec 2024 -- On Friday 27 December, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy received a briefing on the damage to cables in the Baltic Sea on Christmas Day.
Justice Department Issues Final Rule Addressing Threat Posed by Foreign Adversaries' Access to Americans' Sensitive Personal Data US Dept. of Justice 27 Dec 2024 -- Final Rule Implements Executive Order to Prevent Access to Americans' Bulk Sensitive Personal Data and U.S. Government-Related Data by Russia, Iran, China and Other Countries of Concern
HTS-led authorities appoint al-Qaeda operative as Syria's new spy chief Press TV 26 Dec 2024 -- Authorities led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group have appointed Anas Hassan Khattab as Syria's new spy chief amid a desperate attempt by the administration to tighten its grip on power across the Arab country.
One foreign element arrested in northwest Iran IRNA 26 Dec 2024 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has said that its forces arrested a foreign element, involved in intelligence activities, in the northwestern country.
IRGC intelligence forces capture agent linked to foreign espionage service Press TV 26 Dec 2024 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) intelligence forces have arrested an individual in Iran's northwestern province of Ardabil on charges of affiliation to the spy agency of a neighboring country.
Ship Suspected Of Damaging Cables Off Finland Part Of Russia's 'Shadow Fleet,' EU Says RFE/RL 26 Dec 2024 -- The European Commission said a cargo ship suspected of having deliberately damaged power and Internet cables in the Baltic Sea is part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," prompting the EU to threaten new sanctions against Moscow.
Police investigating incidents in the Gulf of Finland in cooperation with other authorities Police of Finland 26 Dec 2024 -- The police, in cooperation with other authorities, are investigating the rupture of the Estlink 2 power transmission cable within Finland's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Gulf of Finland on Wednesday, 25 December, 2024.
Joint Statement by the European Commission and the High Representative on the Investigation into Damaged Electricity and Data Cables in the Baltic Sea European External Action Service (EEAS) 26 Dec 2024 -- "Yesterday's incident involving undersea cables in the Baltic Sea is the latest in a series of suspected attacks on critical infrastructure."
Foreign Minister Tsahkna: It is difficult to see dragging anchors on the seabed as accidents Estonia MFA 26 Dec 2024 -- Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna just spoke to Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen on the phone to discuss yesterday's incidents involving submarine infrastructure.
MSS reveals case of Chinese self-media blogger coerced by foreign intelligence agency to carry out espionage tasks Global Times 26 Dec 2024 -- A Chinese video blogger with a large number of followers popular for producing exotic-themed videos was pressured by a foreign intelligence agency to engage in espionage but was exempted from punishment after reporting the situation to Chinese national security authorities, according to China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Thursday.
Yemen says it foiled US-Israeli espionage plot IRNA 25 Dec 2024 -- Yemeni security services say they have neutralized an espionage plot hatched by the intelligence services of the United States and the Israeli regime amid the Arab country's ongoing support for Palestine.
China informs relevant countries in advance on Yi Peng 3 resuming voyage, willing to maintain communication in follow-up handling: FM Global Times 23 Dec 2024 -- In response to a report by Financial Times that Sweden criticized China for refusing to allow the Nordic country's main investigator on board a Chinese vessel which likely severed Baltic Sea cables, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated on Monday that, to her knowledge, China has invited representatives from Germany, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark to participate in joint fact-finding investigations and has provided relevant data and information with them.
US charges man with infiltrating local California politics as 'illegal' Chinese agent Radio Free Asia 23 Dec 2024 -- Investigators in the United States have accused a 64-year-old man of "acting as an illegal agent" of Beijing while serving as campaign manager for a municipal election candidate in a California city, amid mounting concern over widespread Chinese infiltration.
China's state security authority warns about foreign spy agencies using social media comments to steal national secrets Global Times 23 Dec 2024 -- China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) warned on Monday about foreign spy agencies using internet users' comments on Chinese social media to steal national secrets.
Couriers intercept overseas cult organizations' illegal propaganda materials, drug-making raw materials, contributing to state security: MSS Global Times 22 Dec 2024 -- China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Sunday revealed three cases where couriers identified prohibited items posing risks to state security, including overseas cult organizations' illegal propaganda materials, drug-making materials and plant seedlings and seeds destined for overseas, as couriers flagged suspicious packages, individuals and behaviors, contributing to state security.
Israel indicts two settlers over suspected spying for Hezbollah Press TV 22 Dec 2024 -- At least two Israeli settlers have been arrested in occupied al-Quds for allegedly passing on information to contacts in the Hezbollah resistance movement during the Israeli aggression against Lebanon.
China FM urges Germany to stop manipulation, smears, and protect Chinese national's legitimate rights after reports of espionage probe into Chinese suspect Global Times 20 Dec 2024 -- In response to an inquiry on that German authorities are launching an espionage probe into a Chinese national who allegedly took pictures at a German naval base, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that he is not aware of the case and the Chinese government consistently urges Chinese citizens abroad to abide by local laws and regulations.
California Man Sentenced for Acting as an Illegal Agent of the People's Republic of China Government and Bribery US Dept. of Justice 19 Nov 2024 -- John Chen, 71, of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Los Angeles, was sentenced today to 20 months in prison for acting as unregistered agents of the PRC and bribing an IRS agent in connection with a plot to target U.S.-based practitioners of Falun Gong — a spiritual practice banned in the PRC.
California Political Operative Arrested on Complaint Alleging He Acted as Illegal Agent of People's Republic of China US Dept. of Justice 19 Dec 2024 -- A criminal complaint filed Dec. 17 and unsealed this morning charges Yaoning "Mike" Sun, 64, for allegedly acting as an illegal agent of the People's Republic of China (PRC) while serving as the campaign manager for a political candidate who was elected in 2022 to the city council of a California city. Sun was arrested today is expected to make his initial appearance this afternoon in the Central District of California.
Government introduces a sanction to defend against hostile influence activities by Russia and Belarus Estonia MFA 19 Dec 2024 -- The Foreign Minister today submitted a proposal to the government on imposing a sanction to defend Estonia against hostile influence activities by Russia and Belarus.
Former Member of Congress Charged with Acting as an Unregistered Agent of a Venezuelan National US Dept. of Justice 18 Dec 2024 -- A grand jury in the District of Columbia returned an indictment yesterday charging David Rivera, 59, of Miami, with a scheme to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and to launder funds to conceal and promote his criminal conduct.
New York Resident Pleads Guilty to Operating Secret Police Station of the Chinese Government in Lower Manhattan US Dept. of Justice 18 Dec 2024 -- Chen Jinping, 60, of New York, New York, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to act as an illegal agent of the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC), in connection with opening and operating an undeclared overseas police station, located in lower Manhattan, for the PRC's Ministry of Public Security (MPS).
New York man pleads guilty to helping run 'secret Chinese police station' Radio Free Asia 18 Dec 2024 -- Manhattan resident Chen Jinping has pleaded guilty to a charge in federal court related to running a secret Chinese police station in New York.
CIDG files cybercrime raps vs. alleged Chinese spy Philippine News Agency 18 Dec 2024 -- The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has filed cases for violation of cybercrime laws against a Chinese national suspected of being a spy who was arrested in Makati City in May.
Cases of minors endangering national security in China on the rise: MSS Global Times 18 Dec 2024 -- The Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) disclosed several typical cases involving minors engaging in activities that endanger national security. These cases reveal a rising trend that minors are targeted and recruited by foreign espionage and intelligence agencies, causing serious social concerns, according to the MSS WeChat account on Wednesday.
Kyiv Says It Broke Up Russian Spy Network Targeting F-16 Fighter Data RFE/RL 17 Dec 2024 -- The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said it disrupted what it described as the "biggest network" of Russian spies operating within the country who were allegedly collecting intelligence on ally-donated F-16 fighter jets, among other military targets.
Israeli settler detained for suspected Iranian espionage plot Press TV 17 Dec 2024 -- Israeli forces say they have arrested a settler from the occupied city of al-Quds on charges of espionage for Iran and being involved in a plot to carry out an attack in the occupied territories.
UK court dismisses claim against intel agency by alleged Chinese 'spy' Radio Free Asia 17 Dec 2024 -- A London-based lawyer accused of secretly working with China's propaganda arm has lost a legal appeal against the U.K.'s domestic intelligence service.
Allegation of so-called 'Chinese spy' in UK is just preposterous: Chinese FM Global Times 17 Dec 2024 -- In response to an alleged "Chinese spy" case in the UK, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday that the "China espionage" accusation is just preposterous. Advancing China-UK relations is in the interest of both countries, and conducive to global growth and response to global challenges.
Chinese embassy urges UK to cease anti-China political manipulation regarding businessman banned from entering UK Global Times 17 Dec 2024 -- The Chinese Embassy in the UK on Tuesday urged the UK side to immediately stop creating trouble, stop anti-China political manipulations, and stop undermining normal personnel exchanges between the two countries after a Chinese businessman is reportedly being banned from entering the UK.
China's Ministry of State Security reveals cases of individuals voluntarily serving foreign espionage agencies for profit Global Times 16 Dec 2024 -- China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) revealed on Monday three cases involving individuals voluntarily pledging allegiance to foreign spy agencies for profit and endangering state security. The ministry uncovered the cases and mitigated risks of information leakage, providing a strong deterrent to similar activities.
Russian hybrid threats: EU agrees first listings in response to destabilising activities against the EU, its member states and partners EC/CEU 16 Dec 2024 -- For the first time ever, the Council today decided to impose restrictive measures against 16 individuals and three entities responsible for Russia's destabilising actions abroad. These measures are in response to Russia's malicious actions and its lack of respect for a rules-based international order and international law.
BREAKING: UK court names alleged Chinese spy 'H6' as Yang Tengbo Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2024 -- Yang Tengbo was officially named as the alleged Chinese spy in Prince Andrew's entourage after a United Kingdom court lifted an anonymity order today.
Resident of China Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Send Leading Electric Vehicle Company's Trade Secrets US Dept. of Justice 16 Dec 2024 -- Klaus Pflugbeil, 59, of Ningbo, China, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for conspiring to send trade secrets that belong to a leading U.S.-based electric vehicle company (Victim Company-1). Pflugbeil, a resident of the People's Republic of China (the PRC or China) and a Canadian and German national, and his co-defendant, Yilong Shao, who remains at large, are owners of a PRC-based business (Business-1) that sold technology used to make batteries, including batteries used in electric vehicles.
Serbian Government Using Top Tech To Spy On Journalists, Amnesty Says RFE/RL 16 Dec 2024 -- Serbian authorities have been using sophisticated digital surveillance technology to access mobile phones used by journalists and activists, Amnesty International said on December 16.
National security requirements of legislation on real estate expropriation under review Finnish MoD 13 Dec 2024 -- On 10 December 2024, the Finnish Ministry of Defence set up a project to examine the need to amend the Act on the Expropriation of Immovable Property and Special Rights to Ensure National Security.
Kirtland AFB to gain 306th Intelligence Squadron US Air Force 13 Dec 2024 -- The Department of the Air Force selected Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, as the preferred location to host the 306th Intelligence Squadron.
Russian National Indicted for Assisting Sanctioned Oligarch in Schemes to Employ an American Citizen to Launch and Operate Russian Television Network US Dept. of Justice 12 Dec 2024 -- A superseding indictment was unsealed today charging Alexey Komov, 53, of Russia, with conspiracy and violations of U.S. sanctions arising from his assistance to sanctioned Russian oligarch Konstantin Malofeyev, who was previously charged with sanctions violations in April 2022.
Two negative decisions on real estate transactions Finnish MoD 12 Dec 2024 -- On 10 December 2024, Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen made two negative permit decisions concerning real estate acquisitions by buyers from outside the EU and EEA.
Advanced Research Workshop on Undersea Communications Cables and Crisis Management Government of Iceland 11 Dec 2024 -- The Department of Defence in Ireland and the Directorate for Defence of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Iceland jointly hosted an Advanced Research Workshop on Undersea Communications Cables and Crisis Management on 3-5 December.
China-Based Hacker Charged for Conspiring to Develop and Deploy Malware That Exploited Tens of Thousands of Firewalls Worldwide US Dept. of Justice 10 Dec 2024 -- A federal court in Hammond, Indiana, unsealed an indictment today charging Guan Tianfeng, a citizen of the People's Republic of China (PRC) for his involvement in a conspiracy to hack indiscriminately into firewall devices worldwide in 2020.
U.S. Takes Action in Response to Compromise of Firewall Products US Dept. of State 10 Dec 2024 -- The United States is imposing sanctions today on the Chengdu-based cybersecurity company Sichuan Silence Information Technology Company, Limited (Sichuan Silence), and one of its employees, Guan Tianfeng (Guan), for their roles in the compromise of tens of thousands of firewalls worldwide, including firewalls at U.S. critical infrastructure companies.
Treasury Sanctions Cybersecurity Company Involved in Compromise of Firewall Products and Attempted Ransomware Attacks US Treasury 10 Dec 2024 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning cybersecurity company Sichuan Silence Information Technology Company, Limited(Sichuan Silence), and one of its employees, Guan Tianfeng(Guan), both based in People's Republic of China (PRC), for their roles in the April 2020 compromise of tens of thousands of firewalls worldwide. Many of the victims were U.S. critical infrastructure companies.
Cyber Command Chief Discusses Challenges of Getting Intel to Users DoD News 08 Dec 2024 -- The United States has spent trillions of dollars on ensuring intelligence and the network that distributes that intelligence is the best on the planet, but more needs to be done, said Air Force Gen. Timothy D. Haugh, commander of U.S. Cyber Command, director, National Security Agency and chief, Central Security Service, in a discussion at the Reagan Defense Forum yesterday.
INTERVIEW: An Ex-FBI agent helps unravel the mysteries of a spy swap Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2024 -- A secret deal between the US and China announced in November allowed Chinese nationals to be freed in exchange for the release of several Americans imprisoned in China.
Renewed concerns that US adversary behind 'Havana Syndrome' VOA 06 Dec 2024 -- A series of brain injuries and other serious health ailments that struck hundreds of U.S. diplomats and intelligence officials was almost certainly the work of a U.S. adversary, according to a new report by U.S. lawmakers, who accuse the nation's intelligence agencies of trying to hide the truth.
Crawford, CIA Subcommittee Release Interim Report on Havana Syndrome US House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence 05 Dec 2024 -- Today, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence CIA Subcommittee Chairman Rick Crawford (AR-01) released an unclassified interim report on the Committee's investigation into Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs), also commonly known as "Havana Syndrome," and the increasing likelihood a foreign adversary is responsible for some of the reported AHI cases.
Russian Woman Arrested In U.S. For Alleged Ties To Russian Intelligence RFE/RL 03 Dec 2024 -- A Russian national, Nomma Zarubina, has been arrested on possible charges of providing false information to U.S. law enforcement and maintaining connections with Russian intelligence services, linking her to another suspected spy who fled the United States while being pursued by authorities.
Chinese hackers still lurk in US telecommunications systems VOA 03 Dec 2024 -- Chinese hackers blamed for compromising U.S. telecommunications infrastructure and spying on American presidential campaigns and American officials are still entrenched in those systems, according to senior U.S. officials who warn it could be years before the hackers are kicked out.
Minister Lulu Ranne: We take any cable damage seriously, but we stay calm Finnish Government 03 Dec 2024 -- Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne says that, as a rule, data cable damage should always be taken seriously.
China slams Lithuania over expulsions amid cable-cutting row Radio Free Asia 02 Dec 2024 -- China on Monday slammed Lithuania's expulsion of three of its nationals amid an ongoing row over the involvement of a Chinese-registered cargo vessel in the cutting of undersea internet cables in the Baltic Sea.
Three staff members of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China have been declared undesirable in Lithuania due to activities that violate the Vienna Convention and the laws of the Republic of Lithuania Lithuania MFA 02 Dec 2024 -- On 29 November, a diplomatic note was delivered to the People's Republic of China (PRC) regarding the declaration of three non-accredited staff members of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China as personae non gratae and unacceptable in Lithuania.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on Lithuanian Foreign Ministry's Demand for Chinese Diplomatic Personnel to Leave the Country Within the Time Required PRC MofA 02 Dec 2024
Trump nominates former aide Kash Patel to head FBI VOA 01 Dec 2024 -- Donald Trump's nomination of Kash Patel, a loyalist of the U.S. president-elect, to be director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation has added to the list of Trump's unconventional appointments to top-level jobs in his nascent administration.

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