August 2025 Intelligence News

Army forces find, dismantle Israeli spying device in southern Lebanon Press TV 30 Aug 2025 -- Lebanese government forces have dismantled an Israeli spying device in the country's southern province of Nabatieh, close to the border between the Arab country and the Israeli-occupied territories.
Iran disbands Mossad-linked terrorist team IRNA 30 Aug 2025 -- The provincial branch of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) in the northeastern province of Khorasan Razavi has announced the dismantling of a terrorist team linked to Israel's Mossad.
IRGC arrests Mossad-linked terrorists operating in Iran during Israel's 12-day war Press TV 30 Aug 2025 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has announced the arrest of a terrorist network linked to Israel's Mossad spy agency in Khorasan Razavi province, over their involvement in spying and carrying out activities inside Iran during Israel's recent 12-day aggression against the country.
Gov't monitoring alleged Chinese sleeper agents, PLA presence Philippine News Agency 29 Aug 2025 -- The government is taking seriously the reports of Chinese "sleeper agents" and members of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) operating within the country, Malacañang said on Friday.
3 TSMC employees indicted on trade secret theft charges CNA 27 Aug 2025 -- The Taiwan High Prosecutors Office Intellectual Property Branch on Wednesday indicted three former and current Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) employees for allegedly stealing sensitive trade secrets involving the company's advanced 2-nanometer process.
NSA and Others Provide Guidance to Counter China State-Sponsored Actors Targeting Critical Infrastructure Organizations NSA / Central Security Service 27 Aug 2025 -- The National Security Agency (NSA) and other U.S. and foreign organizations are releasing a joint Cybersecurity Advisory to expose advanced persistent threat (APT) actors sponsored by the Chinese government targeting telecommunications, government, transportation, lodging, and military infrastructure networks globally and outline appropriate mitigation guidance.
Danish foreign minister summons US diplomat over covert influence operations in Greenland Press TV 27 Aug 2025 -- Denmark's foreign minister has reportedly called in the top US diplomat in Copenhagen to address reports that American citizens have been running influence operations in Greenland.
Agency Protects DOD Classified Work From Adversaries DoD News 27 Aug 2025 -- Academic and technology research related to the Defense Department and its allies is ending up in China's government and military industrial complex, said Matthew Redding, the assistant director of industrial security for the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency.
Army Producing Second Tranche of Short-Range Reconnaissance Drones DoD News 27 Aug 2025 -- The Army has initiated production of the second tranche of its short-range reconnaissance unmanned aircraft systems, marking a significant step forward in modernizing battlefield capabilities. The Army selected two vendors to manufacture the SRR system, which will equip the Army's Transformation in Contact units with advanced, networked communication systems designed to address emerging threats.
Five Eyes partners workshop Electronic Warfare environment New Zealand Defence Force 27 Aug 2025 -- The 1st Command Support Regiment (1CSR) has hosted a Five Eyes Tactical Land Electronic Warfare Conference at Burnham Military Camp this month.
Senate eyes stricter anti-espionage law Philippine News Agency 27 Aug 2025 -- Senators on Wednesday are seeking to update the Philippines' anti-espionage laws following reports of foreign nationals allegedly engaged in surveillance activities near sensitive government and military installations.
Iran says Australia's move to reduce diplomatic ties 'unjustifiable' IRNA 27 Aug 2025 -- The Foreign Ministry has expressed regret over Australia's decision to reduce diplomatic relations with Iran, calling the move "unjustifiable" and contrary to the tradition of ties between the two countries.
Iran: Australia responsible for 'consequences' of expelling ambassador Press TV 27 Aug 2025 -- Iran has strongly condemned Australia's recent decision to sever ties with the Islamic Republic, asserting that the "unjustified" move goes against the traditional norms of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Tehran: Trump ignores US intel to justify attack on Iran's nuclear facilities IRNA 26 Aug 2025 -- US President Donald Trump has willfully ignored his own director of national intelligence, who said Iran is not building a nuclear weapon, to justify his unlawful attack on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities, says the Foreign Ministry's spokesperson.
Response to Iranian attacks Prime Minister of Australia 26 Aug 2025 -- Since the terrible events of October 7, 2023 we have witnessed a number of appalling antisemitic attacks against Australia's Jewish community. (...) Enough credible intelligence has now been gathered to reach the deeply disturbing conclusion that the Iranian Government has directed at least two of these attacks.
Press conference - Parliament House, Canberra Prime Minister of Australia 26 Aug 2025
Australia Moves To Blacklist Iran's IRGC, Increasing Pressure On UK And EU RFE/RL 26 Aug 2025 -- Australia has decided to expel Iran's ambassador and move toward officially designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, a step that could prompt the United Kingdom and European Union to do the same.
Australian PM a 'weak politician' appeasing Netanyahu: Araghchi IRNA 26 Aug 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has criticized Australia's decision to expel Tehran's ambassador over allegations it organized "antisemitic" attacks in the country, saying Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is a "weak" leader who appeases Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Iran FM says Australia's envoy expulsion 'appeasement' of Israel Press TV 26 Aug 2025 -- Iran's Foreign Minister has condemned Australia's decision to expel Tehran's ambassador over allegations of attacks on Jewish sites, describing it as an act of appeasement toward a "regime led by war criminals."
'Anti-Semitism just a ploy': Iran vows to retaliate after Australia expels ambassador Press TV 26 Aug 2025 -- Iran has vowed to take appropriate reciprocal action after Australia's expulsion of the Islamic Republic's ambassador over allegations of "anti-Semitism," stressing that acts of religious discrimination have no place in the nation's culture, history, or faith.
Türk calls on Egypt to end "rotation" practice that facilitates prolonged arbitrary detentions OHCHR 26 Aug 2025 -- UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Tuesday called on Egyptian authorities to put an end to a practice that allows Government critics to be held arbitrarily and for prolonged periods, even after serving their sentences or completing maximum pretrial detention.
NCSC and Partners Issue New Guidance to Help U.S. Colleges and Universities Mitigate Emerging Foreign Threats to Their Research as School Year Begins Director of National Intelligence 25 Aug 2025 -- Today, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence's (ODNI) National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) and its federal partners issued new guidance in its Safeguarding Academia bulletin to alert U.S. colleges and universities about increasing foreign threats to their research and to arm them with mitigation strategies for addressing these threats.
DIA's Missile and Space Intelligence Center Breaks Ground on Advanced Analysis Facility DIA 24 Aug 2025 -- The Defense Intelligence Agency's (DIA) Missile and Space Intelligence Center (MSIC) broke ground on a military construction (MILCON) Phase II project at the MSIC Campus in Huntsville, Aug. 26.
Trump administration fires general who said attacks on Iran's nuclear sites had minimal effect Press TV 23 Aug 2025 -- Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth has dismissed a general whose agency's initial intelligence assessment—stating that the June strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities caused only limited damage—sparked anger from President Donald Trump, reports say.
FBI raids home of Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton Press TV 22 Aug 2025 -- The FBI has raided the home of Donald Trump's former National Security Advisor, John Bolton, reportedly in connection with allegations that he possessed classified documents.
US Allegedly Blocks Allies From Intel on Ukraine Conflict Talks With Russia - Reports Sputnik 22 Aug 2025 -- CBS News claims US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has ordered that all intelligence related to the ongoing talks with Russia on Ukraine conflict resolution not be shared with US's closest allies.
Gambian Man, First Non-U.S. National Convicted of Torture, Sentenced to More Than 67 Years in Prison US Dept. of Justice 22 Aug 2025 -- Michael Sang Correa, 46, was sentenced today to 810 months in prison by Senior Judge Christine M. Arguello for the District of Colorado after being convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit torture and five counts of torture. Correa's actions included burning victims' flesh with molten plastic and subjecting them to repeated, vicious beatings over the course of weeks using a variety of weapons.
Taiwan Air Force officer gets 7 years for leaking documents to China CNA 22 Aug 2025 -- A Taiwanese Air Force officer was sentenced to more than seven years in prison Thursday for leaking military documents to China in exchange for money, in a case linked to a retired major already convicted under the National Security Act.
Big Brother At The Bolshoi: Russia's Iconic Theater To Spy On Its Own Staff RFE/RL 22 Aug 2025 -- It is Russia's most famous opera house, where Tchaikovsky premiered Swan Lake, where Russia's premier ballet dancers and symphony musicians are judged for their technical excellence and revered for their artistry. Now employees of the Bolshoi Theater will also be judged - and monitored - by another criteria: their interest in, and views on, Russia's all-out war on Ukraine.
26-month sentence given to former Air Force major who spied for China upheld CNA 21 Aug 2025 -- The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a 26-month prison term for a former Air Force major convicted of spying for Chinese intelligence, while remanding another 10-month sentence to a lower court.
U.S. Navy Sailor Convicted of Spying for China US Dept. of Justice 21 Aug 2025 -- Yesterday, on Aug. 20, a federal jury convicted Jinchao Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, of espionage and export violations. Wei was an active-duty U.S. Navy sailor stationed at Naval Base San Diego when he agreed to sell Navy secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer for $12,000.
China deplores and opposes NZ's groundless accusation of 'foreign interference' Global Times 21 Aug 2025 -- In response to a media inquiry on New Zealand's security service accusing China of being the most active country engaged in foreign interference in New Zealand, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday that China deplores and opposes it.
2025 NZSIS Security Threat Environment report New Zealand Security Intelligence Service 21 Aug 2025 -- The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service has warned the country is facing one of the most challenging national security environments in recent times. The NZSIS has just released its third annual Security Threat Environment report which outlines its assessment of violent extremism, foreign interference and espionage in New Zealand.
DNI Gabbard Launches ODNI 2.0: Reduce bloat by over 40% and save taxpayers $700+ million per year Director of National Intelligence 20 Aug 2025 -- On Wednesday, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard announced a long-overdue transformation of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to refocus on executing its core national security mission with integrity in the most agile, effective, and efficient way.
Report: Russian Sabotage Operations In Europe Have Quadrupled Since 2023 RFE/RL 20 Aug 2025 -- Russia has dramatically increased sabotage operations throughout Europe, a new report has found, with the number of attacks targeting critical infrastructure nearly quadrupling since 2023.
Chief of Army statement in response to Court Martial for attempted espionage New Zealand Defence Force 20 Aug 2025 -- "This has been a significant Court Martial, the first of its kind. Earlier this year, the offender indicated his intent to plead guilty to three charges against the Armed Forces Discipline Act, those being Attempted Espionage, Accessing a Computer System for a Dishonest Purpose and Possessing Objectionable Material."
ODNI Releases February 2025 FISC Certification D Opinion and April 2025 FISC Amended Certification D Opinion and Agency Procedures Director of National Intelligence 19 Aug 2025 -- Today, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), in consultation with the Department of Justice (DOJ), is publicly releasing, in redacted form, two Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) opinions and associated targeting, minimization, and querying procedures related to a new certification permitted by recent Congressional legislation and issued under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
New Jersey Resident Sentenced for Role in Global Export Control and Sanctions Evasion Scheme US Dept. of Justice 18 Aug 2025 -- Today, in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, a New Jersey resident and dual U.S. and Russian national, Vadim Yermolenko, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in a transnational arms dealing and money laundering network that sought to acquire ammunition and sensitive dual-use electronics for Russian military and intelligence services. In addition to the term of imprisonment Yermolenko was ordered to pay a forfeiture money judgment of $75,547.
CISA and Partners Release Asset Inventory Guidance to Strengthen Operational Technology Security CISA 13 Aug 2025 -- Today, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in partnership with the National Security Agency (NSA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Australian Signals Directorate's Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD's ACSC), Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre), Germany's Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), Netherlands' National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-NL), and New Zealand's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-NZ), released new guidance to help operational technology (OT) owners and operators across all critical infrastructure sectors create and maintain comprehensive OT asset inventories and taxonomies.
NSA Joins CISA and Others to Share OT Asset Inventory Guidance NSA / Central Security Service 13 Aug 2025 -- The National Security Agency (NSA) is joining the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and others to release the Cybersecurity Technical Report (CTR), "Foundations for OT Cybersecurity: Asset Inventory Guidance for Owners and Operators."
DNI Clapper to NSA Director Rogers: "That's OUR story, and we're stickin' to it" Director of National Intelligence 13 Aug 2025 -- Today, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard declassified a Top Secret email from then-DNI James Clapper exposing his efforts to suppress concerns raised by then-National Security Agency (NSA) Director Mike Rogers regarding the politicized January 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) that President Obama ordered.
Estonia is expelling a member of the staff of the Russian embassy Estonia MFA 13 Aug 2025 -- Today 13 August, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the chargé d'affaires of the Russian embassy to present a diplomatic note on declaring the First Secretary of the Russian embassy's staff persona non grata. The diplomat must leave Estonia.
Leaked Files Reveal Serbia's Secret Expansion of Chinese-Made Surveillance RFE/RL 13 Aug 2025 -- The Serbian government is substantially expanding its advanced Chinese-made surveillance system, leaked documents reviewed by RFE/RL show, despite years of protests and backlash from the public over its use.
MSS warns foreign spies attempt to exploit food delivery workers to conduct surveillance, gather confidential info Global Times 12 Aug 2025 -- China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Tuesday revealed a case involving a delivery rider who vigilantly defended national security. It warned some people attempted to exploit the advantages of food delivery workers—such as their constant movement through streets, flexible mobility, and familiarity with local terrain—to carry out surveillance and gather confidential information.
'Spider Web' is the result of a unique symbiosis between human intelligence and technical components of the Service's work - SSU Head Vasyl Maliuk Security Service of Ukraine 12 Aug 2025 -- The special operation Spider Web was successful thanks to the unique symbiosis of human intelligence and technical components used by the Security Service of Ukraine. The Head of the SSU, Lieutenant General Vasyl Maliuk, stated this in an interview with We Are Ukraine(My-Ukraina) TV Channel during the United News telethon.
Air Force punishes captain for photographing aircraft assignment list CNA 11 Aug 2025 -- Taiwan's Air Force said Monday that a captain has been punished for taking photos of military information with his camera phone and sharing them with others.
An Israeli soldier detained on suspicion of espionage for Iran IRNA 10 Aug 2025 -- Israeli authorities have reported the arrest of one of their military personnel on charges of collaborating with the Iranian intelligence apparatus.
MOFA investigates suspected leak of official documents CNA 09 Aug 2025 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Friday it is investigating a suspected leak of official documents, amid reports that they were up for sale on the dark web.
Chinese FM responds to reports of two Chinese being charged by US for exporting Nvidia chip to China Global Times 07 Aug 2025 -- When being asked for comments on reports that said two Chinese nationals were charged with sending advanced AI chips made by Nvidia Corp. to China in violation of US export restrictions, citing the US Justice Department, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Thursday that China opposes the US politicizing tech and trade issues and using them as weapons to maliciously blockade and go after China.
Israel using Microsoft cloud to spy on and target Palestinians, investigation reveals IRNA 07 Aug 2025 -- An investigation has found that Israel's military intelligence unit, Unit 8200, has been using Microsoft's Azure cloud platform to store and analyze vast amounts of data on Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Gaza.
MSS unveils case of foreign agents hacking commercial camera to spy on Chinese port Global Times 07 Aug 2025 -- China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Thursday revealed a case in which a surveillance camera installed by a commercial shop near a port was hacked by foreign agents and used to monitor the port. The ministry warned that cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, posing serious threats to personal data and national security, and urged the public to stay vigilant.
NCTC Supports Multi-Agency Effort to Arrest Top Sinaloa Cartel Narcotics Trafficker Director of National Intelligence 06 Aug 2025 -- The Office of the Director of National Intelligence's (ODNI) National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) provided crucial intelligence to support the successful detention and arrest of a dangerous Sinaloa Cartel leader, Jaime Rene Huereca Casavantes at the Port of Entry in El Paso, Texas, on August 1, 2025.
MSS warns of foreign espionage risks from facial data theft Global Times 06 Aug 2025 -- China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Wednesday sounded the alarm over the risk of personal information theft through biometric identification technologies, warning that publicly disclosed cases have shown foreign spies stealing facial data to carry out close-targeted espionage against China.
Chinese FM responds to Chinese descent on trial for espionage charges in Germany Global Times 06 Aug 2025 -- When asked to comment on media reports that a former assistant of Chinese descent to a politician for the Alternative for Germany, who is charged with spying for China's intelligence agency, has gone on trial and that a woman identified as Chinese national is also on trial being charged with helping him by providing information about flights, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated on Wednesday that China always opposes peddling the so-called spying threat from China.
Active-Duty Soldier Arrested and Charged with Espionage and Export Violations US Dept. of Justice 06 Aug 2025 -- Taylor Adam Lee, 22, of El Paso, Texas, was arrested today on charges of attempted transmission of national defense information to a foreign adversary and attempted export of controlled technical data without a license.
Iran executes Mossad spy over role in nuclear scientist's assassination Press TV 06 Aug 2025 -- Iran's Judiciary has confirmed the execution of a Mossad spy convicted of leaking information about an assassinated nuclear scientist to the Israeli spy agency.
Judiciary chief vows firm legal action against spies IRNA 05 Aug 2025 -- Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei has reaffirmed Iran's commitment to taking resolute legal action against foreign spies and infiltrators, while ensuring due process and justice.
3 TSMC employees arrested for allegedly stealing trade secrets CNA 05 Aug 2025 -- Three current and former employees of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) have been arrested for allegedly stealing sensitive trade secrets related to the company's advanced 2-nanometer technology, prosecutors said Tuesday.
Chinese FM spokesperson responds to Australian government's recent charge against Chinese citizen under 'foreign interference' law Global Times 05 Aug 2025 -- In response to media inquiries regarding the Australian government recently charging a Chinese citizen under the "foreign interference" law, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated on Tuesday that "We are not familiar with the specifics."
MSS warns of foreign espionage risks from personal information theft Global Times 06 Aug 2025 -- China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Wednesday sounded the alarm over the risk of personal information theft through biometric identification technologies, warning that publicly disclosed cases have shown foreign spies stealing facial data to carry out close-targeted espionage against China.
Iran's access to profile of pilots involved in attacks 'serious and dangerous': Israeli media IRNA 04 Aug 2025 -- Israeli media have reacted to Iran's release of the profile of a female Israeli pilot who participated in the regime's 12-day war of aggression on the Islamic Republic in mid-June.
Russian Intel Warns of UK Plan to Stage Tanker Incident Sputnik 04 Aug 2025 -- British intelligence agencies are planning to involve NATO allies in launching a large-scale crackdown on the so-called "shadow fleet" carrying Russian oil, the press bureau of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said on Monday.
Beale AFB conducts historic U-2 Dragon Lady flight, 11 years in the making US Air Force 04 Aug 2025 -- On the evening of July 31st, a TU-2S Dragon Lady from the 9th Reconnaissance Wing took off from Beale Air Force Base to begin a flight unlike any the U-2 airframe had done before. Seventy years after the very first Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady's accidental maiden flight in 1955 by Tony LeVier over Groom Lake, Nevada, the U-2 would finish the longest single flight this platform had ever attempted, flying across all 48 contiguous states of the United States.
Iranian intelligence operatives uncover full profiles of Israeli air force pilots, commanders Press TV 02 Aug 2025 -- Iranian intelligence operatives have uncovered the full profiles of the Israeli air force pilots, commanders, and drone operators, who partook in the Israeli regime's unprovoked war on the Islamic Republic in June.
Iran Accused Of Kidnap Plot As US, Allies Warn Of Growing Threats In West RFE/RL 02 Aug 2025 -- It was a chilling message in a call from the police: "The Islamic republic is trying to kidnap you and take you to Iran."
'Politically motivated': Iran's embassy in Denmark rejects accusations of extraterritorial interference Press TV 02 Aug 2025 -- The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Denmark has vehemently denied the accusations made by some Western countries regarding interference in extraterritorial activities against dissidents, journalists, or officials.
US intelligence uses Microsoft Exchange zero-day vulnerabilities to attack Chinese military-industrial enterprise's email servers: report Global Times 01 Aug 2025 -- The Cyber Security Association of China on Friday released details of two cases related to frequent cyberattacks and espionage by US intelligence agencies targeting China's key industries, issuing security alerts for critical sectors. One case involved an attack exploiting the zero-day vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Exchange email system, while the other exploited flaws in an electronic document system.
Chinese FM responds to report of US govt's cyberattacks using other countries as springboards Global Times 01 Aug 2025 -- Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun presided over the regular press conference on August 1. A reporter asked, the Cyber Security Association of China today released two cases in which the US government used Germany, South Korea, Singapore and the Netherlands as springboards to launch cyberattacks against China. The report also revealed that in 2024, overseas state-level APT groups launched over 600 cyberattacks against China's key institutions, targeting critical information infrastructure and important information systems for attack and infiltration. What's China's comment on this?

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