U.S. Soldier Arrested, accused of Attempting to Share Tank Data wiht Russia
Source: CNN, U.S. department of Justice
A U.S. Army soldier has been arrested in El Paso, Texas, and charged with attempting to transmit confidential information regarding American combat tanks to Russia.
Taylor Adam Lee, 22, currently stationed at Fort Bliss, allegedly offered assistance to Russian entities and, in June, transmitted technical data concerning the M1A2 Abrams tank via the internet. Federal prosecutors claim Lee possessed a high level of security clearance granting access to sensitive information.
According to court documents, Lee expressed online sentiments indicating dissatisfaction with the U.S. and a willingness to aid the Russian Federation. He reportedly stated, “At the moment, I am even ready to voluntarily help the Russian Federation in any way.”
Prosecutors further allege that in July, lee attempted to provide confidential vulnerability information about the tanks to an individual he believed to be a Russian intelligence operative. Later that month, he allegedly delivered what appeared to be a component of tank equipment to a warehouse in El Paso, Texas, following which he sent a message stating, “The mission is completed.”
Lee faces charges related to violations of espionage laws, specifically the unlawful handling of national defense information, as well as attempting to illegally export controlled technical data in violation of weapons export control regulations. The Department of Justice has requested he be held without bail pending trial.
Lee made his initial appearance in federal court on Wednesday, and his legal representation remains unknown at this time. The U.S. Army has been contacted for comment by CNN.
Roman Rozhavsky, Deputy Director of the FBI Counterintelligence Division, stated that Lee allegedly offered the information in exchange for Russian citizenship.
“Today’s arrest serves as a warning to those who consider betraying the United States, particularly those in uniform who have sworn to protect our nation,” Rozhavsky said.
Brigade General Sean F. Steenchon, Commander of U.S. Army Counterintelligence, described the incident as “an anxious reminder of a serious threat” to the U.S. Army.
“Thanks to the diligent work of Army Counterintelligence special agents and our FBI partners, those who violate their oath and pose an internal threat will be apprehended and prosecuted, and we will continue to safeguard our personnel and equipment,” Steenchon added.
UK Uncovers Sophisticated Russian Cyber Espionage Campaign, Imposes Sanctions
Grate Britain has revealed a meaningful digital espionage operation orchestrated by Russian GRU intelligence officers, targeting governments and institutions across Europe. The National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) identified a novel malware, dubbed “AUTHENTIC ANTICS,” used to steal login credentials from microsoft online services, prompting the Foreign Office to announce sanctions against several GRU personnel.
according to official reports, three distinct GRU units have been implicated in a multi-year campaign of cyberattacks. These operations have targeted critical infrastructure, including telecommunications companies, media outlets, political institutions, and energy sectors throughout Europe. Notable incidents include attacks against the Estonian government in 2020, the German parliament in 2015, and the Paris Olympics last year. In 2016, the Democratic Party in the United States was also a target.
The NCSC detailed that one of the GRU teams developed the “AUTHENTIC ANTICS” tool, which exploits Microsoft‘s cloud services to surreptitiously acquire user login information. While the NCSC has not disclosed the specific targets of this particular tool, they have linked one of the sanctioned groups to the events at the Mariupol Theater, which was bombed in March 2022. Furthermore, members of these groups are alleged to have been involved in the espionage activities related to the 2018 poisoning of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal.
Members of these groups are also believed to have spied on individuals connected to the 2018 poisoning of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal.
in response to these findings,the British Foreign Office has imposed sanctions on the three identified GRU groups and 18 intelligence officers. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the GRU’s actions constitute a complete campaign aimed at destabilizing europe, undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty, and posing a threat to the security of British citizens. British authorities have a history of accusing Russia of espionage, sabotage, and assassinations on its soil, allegations that Russia consistently denies.
UK Sanctions Russian Military Intelligence Unit for Cyberattacks and Sabotage Operations
London,UK – The British government has imposed sanctions on Russia’s military intelligence agency,the GRU,and several of its units,including Unit 26165,for a pattern of malicious cyber activities and disruptive operations. These actions, detailed by the British foreign ministry, include online reconnaissance on civilian bomb shelters in Ukraine and targeting individuals with malware.
On March 15, 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Unit 26165 reportedly conducted online reconnaissance on civilian bomb shelters in Mariupol and Kharkiv. This activity occurred just before the Mariupol theater, where civilians had painted “children” on the exterior in a plea for safety, was hit by Russian airstrikes the following day. An Associated Press examination indicated that approximately 600 people, including many children, died in that attack.
The GRU’s activities are not limited to the current conflict. In 2013, officers from the same unit allegedly targeted the daughter of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal with malware. Skripal and his daughter Yulia were later poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok in Salisbury, England, in 2018, an attack the British government attributed to Russian intelligence.
The sanctions also extend to the Africa Initiative, which the foreign ministry stated is used by Russian intelligence officers to conduct facts operations in Africa. These operations reportedly aim to undermine public health programs and destabilize countries on the continent.
The Associated press is actively tracking Russia’s broader campaign of sabotage and disruption across Europe, which encompasses a range of activities from cyberattacks and propaganda to arson and attempted assassinations. Western officials have attributed over 70 distinct attacks to Russia since the invasion of Ukraine.The sanctioned military intelligence units are also accused of targeting foreign aid to Kyiv, ports, infrastructure, border crossings, and technology companies.
While acknowledging that sanctions against GRU officers may have limited direct impact, the British foreign ministry stated that the objective is to increase awareness of Russia’s ongoing campaign and to raise the costs for individuals working for its intelligence services, including restricting their travel capabilities.
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Japanese Businessman Sentenced to 3.5 Years in China for Espionage
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Astellas Pharma employee sentenced to three and a half years in prison, Japan’s embassy in Beijing says.
World Today News Staff
A Japanese businessman has been sentenced to three and a half years in China for espionage, Japan’s embassy in Beijing has announced.
The man, identified by Japan’s Kyodo News agency as a Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. employee in his 60s, was detained in March 2023 and formally arrested in October.
“Considering the sentence,we have once again strongly urged the Chinese side for the early release of the Japanese national concerned in this case and also others detained,” Tokyo’s embassy in Beijing stated Wednesday.
The embassy also called for China to “ensure their legitimate rights and humane treatment during detention” and “improve the clarity of the judicial process.”
Japanese Ambassador kenji Kanasugi described the verdict as “extremely regrettable” in comments to the media following the trial at Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People’s Court.
Tokyo has lodged protests against a series of detentions of its citizens in China.
Since China enacted its counterespionage law in 2014, a total of 17 Japanese nationals, including the Astellas Pharma employee, have been detained, according to Kyodo.
Of those,five remain in China.
Background on Japan-China Relations and Espionage Cases
Tensions between Japan and China have periodically surfaced, often related to territorial disputes and national security concerns. China’s counterespionage law, introduced in 2014, has been a point of contention, with japan arguing it lacks transparency and due process.
The detentions of Japanese citizens have led to diplomatic protests from Tokyo, emphasizing the need for fair treatment and adherence to international legal standards.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Espionage Case
- What is the sentence for the Japanese businessman accused of espionage in China?
- the Japanese businessman has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison.
- Which company was the detained Japanese national employed by?
- The businessman was an employee of Astellas Pharma Inc., a Tokyo-based company.
- When was the Japanese businessman first detained in China?
- He was first detained in March 2023 and formally arrested in October of the same year.
- What has Japan’s embassy in Beijing requested from China regarding detained nationals?
- Japan’s embassy has urged China for the early release of detained Japanese nationals and called for their legitimate rights and humane treatment.
- How many Japanese nationals have been detained in China since 2014?
- A total of 17 japanese nationals have been detained since China introduced its counterespionage law in 2014.
- Are there still japanese nationals detained in China?
- Yes, five Japanese nationals, including the Astellas Pharma employee, are still detained in China.