In a significant development, Canadian authorities have apprehended a retired police officer, William Majcher, on charges of engaging in foreign interference on behalf of China.

The arrest comes amidst escalating tensions between Canada and China, prompting concerns about potential attempts to influence Canadian affairs by foreign entities, as reported by AFP.

<h2>Retired officer accused of serving Chinese interests</h2>

William Majcher, a 60-year-old former police officer residing in Hong Kong, stands accused of leveraging his knowledge and extensive Canadian network to obtain intelligence or provide services that allegedly benefited the People's Republic of China. Authorities launched an investigation into his activities in the autumn of 2021, suspecting that he may have contributed to Chinese government efforts to identify and intimidate individuals beyond the purview of Canadian law.

<h2>Charges and court appearance</h2>

Majcher appeared before the Longueuil courthouse outside Montreal via video conference to face charges of committing "preparatory acts for the benefit of a foreign entity" and conspiracy. He was arrested in Vancouver and is currently in custody, awaiting his next court appearance scheduled for Wednesday (July 27).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-begins-drilling-another-10000-metre-hole-heres-what-it-is-searching-for-618149">China begins drilling another 10,000-metre hole. Here's what it is searching for</a>

<h2>Canada-China relations and ongoing tensions</h2>

Tensions between Canada and China have been on the rise since 2018, when the arrest of a Huawei executive in Vancouver under a US warrant was followed by the detention of two Canadian nationals in China in a suspected act of retaliation. Although all three individuals have been released, strains in the bilateral relationship have persisted. China has accused Canada of aligning with the US's China policy, while Canadian authorities regularly accuse China of interfering in their public affairs.

Also watch |&nbsp;China's frail growth casts shadow on global companies' earning

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Recent months have seen mounting suspicions of Chinese interference in Canada's federal elections, putting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government under increased pressure. A report released by a special government rapporteur in May confirmed China's attempts to meddle in Canada's last two ballots but failed to influence the outcomes. This revelation has raised concerns about safeguarding Canada's democratic processes from external influence.

<h2>Expulsions and denials</h2>

To address concerns over alleged interference, Canada took the step of expelling a Chinese diplomat in May, accusing the individual of targeting a lawmaker critical of Beijing. However, China has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that they are baseless.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a significant development, Canadian authorities have apprehended a retired police officer, William Majcher, on charges of engaging in foreign interference on behalf of China.

In a significant development, Canadian authorities have apprehended a retired police officer, William Majcher, on charges of engaging in foreign interference on behalf of China. The arrest comes amidst escalating tensions between Canada and China, prompting concerns about potential attempts to influence Canadian affairs by foreign entities, as reported by AFP. Retired officer accused of serving Chinese interests William Majcher, a 60-year-old former police officer residing in Hong Kong, stands accused of leveraging his knowledge and extensive Canadian network to obtain intelligence or provide services that allegedly benefited the People's Republic of China. Authorities launched an investigation into his activities in the autumn of 2021, suspecting that he may have contributed to Chinese government efforts to identify and intimidate individuals beyond the purview of Canadian law. Charges and court appearance Majcher appeared before the Longueuil courthouse outside Montreal via video conference to face charges of committing "preparatory acts for the benefit of a foreign entity" and conspiracy. He was arrested in Vancouver and is currently in custody, awaiting his next court appearance scheduled for Wednesday (July 27). Also read | China begins drilling another 10,000-metre hole. Here's what it is searching for Canada-China relations and ongoing tensions Tensions between Canada and China have been on the rise since 2018, when the arrest of a Huawei executive in Vancouver under a US warrant was followed by the detention of two Canadian nationals in China in a suspected act of retaliation. Although all three individuals have been released, strains in the bilateral relationship have persisted. China has accused Canada of aligning with the US's China policy, while Canadian authorities regularly accuse China of interfering in their public affairs. Also watch | China's frail growth casts shadow on global companies' earning Recent months have seen mounting suspicions of Chinese interference in Canada's federal elections, putting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government under increased pressure. A report released by a special government rapporteur in May confirmed China's attempts to meddle in Canada's last two ballots but failed to influence the outcomes. This revelation has raised concerns about safeguarding Canada's democratic processes from external influence. Expulsions and denials To address concerns over alleged interference, Canada took the step of expelling a Chinese diplomat in May, accusing the individual of targeting a lawmaker critical of Beijing. However, China has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that they are baseless. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Canada charges retired police officer for illegally aiding China

In order to strengthen national security, China is enacting a new counter-espionage law that will grant State agencies broad authority. Under this updated law, any unauthorised acquisition of documents or data connected to national security interests can be considered spying. Beijing is combating espionage by addressing the entire society.

China: Unauthorised acquisition of data to be termed a 'spying offence'

A grand jury in the US on Tuesday indicted a former Apple employee, charging him with theft and attempted theft of trade secrets and then fleeing to China.&nbsp;

The accused has been identified as 35-year-old Weibao Wang who was hired by Apple in March 2016 to work as a software engineer. According to the indictment, in 2017, Weibao accepted a job from a Chinese company working to develop self-driving cars before resigning from Apple. However, he waited four months before informing the tech giant of his new job.&nbsp;

Afterwards, Apple discovered that Weibao had accessed large amounts of secret and proprietary data, days before his departure. Consequently, the federal authorities were informed who raided his home in June 2018 and found “large quantities” of data from Apple.

Fearing that authorities were tightening the noose, he purchased a ticket from San Francisco International Airport to Guangzhou, China -&nbsp;informed the justice department.&nbsp;

Weibao continues to remain on the run as authorities attempt to deport him back to the US. He&nbsp;faces a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine in the amount of $250,000 (or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the scheme) for each count of theft or attempted theft of trade secrets. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ge-employee-jailed-for-stealing-trade-secrets-for-china-549313">ALSO READ |&nbsp;GE employee jailed for stealing trade secrets for China</a>

“Innovation is alive and well in Silicon Valley, indeed, throughout the Northern District of California. Unfortunately, there will always be some who cheat the system by stealing and profiting from the fruits of others’ labor. The Wang prosecution is but one example. We are pleased that the Disruptive Technology Task Force renews energy and focus on securing innovation for those who actually create it," said &nbsp;United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey.&nbsp;

Matt Olsen, the head of the justice department’s national security division stated the authorities were committed to preventing espionage.&nbsp;

“We stand vigilant in enforcing US laws to stop the flow of sensitive technologies to our foreign adversaries. We are committed to doing all we can to prevent these advanced tools from falling into the hands of foreign adversaries," he told reporters.&nbsp;

<h2>Other indicted industrial spies&nbsp;</h2>

Notably, apart from Weibao, the US prosecutors also charged Liming Li, Nikolaos Bogonikolos, Russian nationals Oleg Sergeyevich Patsulya and Vasilii Sergeyevich Besedin as well as Xiangjiang Qiao for myriad charges of industrial espionage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/apple-engineer-from-china-among-us-tech-theft-cases-593167">WATCH |&nbsp;Apple engineer from China among US tech theft cases</a>

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Liming stole trade secrets from his employers based in California to build a competing business in China while Bogonikolos, serving as a NATO contractor, smuggled US-origin military technologies to Russia.&nbsp;

As for Russian nationals Patsulya and Besedin, they both were charged for using their Arizona-based company to send aircraft parts to Russian airline companies. Meanwhile,&nbsp;Xiangjiang alias Joe Hansen used a sanctioned Chinese company to provide&nbsp;materials used in the production of weapons of mass destruction to Iran.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A grand jury in the US on Tuesday indicted a former Apple employee, charging him with theft and attempted theft of trade secrets and then fleeing to China. The accused has been identified as 35-year-old Weibao Wang who was hired by Apple in March 2016 to work as a software engineer.

A grand jury in the US on Tuesday indicted a former Apple employee, charging him with theft and attempted theft of trade secrets and then fleeing to China. The accused has been identified as 35-year-old Weibao Wang who was hired by Apple in March 2016 to work as a software engineer. According to the indictment, in 2017, Weibao accepted a job from a Chinese company working to develop self-driving cars before resigning from Apple. However, he waited four months before informing the tech giant of his new job. Afterwards, Apple discovered that Weibao had accessed large amounts of secret and proprietary data, days before his departure. Consequently, the federal authorities were informed who raided his home in June 2018 and found “large quantities” of data from Apple. Fearing that authorities were tightening the noose, he purchased a ticket from San Francisco International Airport to Guangzhou, China - informed the justice department. Weibao continues to remain on the run as authorities attempt to deport him back to the US. He faces a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine in the amount of $250,000 (or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the scheme) for each count of theft or attempted theft of trade secrets. ALSO READ | GE employee jailed for stealing trade secrets for China “Innovation is alive and well in Silicon Valley, indeed, throughout the Northern District of California. Unfortunately, there will always be some who cheat the system by stealing and profiting from the fruits of others’ labor. The Wang prosecution is but one example. We are pleased that the Disruptive Technology Task Force renews energy and focus on securing innovation for those who actually create it," said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. Matt Olsen, the head of the justice department’s national security division stated the authorities were committed to preventing espionage. “We stand vigilant in enforcing US laws to stop the flow of sensitive technologies to our foreign adversaries. We are committed to doing all we can to prevent these advanced tools from falling into the hands of foreign adversaries," he told reporters. Other indicted industrial spies Notably, apart from Weibao, the US prosecutors also charged Liming Li, Nikolaos Bogonikolos, Russian nationals Oleg Sergeyevich Patsulya and Vasilii Sergeyevich Besedin as well as Xiangjiang Qiao for myriad charges of industrial espionage. WATCH | Apple engineer from China among US tech theft cases × Liming stole trade secrets from his employers based in California to build a competing business in China while Bogonikolos, serving as a NATO contractor, smuggled US-origin military technologies to Russia. As for Russian nationals Patsulya and Besedin, they both were charged for using their Arizona-based company to send aircraft parts to Russian airline companies. Meanwhile, Xiangjiang alias Joe Hansen used a sanctioned Chinese company to provide materials used in the production of weapons of mass destruction to Iran. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Former Apple engineer charged with stealing trade secrets and fleeing to China

The Biden administration on Friday proposed a new regulation that makes the United States government's approval must before foreign companies or individuals purchase&nbsp;land close to eight US&nbsp;military bases.&nbsp;The decision was taken after a Chinese firm intended to construct a milling facility next to an Air Force base in Grand Forks, North Dakota, but the Pentagon and lawmakers raised concerns, leading to the project's cancellation.

According to a proposed rule change from the Office of Investment Security at the Treasury Department, the assent of the US&nbsp;government would be mandatory before any foreign company&nbsp;or individual attempts to buy property within 100 miles of the military base in North Dakota and seven other bases in California, Texas, South Dakota, Iowa, and Arizona.

The proposed rule would give the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, which assesses commercial contracts between American companies&nbsp;and foreign investors for any potential impact on national security, more authority to look into land sales close to the eight military installations. The proposed rule was published in the Federal Registry, as per an NBC report.

370 acres were purchased by the Chinese company Fufeng Group last year for a corn-milling facility that would have been situated around 12 miles from Grand Forks Air Force Base. According to local officials, the anticipated $700 million factory would have produced more than 200 direct jobs.

The Air Force in February wrote to officials in North Dakota, saying the military considered the planned plant a security threat.&nbsp;

After reading the letter, local leaders changed their minds and decided to sever ties with&nbsp;Fufeng.

The 319th Air Base&nbsp;Wing, which operates surveillance drones and manages satellites in the American military's communication network, operates at the Grand Forks location.&nbsp;

In response to complaints that the facility could be used to spy on the Air Force base, Eric Chutorash, Chief Operating Officer of Fufeng USA, the Fufeng Group's American affiliate, disputed the claim, as per CNBC.

Fufeng develops products for a variety of markets, including oil and gas, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, health and wellness, and animal nutrition. It is a major supplier of xanthan gum. It denied that the plant would be used for spying, reported VoA News.

Additionally, lawmakers have demanded that foreign interests in agricultural areas be reviewed. Senators Jon Tester, a Democrat from Montana, and Mike Rounds, a Republican from South Dakota, presented legislation earlier this year to stop China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from acquiring agricultural land in the United States. 
 
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The Biden administration on Friday proposed a new regulation that makes the United States government's approval must before foreign companies or individuals purchase land close to eight US military bases.

The Biden administration on Friday proposed a new regulation that makes the United States government's approval must before foreign companies or individuals purchase land close to eight US military bases. The decision was taken after a Chinese firm intended to construct a milling facility next to an Air Force base in Grand Forks, North Dakota, but the Pentagon and lawmakers raised concerns, leading to the project's cancellation. According to a proposed rule change from the Office of Investment Security at the Treasury Department, the assent of the US government would be mandatory before any foreign company or individual attempts to buy property within 100 miles of the military base in North Dakota and seven other bases in California, Texas, South Dakota, Iowa, and Arizona. The proposed rule would give the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, which assesses commercial contracts between American companies and foreign investors for any potential impact on national security, more authority to look into land sales close to the eight military installations. The proposed rule was published in the Federal Registry, as per an NBC report. 370 acres were purchased by the Chinese company Fufeng Group last year for a corn-milling facility that would have been situated around 12 miles from Grand Forks Air Force Base. According to local officials, the anticipated $700 million factory would have produced more than 200 direct jobs. The Air Force in February wrote to officials in North Dakota, saying the military considered the planned plant a security threat. After reading the letter, local leaders changed their minds and decided to sever ties with Fufeng. The 319th Air Base Wing, which operates surveillance drones and manages satellites in the American military's communication network, operates at the Grand Forks location. In response to complaints that the facility could be used to spy on the Air Force base, Eric Chutorash, Chief Operating Officer of Fufeng USA, the Fufeng Group's American affiliate, disputed the claim, as per CNBC. Fufeng develops products for a variety of markets, including oil and gas, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, health and wellness, and animal nutrition. It is a major supplier of xanthan gum. It denied that the plant would be used for spying, reported VoA News. Additionally, lawmakers have demanded that foreign interests in agricultural areas be reviewed. Senators Jon Tester, a Democrat from Montana, and Mike Rounds, a Republican from South Dakota, presented legislation earlier this year to stop China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from acquiring agricultural land in the United States. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US cracks down on Chinese firms buying land near military base; new purchases need govt approval

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested Pradeep Kurulkar, a DRDO scientist from Pune, on allegations of espionage.&nbsp;

The director of the DRDO (Engineers), scientist Pradeep Kurulkar (60), was detained in connection with an alleged&nbsp;honeytrap case, according to an ATS press statement.&nbsp;

According to a DNA report, Pradeep Kurulkar was found to have interacted&nbsp;with PIO agents through voice and video calls, WhatsApp messages, and other forms of communication while carrying out his official duties, according to the Pune police.

"Despite holding a responsible position, the DRDO official has misused his post thereby compromising sensitive government secrets, which could pose a threat to India`s security if it falls into the hands of the enemy nation," read an official statement

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | DRDO espionage case: Accused DRDO scientist Pradeep Kurulkar brought to ATS office in Pune for investigation. 
 
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A complaint has been filed against Kurulkar by Maharashtra ATS Kalachowki,&nbsp;in accordance with the Official Secrets Act of 1923 and other relevant sections.&nbsp;

As per&nbsp;the ATS, the investigation was started after the DRDO made a complaint. When Kurulkar was brought before a court the following day after being taken into custody on Wednesday, the judge remanded him to the care of the ATS.

Kurulkar&nbsp;reportedly made contact with Pakistani intelligence officers in the past year after appearing to be drawn to photographs of women on social media sites, according to DNA, which cited sources.

<h2>Who is Pradeep Kurulkar?</h2>

Kurulkar was&nbsp;appointed the Director at the Systems Engineering Laboratory of the Research &amp; Development Establishment (Engineers) [R&amp;DE(E)], which comes under&nbsp;the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Kurulkar, born in 1963, kickstarted his career with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at CVRDE, Avadi in 1988, after finishing&nbsp;his Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Electrical Engineering from COEP Pune in 1985 with first-class honours, as reported by the Mint.&nbsp;

Later, he pursued further education in Power Electronics at IIT Kanpur, concentrating on Drives and Applications. Kurulkar specialises on the design and development of mobile unmanned systems, advanced robotics, and military-grade missile launchers.

As the team leader and lead designer for several military engineering systems and equipment, Kurulkar played an important role.&nbsp;Hyperbaric chambers, high-pressure pneumatic systems, portable power sources, and missile launchers for numerous programmes, including AD, MRSAM, Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile system, Prahar, QRSAM, and XRSAM, are among them.

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The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested Pradeep Kurulkar, a DRDO scientist from Pune, on allegations of espionage. The director of the DRDO (Engineers), scientist Pradeep Kurulkar (60), was detained in connection with an alleged honeytrap case, according to an ATS press statement.

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested Pradeep Kurulkar, a DRDO scientist from Pune, on allegations of espionage. The director of the DRDO (Engineers), scientist Pradeep Kurulkar (60), was detained in connection with an alleged honeytrap case, according to an ATS press statement. According to a DNA report, Pradeep Kurulkar was found to have interacted with PIO agents through voice and video calls, WhatsApp messages, and other forms of communication while carrying out his official duties, according to the Pune police. "Despite holding a responsible position, the DRDO official has misused his post thereby compromising sensitive government secrets, which could pose a threat to India`s security if it falls into the hands of the enemy nation," read an official statement #WATCH | DRDO espionage case: Accused DRDO scientist Pradeep Kurulkar brought to ATS office in Pune for investigation. (Identity of the accused confirmed by ATS sources) https://t.co/nag1KoWP3F pic.twitter.com/qtJ2hQ87uu — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2023 × A complaint has been filed against Kurulkar by Maharashtra ATS Kalachowki, in accordance with the Official Secrets Act of 1923 and other relevant sections. As per the ATS, the investigation was started after the DRDO made a complaint. When Kurulkar was brought before a court the following day after being taken into custody on Wednesday, the judge remanded him to the care of the ATS. Kurulkar reportedly made contact with Pakistani intelligence officers in the past year after appearing to be drawn to photographs of women on social media sites, according to DNA, which cited sources. Who is Pradeep Kurulkar? Kurulkar was appointed the Director at the Systems Engineering Laboratory of the Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) [R&DE(E)], which comes under the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Kurulkar, born in 1963, kickstarted his career with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at CVRDE, Avadi in 1988, after finishing his Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Electrical Engineering from COEP Pune in 1985 with first-class honours, as reported by the Mint. Later, he pursued further education in Power Electronics at IIT Kanpur, concentrating on Drives and Applications. Kurulkar specialises on the design and development of mobile unmanned systems, advanced robotics, and military-grade missile launchers. As the team leader and lead designer for several military engineering systems and equipment, Kurulkar played an important role. Hyperbaric chambers, high-pressure pneumatic systems, portable power sources, and missile launchers for numerous programmes, including AD, MRSAM, Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile system, Prahar, QRSAM, and XRSAM, are among them. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India | DRDO espionage case: Who is Pradeep Kurulkar? Honey-trapped scientist accused of spying

China's updated law on espionage could be the latest point of concern for foreign companies. The amended anti-espionage law broadens the definition of national security. But it falls short of defining what exactly constitutes "National security".

China's updated law on spying spooks foreign businesses

Concerns over the potential dual-use of research station as China speeds up construction of its new station in Antarctica. Western experts say that the station could be used for espionage, something China denies. Clearly another potential flashpoint between the US & China.

Race to become polar superpower | World News | WION

Russian agencies, citing FSB security service, reported Thursday that a US reporter for the Wall Street Journal newspaper has been detained in Russia on suspicion of espionage.&nbsp; 
 
"The FSB halted the illegal activities of US citizen Gershkovich Evan...a correspondent of the Moscow bureau of the American newspaper The Wall Street Journal, accredited with the Russian foreign ministry, suspected of spying in the interests of the American government," the security services were cited as saying by Russian agencies.&nbsp;

The agencies said that the WSJ reporter is "suspected of spying in the interests of the American government" and of collecting information "on an enterprise of the Russian military-industrial complex."

Gershkovich is the first reporter of an American news outlet to have been detained on espionage charges in Russia since the Cold War. His detention&nbsp;comes at time when tension is brewing&nbsp;between Washington and Moscow over the Ukraine war. 
 
The Federal Security Service (FSB), the Russian domestic security and counterintelligence agency that is the top successor of the Soviet-era KGB, claimed on Thursday that Gershkovich was detained in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg while he was trying to obtain classified information, reported US media outlets. 
 
Meanwhile,&nbsp;The Wall Street Journal said Thursday it was "deeply concerned" for its reporter.&nbsp;

"The Wall Street Journal is deeply concerned for the safety of Mr Gershkovich," the newspaper said in a statement.

Russia, in response, said that&nbsp;Gershkovich was "caught red-handed".

Before joining The Wall Street Journal, 31-year-old Gershkovich worked for AFP in Moscow. He has also worked as a reporter for The Moscow Times, an English-language news website. Gershkovich speaks Russian. His parents live in the United States but are originally from the Soviet Union.&nbsp;

The detention of the reporter is likely to escalate tensions between the United States and Russia.&nbsp;Gershkovich's arrest could impact both Moscow's diplomacy with the US and its international coverage amidst the war.

Gershkovich is the highest-profile American arrested by Russia since basketball star Brittney Griner. The player was caught arriving in Moscow with cannabis oil a week before the invasion of Ukraine and freed in a prisoner swap in December last year.

The US&nbsp;Embassy's updated travel advisory tells US&nbsp;citizens not to travel to Russia because of the danger of arbitrary arrest. It also asks US&nbsp;citizens living or travelling in Russia to depart immediately.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian agencies, citing FSB security service, reported Thursday that a US reporter for the Wall Street Journal newspaper has been detained in Russia on suspicion of espionage.

Russian agencies, citing FSB security service, reported Thursday that a US reporter for the Wall Street Journal newspaper has been detained in Russia on suspicion of espionage. "The FSB halted the illegal activities of US citizen Gershkovich Evan...a correspondent of the Moscow bureau of the American newspaper The Wall Street Journal, accredited with the Russian foreign ministry, suspected of spying in the interests of the American government," the security services were cited as saying by Russian agencies. The agencies said that the WSJ reporter is "suspected of spying in the interests of the American government" and of collecting information "on an enterprise of the Russian military-industrial complex." Gershkovich is the first reporter of an American news outlet to have been detained on espionage charges in Russia since the Cold War. His detention comes at time when tension is brewing between Washington and Moscow over the Ukraine war. The Federal Security Service (FSB), the Russian domestic security and counterintelligence agency that is the top successor of the Soviet-era KGB, claimed on Thursday that Gershkovich was detained in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg while he was trying to obtain classified information, reported US media outlets. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal said Thursday it was "deeply concerned" for its reporter. "The Wall Street Journal is deeply concerned for the safety of Mr Gershkovich," the newspaper said in a statement. Russia, in response, said that Gershkovich was "caught red-handed". Before joining The Wall Street Journal, 31-year-old Gershkovich worked for AFP in Moscow. He has also worked as a reporter for The Moscow Times, an English-language news website. Gershkovich speaks Russian. His parents live in the United States but are originally from the Soviet Union. The detention of the reporter is likely to escalate tensions between the United States and Russia. Gershkovich's arrest could impact both Moscow's diplomacy with the US and its international coverage amidst the war. Gershkovich is the highest-profile American arrested by Russia since basketball star Brittney Griner. The player was caught arriving in Moscow with cannabis oil a week before the invasion of Ukraine and freed in a prisoner swap in December last year. The US Embassy's updated travel advisory tells US citizens not to travel to Russia because of the danger of arbitrary arrest. It also asks US citizens living or travelling in Russia to depart immediately. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wall Street Journal reporter detained in Russia for espionage; Moscow claims he was ‘caught red handed’

A Japanese person arrested in China earlier this month has been charged with espionage activities, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday.

During a news briefing, the spokesperson said that he was working at a Japanese firm, Astellas Pharma.

“This Japanese citizen is suspected of engaging in espionage activities, in violation of the criminal law and the anti-espionage law of the People's Republic of China,” Mao said, adding that China has notified the Japanese embassy in China.

She asked Japan to request their citizens not engage in such activities claiming that similar cases have been reported in recent years.

According to Chinese media, the company has not identified the employee, while a spokesperson said it was unclear why he was detained.

“I want to stress that companies and individuals need to respect and abide by the law. This is international customary practice,” Mao said.

“China will handle the case in accordance with law and will protect the rights of the person in accordance with the law.”

Responding to the arrest, Japanese government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters that Tokyo’s embassy in Beijing was informed “this month that a Japanese man in his 50s was detained in Beijing for breaking China’s domestic laws”, reports Reuters news agency.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/australian-lending-firm-latitude-financial-says-data-of-14-million-customers-stolen-in-cyberattack-576192">Latitude Financial says data of 14 million customers stolen in cyberattack</a>

No details on the man’s identity or his alleged crime or when he was arrested has been provided by the government.

“Ever since we learnt about this case, the Japanese government has been strongly urging the immediate release of this Japanese national,” Matsuno was quoted as saying.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/silicon-valley-bank-sold-to-first-citizens-bank-576098">Silicon Valley Bank sold to First Citizens Bank</a>

According to Japanese media, over a dozen Japanese nationals have been arrested in China since 2015.

Of which, eight have returned, while seven are facing trail or serving jail time in China. One person had died during his detention, Japan’s Mainichi newspaper reported in February.

Five of them have been found guilty by China of endangering national security, the paper said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A Japanese person arrested in China earlier this month has been charged with espionage activities, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday.

A Japanese person arrested in China earlier this month has been charged with espionage activities, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday. During a news briefing, the spokesperson said that he was working at a Japanese firm, Astellas Pharma. “This Japanese citizen is suspected of engaging in espionage activities, in violation of the criminal law and the anti-espionage law of the People's Republic of China,” Mao said, adding that China has notified the Japanese embassy in China. She asked Japan to request their citizens not engage in such activities claiming that similar cases have been reported in recent years. According to Chinese media, the company has not identified the employee, while a spokesperson said it was unclear why he was detained. “I want to stress that companies and individuals need to respect and abide by the law. This is international customary practice,” Mao said. “China will handle the case in accordance with law and will protect the rights of the person in accordance with the law.” Responding to the arrest, Japanese government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters that Tokyo’s embassy in Beijing was informed “this month that a Japanese man in his 50s was detained in Beijing for breaking China’s domestic laws”, reports Reuters news agency. Also read | Latitude Financial says data of 14 million customers stolen in cyberattack No details on the man’s identity or his alleged crime or when he was arrested has been provided by the government. “Ever since we learnt about this case, the Japanese government has been strongly urging the immediate release of this Japanese national,” Matsuno was quoted as saying. Also read | Silicon Valley Bank sold to First Citizens Bank According to Japanese media, over a dozen Japanese nationals have been arrested in China since 2015. Of which, eight have returned, while seven are facing trail or serving jail time in China. One person had died during his detention, Japan’s Mainichi newspaper reported in February. Five of them have been found guilty by China of endangering national security, the paper said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Japanese man in 50s arrested in China for 'espionage' activities

David Smith, a British national, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for&nbsp;betraying his nation and colleagues by selling information to Russia while working as a security guard at&nbsp;the British&nbsp;embassy in Berlin.&nbsp;Smith, allegedly&nbsp;started gathering confidential papers in 2018.&nbsp;In 2020, he wrote two letters to top Russian embassy employees, one of which included the name and contact information of a former diplomat called X who had served in Russia, said a report&nbsp;in the Guardian.&nbsp;

Authorities opened an inquiry after identifying Smith as the writer of the second letter sent in November 2020 to a military envoy at the Russian embassy. Two players were used as a fictitious Russian defector and intelligence officer in an undercover sting operation in August 2021.

Police discovered Smith's cache of critical and confidential documents after his arrest, including letters from ministers to the previous prime minister&nbsp;Boris Johnson.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-george-soros-who-broke-uks-central-bank-what-he-said-on-pm-modi-adani-know-all-his-controversies-563116">Who is George Soros who broke UK's central bank? What he said on PM Modi &amp; Adani? Know all his controversies</a>

By acting in a way that endangered state security or other interests, Smith, 58, admitted guilt to eight offences brought under the Official Secrets Act.

In a televised sentencing at the Old Bailey on Friday, the judge sentenced Smith&nbsp;to 13 years and two months.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;UK: King Charles faces 'Not My King' protest during walkabout

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The senior judge said that during Smith’s “subversive activities”, dating back to 2018, he had duplicated a “significant amount of material”.

“You were fully aware that you should not have copied any of these documents and equally aware that were these documents to get into the wrong hands, they might harm British interests or pose a threat to those working at the British embassy," the judge said.&nbsp;

Smith said that he was a proud Scot and that he was now "ashamed" of his actions. He said that once his Ukrainian wife of 20 years left for her native country, he became enraged at his employer, sad, and was drinking seven pints every day, reported Guardian.&nbsp;

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David Smith, a British national, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for betraying his nation and colleagues by selling information to Russia while working as a security guard at the British embassy in Berlin.

David Smith, a British national, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for betraying his nation and colleagues by selling information to Russia while working as a security guard at the British embassy in Berlin. Smith, allegedly started gathering confidential papers in 2018. In 2020, he wrote two letters to top Russian embassy employees, one of which included the name and contact information of a former diplomat called X who had served in Russia, said a report in the Guardian. Authorities opened an inquiry after identifying Smith as the writer of the second letter sent in November 2020 to a military envoy at the Russian embassy. Two players were used as a fictitious Russian defector and intelligence officer in an undercover sting operation in August 2021. Police discovered Smith's cache of critical and confidential documents after his arrest, including letters from ministers to the previous prime minister Boris Johnson. ALSO READ | Who is George Soros who broke UK's central bank? What he said on PM Modi & Adani? Know all his controversies By acting in a way that endangered state security or other interests, Smith, 58, admitted guilt to eight offences brought under the Official Secrets Act. In a televised sentencing at the Old Bailey on Friday, the judge sentenced Smith to 13 years and two months. ALSO WATCH | UK: King Charles faces 'Not My King' protest during walkabout The senior judge said that during Smith’s “subversive activities”, dating back to 2018, he had duplicated a “significant amount of material”. “You were fully aware that you should not have copied any of these documents and equally aware that were these documents to get into the wrong hands, they might harm British interests or pose a threat to those working at the British embassy," the judge said. Smith said that he was a proud Scot and that he was now "ashamed" of his actions. He said that once his Ukrainian wife of 20 years left for her native country, he became enraged at his employer, sad, and was drinking seven pints every day, reported Guardian. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

British guard turns Russian spy: David Smith sentenced to 13 years in prison for leaking data to Russia

Earlier this month, an engineer with ties to Chinese companies was arrested by the FBI and charged with theft of trade secrets. Priyanka Sharma tells you more in this report.

WION Fineprint: US cracks down on Chinese industrial espionage

Iran has sentenced a former top defence officer&nbsp;Ali Reza Akbari to death, after being found guilty of espionage for the United Kingdom, state-affiliated media reported on Wednesday.&nbsp;As per reports&nbsp;from&nbsp;the semi-official Tasnim news agency, the judiciary declared Ali Reza Akbari, who served as deputy defence minister until 2001, to be a "key spy" for British intelligence. It claimed that Iranian intelligence uncovered&nbsp;the espionage by giving him false information.&nbsp;

Additionally, Tasnim news agency claimed that Akbari had&nbsp;spied on previous nuclear negotiations between Iran and Western governments. Under President Mohammad Khatami, a reformer who advocated for better ties with the West, Akbari held the office&nbsp;of deputy defence minister.

Iran has been engaged in a shadow war with the US and Israel for several years that has been characterised by covert strikes against Iran's contentious nuclear programme. Foreign intelligence services had made significant gains, as evidenced by the killing of Iran's top nuclear scientist in 2020, which Iran claimed Israel was responsible for.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-jailed-activist-sepideh-qolian-writes-letter-describing-brutality-in-jail-551523">Iran: Jailed activist Sepideh Qolian writes letter describing brutality in prison&nbsp;</a>

Akbari, who was the head of a private think tank, hasn't been spotted in the streets since 2019, when he was reportedly detained.

His trial's specifics have not been made public by the authorities. Those accused of espionage and other offences involving national security are often prosecuted covertly, where, according to rights organisations, they are not allowed&nbsp;to choose their own attorneys and cannot view the evidence against them.

Also watch |&nbsp;Iran's prominent rights activist sentenced to five years in prison

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The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hm-zara-among-brands-accused-of-unfairly-treating-bangladesh-suppliers-paid-them-less-than-production-costs-551622">UK</a> Foreign Office was requested to intercede to stop his impending execution, reported the Guardian following which&nbsp;UK foreign secretary, James Cleverly, urged the Iranian government not to go ahead with its&nbsp;plans to execute Akbari.

“Iran must halt the execution of British-Iranian national Alireza Akbari and immediately release him. This is a politically motivated act by a barbaric regime that has total disregard for human life,”&nbsp;Cleverly said.

Akbari’s wife, Maryam Akbari, told the Guardian that her husband is a patriot and was a victim of Iranian factional power politics.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Iran has sentenced a former top defence officer Ali Reza Akbari to death, after being found guilty of espionage for the United Kingdom, state-affiliated media reported on Wednesday.

Iran has sentenced a former top defence officer Ali Reza Akbari to death, after being found guilty of espionage for the United Kingdom, state-affiliated media reported on Wednesday. As per reports from the semi-official Tasnim news agency, the judiciary declared Ali Reza Akbari, who served as deputy defence minister until 2001, to be a "key spy" for British intelligence. It claimed that Iranian intelligence uncovered the espionage by giving him false information. Additionally, Tasnim news agency claimed that Akbari had spied on previous nuclear negotiations between Iran and Western governments. Under President Mohammad Khatami, a reformer who advocated for better ties with the West, Akbari held the office of deputy defence minister. Iran has been engaged in a shadow war with the US and Israel for several years that has been characterised by covert strikes against Iran's contentious nuclear programme. Foreign intelligence services had made significant gains, as evidenced by the killing of Iran's top nuclear scientist in 2020, which Iran claimed Israel was responsible for. Also read | Iran: Jailed activist Sepideh Qolian writes letter describing brutality in prison Akbari, who was the head of a private think tank, hasn't been spotted in the streets since 2019, when he was reportedly detained. His trial's specifics have not been made public by the authorities. Those accused of espionage and other offences involving national security are often prosecuted covertly, where, according to rights organisations, they are not allowed to choose their own attorneys and cannot view the evidence against them. Also watch | Iran's prominent rights activist sentenced to five years in prison The UK Foreign Office was requested to intercede to stop his impending execution, reported the Guardian following which UK foreign secretary, James Cleverly, urged the Iranian government not to go ahead with its plans to execute Akbari. “Iran must halt the execution of British-Iranian national Alireza Akbari and immediately release him. This is a politically motivated act by a barbaric regime that has total disregard for human life,” Cleverly said. Akbari’s wife, Maryam Akbari, told the Guardian that her husband is a patriot and was a victim of Iranian factional power politics. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Iran sentences ex-deputy defence minister to death over alleged espionage for the UK

The month-long unrest in Iran growing by the day and so is the Iranian regime's crackdown on protesters from handing out death sentences to directly firing on protesters, the Iranian regime is doing everything at its disposal to curb dissent.

Tehran: Dissident Iranian author Mehdi Bahman sentenced to death for 'espionage'

On Tuesday, authorities in Sweden said that they had detained two people — one on the suspicion of espionage and the other for supposedly being an accomplice with the suspected crimes, in Stockholm area in a dramatic predawn operation.&nbsp;

While the country’s security agency, SAPO, gave few details about the case, media reports citing witnesses described elite police arriving in two Black Hawk helicopters to arrest the&nbsp; couple that had allegedly spied for Russia, reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;According to the court documents, the two had been gathering intelligence since 2013.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-explosions-rock-jerusalem-at-least-13-injured-casualties-feared-536659">One killed, 22 injured after multiple explosions near bus stops in Jerusalem</a>

The police spokesperson also said that the two arrested were not connected to any other ongoing investigations and asserted, “Sweden must not be a platform for foreign powers to conduct unlawful intelligence activities, either against Sweden or against other countries.” They added that several houses were searched during the investigation and a third person had also been brought in for questioning by the police.&nbsp;

Sharing details of the operation, head of the Swedish police national operative department, Stefan Hector said that the raid&nbsp;took place in the business south of Stockholm and took under a minute. He added that they had to be swift with their approach so that the suspects did not have time to “flush anything in the toilet or destroy computers.”

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Furthermore, the Swedish Security Service in a statement, said that the main suspect had allegedly committed, “gross illegal intelligence activities against Sweden and against a foreign power.” However, they did not identify the second country which was allegedly spied on. The spy agency also said that the investigation has been going on for some time now.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-refuses-to-ratify-sweden-and-finlands-nato-membership-bid-521606">Turkey refuses to ratify Sweden and Finland's NATO membership bid</a>

Meanwhile, media reports suggest that the duo was a married couple in their 60s. They were reportedly Russians who entered Sweden in the late 90s, said the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet. This comes days after two Iranian brothers were charged for allegedly spying for Russia in Sweden. One of the suspects had worked in the Swedish intelligence agency and the duo was charged with spying for Moscow’s military intelligence for nearly a decade.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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On Tuesday, authorities in Sweden said that they had detained two people — one on the suspicion of espionage and the other for supposedly being an accomplice with the suspected crimes, in Stockholm area in a dramatic predawn operation.

On Tuesday, authorities in Sweden said that they had detained two people — one on the suspicion of espionage and the other for supposedly being an accomplice with the suspected crimes, in Stockholm area in a dramatic predawn operation. While the country’s security agency, SAPO, gave few details about the case, media reports citing witnesses described elite police arriving in two Black Hawk helicopters to arrest the couple that had allegedly spied for Russia, reported the Associated Press. According to the court documents, the two had been gathering intelligence since 2013. ALSO READ: One killed, 22 injured after multiple explosions near bus stops in Jerusalem The police spokesperson also said that the two arrested were not connected to any other ongoing investigations and asserted, “Sweden must not be a platform for foreign powers to conduct unlawful intelligence activities, either against Sweden or against other countries.” They added that several houses were searched during the investigation and a third person had also been brought in for questioning by the police. Sharing details of the operation, head of the Swedish police national operative department, Stefan Hector said that the raid took place in the business south of Stockholm and took under a minute. He added that they had to be swift with their approach so that the suspects did not have time to “flush anything in the toilet or destroy computers.” ALSO WATCH | Nord Stream sabotage: European leaders see Russia as main suspect Furthermore, the Swedish Security Service in a statement, said that the main suspect had allegedly committed, “gross illegal intelligence activities against Sweden and against a foreign power.” However, they did not identify the second country which was allegedly spied on. The spy agency also said that the investigation has been going on for some time now. ALSO READ: Turkey refuses to ratify Sweden and Finland's NATO membership bid Meanwhile, media reports suggest that the duo was a married couple in their 60s. They were reportedly Russians who entered Sweden in the late 90s, said the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet. This comes days after two Iranian brothers were charged for allegedly spying for Russia in Sweden. One of the suspects had worked in the Swedish intelligence agency and the duo was charged with spying for Moscow’s military intelligence for nearly a decade. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sweden arrests two suspect spies for ‘gross illegal intelligence activities’ in dramatic predawn raid

A former US naval officer and his wife were convicted and jailed for selling military secrets to an unnamed foreign country.&nbsp;Jonathan Toebbe, 42, was caught stealing secrets about nuclear-powered submarines.&nbsp;While Toebbe, who was the chief engineer at the office of the chief of naval operations, was given 18 years prison sentence, his wife Diana received a harsher sentence of 21 years for helping him and then attempting to cover up her role.&nbsp;

According to the court documents, over several months Toebbe provided nuclear secrets containing thousands of pages to undercover FBI agents who pretended to be representing the foreign nation. &nbsp;

According to the commander of US submarine forces, Vice Admiral&nbsp;William J Houston, the data included “some of the most secure and sensitive information about our nuclear-powered fleet”, reports the Washington Post newspaper.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to visit India, will meet Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

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West Virginia US District Judge Gina M Groh, who was hearing the case, called Toebbes and his wife “confessed traitors” who committed “horrible acts against this nation.”

Groh said that the couple’s crime was one of the most serious she had ever witnessed&nbsp;in her courtroom, with “potential for harm to US soldiers, the military, civilians.”

The judge said that Diana was given a harsher sentence because she obstructed justice and was not entitled to a reduction in her prison term for accepting responsibility.&nbsp;

"The harm to this nation is grave, and these are scary times we live in," the judge said at the sentencing hearing.&nbsp;

During the hearing, Diana was caught passing a letter to her husband reportedly urging him to follow the plan of absolving her of any wrongdoing.&nbsp;

The judge, who&nbsp;noticed the whole act, said, “She wanted [her husband] to lie.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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A former US naval officer and his wife were convicted and jailed for selling military secrets to an unnamed foreign country. Jonathan Toebbe, 42, was caught stealing secrets about nuclear-powered submarines.

A former US naval officer and his wife were convicted and jailed for selling military secrets to an unnamed foreign country. Jonathan Toebbe, 42, was caught stealing secrets about nuclear-powered submarines. While Toebbe, who was the chief engineer at the office of the chief of naval operations, was given 18 years prison sentence, his wife Diana received a harsher sentence of 21 years for helping him and then attempting to cover up her role. According to the court documents, over several months Toebbe provided nuclear secrets containing thousands of pages to undercover FBI agents who pretended to be representing the foreign nation. According to the commander of US submarine forces, Vice Admiral William J Houston, the data included “some of the most secure and sensitive information about our nuclear-powered fleet”, reports the Washington Post newspaper. Watch | US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to visit India, will meet Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman West Virginia US District Judge Gina M Groh, who was hearing the case, called Toebbes and his wife “confessed traitors” who committed “horrible acts against this nation.” Groh said that the couple’s crime was one of the most serious she had ever witnessed in her courtroom, with “potential for harm to US soldiers, the military, civilians.” The judge said that Diana was given a harsher sentence because she obstructed justice and was not entitled to a reduction in her prison term for accepting responsibility. "The harm to this nation is grave, and these are scary times we live in," the judge said at the sentencing hearing. During the hearing, Diana was caught passing a letter to her husband reportedly urging him to follow the plan of absolving her of any wrongdoing. The judge, who noticed the whole act, said, “She wanted [her husband] to lie.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US couple jailed for trying to sell sensitive military secrets to foreign country  

A Swedish-Iranian man who was convicted on spying charges would be executed by May 21, Iran’s ISNA news agency said on Wednesday citing unnamed officials.

Ahmad Reza Jalali, who specialises in disaster relief and has taught at European universities, was arrested in Iran in April 2016 for allegedly “spying on behalf of Israel and having a role in the killing of Iranian nuclear physicists", ISNA said citing sources.

He was subsequently sentenced to death, which was upheld by the Iranian Supreme Court in 2017.

The announcement of his execution came shortly before the trial ended for Hamid Noury, a former Iranian prosecution official arrested by Swedish authorities in 2019.

Noury is being tried for life imprisonment for committing grave war crimes during the final phase of the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s.

The Stockholm District Court on Wednesday said that a verdict was expected on July 14 and that Nouri will “remain in custody until the verdict is announced or otherwise is decided”, reports Reuters.

Under Swedish law, courts can try Swedish citizens and other nationals for crimes against international law committed abroad.

On Monday, Iran’s foreign ministry summoned the Swedish envoy to protest “the baseless and fabricated accusations that the Swedish prosecutor made against Iran during Noury’s court case”, Iranian media reported earlier.

Meanwhile, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde expressed worry over reports that Iran may carry out the death penalty.

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In a Twitter post, she condemned “the death penalty and demand the release of Djalali.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-storming-azovstal-steel-plant-says-russia-amid-strikes-on-mariupol-476324" hreflang="en">Not storming Azovstal steel plant, says Russia amid strikes on Mariupol</a>

“We have said this several times to representatives of Iran,” she wrote, adding Sweden was in contact with Tehran.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.&nbsp;

A Swedish-Iranian man who was convicted on spying charges would be executed by May 21, Iran’s ISNA news agency said on Wednesday citing unnamed officials. Ahmad Reza Jalali, who specialises in disaster relief and has taught at European universities, was arrested in Iran in April 2016 for allegedly “spying on behalf of Israel and having a role in the killing of Iranian nuclear physicists", ISNA said citing sources.

A Swedish-Iranian man who was convicted on spying charges would be executed by May 21, Iran’s ISNA news agency said on Wednesday citing unnamed officials. Ahmad Reza Jalali, who specialises in disaster relief and has taught at European universities, was arrested in Iran in April 2016 for allegedly “spying on behalf of Israel and having a role in the killing of Iranian nuclear physicists", ISNA said citing sources. He was subsequently sentenced to death, which was upheld by the Iranian Supreme Court in 2017. The announcement of his execution came shortly before the trial ended for Hamid Noury, a former Iranian prosecution official arrested by Swedish authorities in 2019. Noury is being tried for life imprisonment for committing grave war crimes during the final phase of the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. The Stockholm District Court on Wednesday said that a verdict was expected on July 14 and that Nouri will “remain in custody until the verdict is announced or otherwise is decided”, reports Reuters. Under Swedish law, courts can try Swedish citizens and other nationals for crimes against international law committed abroad. On Monday, Iran’s foreign ministry summoned the Swedish envoy to protest “the baseless and fabricated accusations that the Swedish prosecutor made against Iran during Noury’s court case”, Iranian media reported earlier. Meanwhile, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde expressed worry over reports that Iran may carry out the death penalty. Also read | After abortion, US SC may go after contraception, same-sex marriage: Experts In a Twitter post, she condemned “the death penalty and demand the release of Djalali.” Also read | Not storming Azovstal steel plant, says Russia amid strikes on Mariupol “We have said this several times to representatives of Iran,” she wrote, adding Sweden was in contact with Tehran. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

Iran to execute Swedish-Iranian man on espionage charges: Reports

Israel investigation officials have initiated a probe after it was claimed that gifts given by the Chinese embassy in Israel to an Israeli minister and government officials were planted with listening devices, local Israeli media reported.

The incident was first reported on Tuesday morning by Army Radio's diplomatic correspondent Moriah Asraf-Walberg, claiming that the mugs gifted by the Chinese embassy appeared to be planted.

According to the Jerusalem Post newspaper, quoting diplomatic officials, Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) have started their investigation.

The gift was reportedly sent to the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry earlier this week apparently without any prior announcement from the Chinese Embassy.

The newspaper claims that the security found the device before it reached Minister Orit Farkash-Hacohen.

There are more reports claiming that similar gits were received by the office of Transportation Minister Merav Michaeli.

In lieu of the so-called spy incident, all the government offices have been told to be extra careful about receiving gifts from foreign entities as “they may contain listening devices or cameras”, the Times of Israel reported.

A similar incident was reported in 2018 when the French newspaper Le Monde claimed that China had bugged the African Union’s headquarters, which Beijing had built and paid for in Addis Ababa.

The article claimed that data was being transferred to Chinese since 2012 and it was only spotted in 2017 due to the spike in activity between midnight and 02:00, despite no one being in the building.

The newspaper, quoting anonymous sources, claimed that following the discovery of the alleged data transfer, the AU officials changed their servers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel investigation officials have initiated a probe after it was claimed that gifts given by the Chinese embassy in Israel to an Israeli minister and government officials were planted with listening devices, local Israeli media reported.

Israel investigation officials have initiated a probe after it was claimed that gifts given by the Chinese embassy in Israel to an Israeli minister and government officials were planted with listening devices, local Israeli media reported. The incident was first reported on Tuesday morning by Army Radio's diplomatic correspondent Moriah Asraf-Walberg, claiming that the mugs gifted by the Chinese embassy appeared to be planted. According to the Jerusalem Post newspaper, quoting diplomatic officials, Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) have started their investigation. The gift was reportedly sent to the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry earlier this week apparently without any prior announcement from the Chinese Embassy. The newspaper claims that the security found the device before it reached Minister Orit Farkash-Hacohen. There are more reports claiming that similar gits were received by the office of Transportation Minister Merav Michaeli. In lieu of the so-called spy incident, all the government offices have been told to be extra careful about receiving gifts from foreign entities as “they may contain listening devices or cameras”, the Times of Israel reported. A similar incident was reported in 2018 when the French newspaper Le Monde claimed that China had bugged the African Union’s headquarters, which Beijing had built and paid for in Addis Ababa. The article claimed that data was being transferred to Chinese since 2012 and it was only spotted in 2017 due to the spike in activity between midnight and 02:00, despite no one being in the building. The newspaper, quoting anonymous sources, claimed that following the discovery of the alleged data transfer, the AU officials changed their servers. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel suspects mugs gifted by Chinese embassy to ministers were bugged, launches probe

A threat intelligence firm has claimed that China-backed state hackers have been attacking the Indian power grid system near Ladakh in recent months.

A report released by Recorded Future on Wednesday claimed that the attacks are part of China’s cyber-espionage battle against India, reports Bloomberg.

The report further stated that at least seven “load dispatch” centres located near the India-China border in Ladakh have been under Chinese surveillance for several months.

“In recent months, we observed likely network intrusions targeting at least seven Indian State Load Despatch Centres (SLDCs) responsible for carrying out real-time operations for grid control and electricity dispatch within these respective states. Notably, this targeting has been geographically concentrated, with the identified SLDCs located in North India, in proximity to the disputed India-China border in Ladakh," Recorded Future said in its report.

The firm said that the Indian government has been alerted of their findings before publishing the report.

One of the hacking groups, RedEcho, which targeted one of the load dispatch centres previously, shares a “strong overlap” with a hacking group that US has tied to the Chinese government, the report noted.

“The prolonged targeting of Indian power grid assets by Chinese state-linked groups offers limited economic espionage or traditional intelligence gathering opportunities,” the Recorded Future report states.

“We believe this is instead likely intended to enable information gathering surrounding critical infrastructure and/or pre-positioning for future activity.”

There have been concerns within the Indian establishment on the capability of the Chinese government to wage a cyber war.

This was repeatedly highlighted by the former Chief of Defence Staff late Bipin Rawat who pointed out gaps between the countries with regards to technology while adding that India has been catching up.

"We know that China is capable of launching cyberattacks on us and that it can disrupt a large amount of our systems. What we are trying to do is to create a system which would ensure cyber defence," he said in April last year.

He said the aim has been to create firewalls to deal with the cyberattacks and that the issue is being addressed in a "serious way".

(With inputs from agencies)

A threat intelligence firm has claimed that China-backed state hackers have been attacking the Indian power grid system near Ladakh in recent months. A report released by Recorded Future on Wednesday claimed that the attacks are part of China’s cyber-espionage battle against India, reports Bloomberg.

A threat intelligence firm has claimed that China-backed state hackers have been attacking the Indian power grid system near Ladakh in recent months. A report released by Recorded Future on Wednesday claimed that the attacks are part of China’s cyber-espionage battle against India, reports Bloomberg. The report further stated that at least seven “load dispatch” centres located near the India-China border in Ladakh have been under Chinese surveillance for several months. “In recent months, we observed likely network intrusions targeting at least seven Indian State Load Despatch Centres (SLDCs) responsible for carrying out real-time operations for grid control and electricity dispatch within these respective states. Notably, this targeting has been geographically concentrated, with the identified SLDCs located in North India, in proximity to the disputed India-China border in Ladakh," Recorded Future said in its report. The firm said that the Indian government has been alerted of their findings before publishing the report. One of the hacking groups, RedEcho, which targeted one of the load dispatch centres previously, shares a “strong overlap” with a hacking group that US has tied to the Chinese government, the report noted. “The prolonged targeting of Indian power grid assets by Chinese state-linked groups offers limited economic espionage or traditional intelligence gathering opportunities,” the Recorded Future report states. “We believe this is instead likely intended to enable information gathering surrounding critical infrastructure and/or pre-positioning for future activity.” There have been concerns within the Indian establishment on the capability of the Chinese government to wage a cyber war. This was repeatedly highlighted by the former Chief of Defence Staff late Bipin Rawat who pointed out gaps between the countries with regards to technology while adding that India has been catching up. "We know that China is capable of launching cyberattacks on us and that it can disrupt a large amount of our systems. What we are trying to do is to create a system which would ensure cyber defence," he said in April last year. He said the aim has been to create firewalls to deal with the cyberattacks and that the issue is being addressed in a "serious way". (With inputs from agencies)

China-backed hackers waged cyberattacks on Indian power grid system near Ladakh: Report

China's closed-door trial of Australian journalist Cheng Lei, accused of providing state secrets to a foreign country,ended on Thursday with the court deferring its verdict, Australia's foreign minister said.

It was not clear when a verdict would be handed down. China's courts have a conviction rate of well over 99 per cent, according to calculations by China Justice Observer, a local web site.

Cheng, 46, was a television anchor for Chinese state broadcaster CGTN before being detained in August 2020. She was formally arrested a year ago.

Cheng's family members have said they are convinced she is innocent.

A heavy contingent of uniformed police and plain-clothed security personnel were positioned outside the No.2 People's Intermediate Court in Beijing where Cheng was tried. Police, who had taped off areas close to the north and west entrances of the court, checked journalists' IDs and asked them to move away.

Australian Ambassador Graham Fletcher was denied entry to the court.

"This is deeply concerning, unsatisfactory and regrettable. We can have no confidence in the validity of a process which is conducted in secret," Fletcher told journalists after being barred from the proceedings on Thursday morning.

"Our consular agreement says that we ought to be able to attend trials," he said before leaving.

Chinese officials said that trials involving state secrets are not open to the public.

"The defendant is suspected of the crime of illegally providing state secrets to a foreign country, which is a case involving state secrets and is not handled openly, so is not open to visitors," a court official told Fletcher.

Australia has said it was concerned about Cheng's welfare and conditions of detention and what it said was a "lack of transparency" over the case.

Its diplomats have had regular visits with Cheng, most recently on March 21. "Considering the circumstances she’s doing okay," Fletcher said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that a verdict in the case would be announced "at a scheduled date".

"We urge the Australian side to earnestly respect China's judicial sovereignty and refrain from interfering in the handling of cases by the Chinese judicial authorities in any form," Wang told a regular daily briefing.

The deferral of the verdict was announced in a statement by Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne.

Last May, in a separate case at the same court, Australia's ambassador to China was denied entry to the trial of Australian blogger Yang Hengjun, who was accused of espionage. In a trial last March of Canadian former diplomat Michael Kovrig in the same court, Canadian officials were denied entry.

Cheng was born in China and moved with her parents to Australia as a child. Later she returned to China where she built a television career first with CNBC, starting in 2003, and later, starting from 2012, as a prominent business news anchor for China's English-language CGTN.

"Her two children and elderly parents miss her immensely and sincerely hope to reunite with her as soon as possible," Cheng's family said in a statement provided to Reuters.

The trial comes as diplomatic relations between Australia and China remain tense, after Canberra urged an international probe into the source of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and Beijing responded with trade reprisals.

China's closed-door trial of Australian journalist Cheng Lei, accused of providing state secrets to a foreign country,ended on Thursday with the court deferring its verdict, Australia's foreign minister said.

China's closed-door trial of Australian journalist Cheng Lei, accused of providing state secrets to a foreign country,ended on Thursday with the court deferring its verdict, Australia's foreign minister said. It was not clear when a verdict would be handed down. China's courts have a conviction rate of well over 99 per cent, according to calculations by China Justice Observer, a local web site. Cheng, 46, was a television anchor for Chinese state broadcaster CGTN before being detained in August 2020. She was formally arrested a year ago. Cheng's family members have said they are convinced she is innocent. A heavy contingent of uniformed police and plain-clothed security personnel were positioned outside the No.2 People's Intermediate Court in Beijing where Cheng was tried. Police, who had taped off areas close to the north and west entrances of the court, checked journalists' IDs and asked them to move away. Australian Ambassador Graham Fletcher was denied entry to the court. "This is deeply concerning, unsatisfactory and regrettable. We can have no confidence in the validity of a process which is conducted in secret," Fletcher told journalists after being barred from the proceedings on Thursday morning. "Our consular agreement says that we ought to be able to attend trials," he said before leaving. Chinese officials said that trials involving state secrets are not open to the public. "The defendant is suspected of the crime of illegally providing state secrets to a foreign country, which is a case involving state secrets and is not handled openly, so is not open to visitors," a court official told Fletcher. Australia has said it was concerned about Cheng's welfare and conditions of detention and what it said was a "lack of transparency" over the case. Its diplomats have had regular visits with Cheng, most recently on March 21. "Considering the circumstances she’s doing okay," Fletcher said. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that a verdict in the case would be announced "at a scheduled date". "We urge the Australian side to earnestly respect China's judicial sovereignty and refrain from interfering in the handling of cases by the Chinese judicial authorities in any form," Wang told a regular daily briefing. The deferral of the verdict was announced in a statement by Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne. Last May, in a separate case at the same court, Australia's ambassador to China was denied entry to the trial of Australian blogger Yang Hengjun, who was accused of espionage. In a trial last March of Canadian former diplomat Michael Kovrig in the same court, Canadian officials were denied entry. Cheng was born in China and moved with her parents to Australia as a child. Later she returned to China where she built a television career first with CNBC, starting in 2003, and later, starting from 2012, as a prominent business news anchor for China's English-language CGTN. "Her two children and elderly parents miss her immensely and sincerely hope to reunite with her as soon as possible," Cheng's family said in a statement provided to Reuters. The trial comes as diplomatic relations between Australia and China remain tense, after Canberra urged an international probe into the source of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and Beijing responded with trade reprisals.

Australian journalist's Beijing trial ends with verdict deferred

The Polish government expelled 45 Russian diplomats on Wednesday for espionage, an accusation that the Russian ambassador in Poland immediately dismissed as baseless.

Poland's Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski announced on Twitter that his country has "expelled 45 Russian spies pretending to be diplomats."

"Poland expelled 45 Russian spies pretending to be diplomats. With full consistency and determination, we are breaking up the agents of the Russian secret services in our country," Kaminski wrote.&nbsp;

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Polska wydala 45 rosyjskich szpiegów udających dyplomatów. Z pełną konsekwencją i determinacją rozbijamy agenturę rosyjskich służb specjalnych w naszym kraju.
— Mariusz Kamiński (@Kaminski_M_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kaminski_M_/status/1506578317381615616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ukraine-invasion-russia-intesifies-crackdown-on-media-464863" hreflang="en">Amid Ukraine invasion, Russia intesifies crackdown on media</a>

Sergey Andreyev, the Russian ambassador to Poland, confirmed the expulsion, adding that the expelled individuals had been given five days to leave.

"There are no grounds for these kinds of accusations," he said, adding that Russia reserves the right to take retaliatory action.&nbsp;

As far as bilateral diplomatic relations are concerned, he stated: "The embassies remain, the ambassadors remain."

Poland's counter-espionage service, ABW had earlier on Wednesday said that it had identified 45 Russian diplomats as suspected spies and recommended that the foreign ministry expel them.

"The internal security agency has drawn up a list of 45 people working in Poland under the cover of diplomatic activities," ABW spokesman Stanislaw Zaryn told reporters, accusing the suspects of targeting Poland.

He said the list of suspects had been transferred to the foreign ministry, tweeting that "ABW is requesting that they be expelled from Polish territory".

Watch |&nbsp;Day 28 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Russia reiterates 'Nuclear' threat

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/day-28-of-the-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-russia-reiterates-nuclear-threat-464786/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The ABW "has detained a Polish national on suspicion of espionage for the Russian secret services," the spokesman added on Twitter.

"The detainee worked in the archives of Warsaw's registry office," he said.

"The activity of the suspect posed a threat to both (the) internal and external security of Poland."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Polish government expelled 45 Russian diplomats on Wednesday for espionage, an accusation that the Russian ambassador in Poland immediately dismissed as baseless.

The Polish government expelled 45 Russian diplomats on Wednesday for espionage, an accusation that the Russian ambassador in Poland immediately dismissed as baseless. Poland's Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski announced on Twitter that his country has "expelled 45 Russian spies pretending to be diplomats." "Poland expelled 45 Russian spies pretending to be diplomats. With full consistency and determination, we are breaking up the agents of the Russian secret services in our country," Kaminski wrote. Polska wydala 45 rosyjskich szpiegów udających dyplomatów. Z pełną konsekwencją i determinacją rozbijamy agenturę rosyjskich służb specjalnych w naszym kraju. — Mariusz Kamiński (@Kaminski_M_) March 23, 2022 × Also read | Amid Ukraine invasion, Russia intesifies crackdown on media Sergey Andreyev, the Russian ambassador to Poland, confirmed the expulsion, adding that the expelled individuals had been given five days to leave. "There are no grounds for these kinds of accusations," he said, adding that Russia reserves the right to take retaliatory action. As far as bilateral diplomatic relations are concerned, he stated: "The embassies remain, the ambassadors remain." Poland's counter-espionage service, ABW had earlier on Wednesday said that it had identified 45 Russian diplomats as suspected spies and recommended that the foreign ministry expel them. "The internal security agency has drawn up a list of 45 people working in Poland under the cover of diplomatic activities," ABW spokesman Stanislaw Zaryn told reporters, accusing the suspects of targeting Poland. He said the list of suspects had been transferred to the foreign ministry, tweeting that "ABW is requesting that they be expelled from Polish territory". Watch | Day 28 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Russia reiterates 'Nuclear' threat The ABW "has detained a Polish national on suspicion of espionage for the Russian secret services," the spokesman added on Twitter. "The detainee worked in the archives of Warsaw's registry office," he said. "The activity of the suspect posed a threat to both (the) internal and external security of Poland." (With inputs from agencies)

Russian spies in Poland?: Country expels 45 Russian diplomats for espionage

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the British aid worker who had been detained by Iranian authorities for the last six years on espionage charges, was released on Wednesday, local authorities said.

Besides her, another British-Iranian national, Anoosheh Ashoori, was released after spending five years in prison. He was also held on spying charges—a claim Ashoori denies.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the dual UK-Iranian national, was arrested at Tehran airport in April 2016 and later convicted by an Iranian court of plotting to overthrow the clerical establishment.

The detention of dual citizens had roiled relations between London and Tehran.

UK MP Tulip Siddiq confirmed the release of Zaghari-Ratcliffe on her official Twitter handle.

Siddiq said that she was informed that Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was at the airport in Tehran and is heading home.

“Nazanin is at the airport in Tehran and on her way home. I came into politics to make a difference, and right now I’m feeling like I have,” she tweeted.

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Nazanin is at the airport in Tehran and on her way home. 
 
I came into politics to make a difference, and right now I’m feeling like I have. 
 
More details to follow. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeNazanin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeNazanin</a>
— Tulip Siddiq (@TulipSiddiq) <a href="https://twitter.com/TulipSiddiq/status/1504037872206241795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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According to AP news agency, which cited Iranian state media, Zaghari-Ratcliffe was permitted to travel to the airport alongside British officials after UK "settled a debt of $530 million to Tehran".&nbsp;

Zaghari-Ratcliffe had been under house arrest and was given her UK passport back this week, BBC reported.

Her husband Richard Ratcliffe intensely campaigned for her release, and even launched hunger strike twice— first outside the Iranian embassy in London in 2019, and then in October last year outside the UK foreign ministry.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe's sister-in-law Rebecca Ratcliffe told BBC News it was an "emotional day".

"It feels like we're on the home run now but until she leaves that airport we can't believe it," she said, adding that she had also spoken to Ratcliffe.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the British aid worker who had been detained by Iranian authorities for the last six years on espionage charges, was released on Wednesday, local authorities said.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the British aid worker who had been detained by Iranian authorities for the last six years on espionage charges, was released on Wednesday, local authorities said. Besides her, another British-Iranian national, Anoosheh Ashoori, was released after spending five years in prison. He was also held on spying charges—a claim Ashoori denies. Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the dual UK-Iranian national, was arrested at Tehran airport in April 2016 and later convicted by an Iranian court of plotting to overthrow the clerical establishment. The detention of dual citizens had roiled relations between London and Tehran. UK MP Tulip Siddiq confirmed the release of Zaghari-Ratcliffe on her official Twitter handle. Siddiq said that she was informed that Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was at the airport in Tehran and is heading home. “Nazanin is at the airport in Tehran and on her way home. I came into politics to make a difference, and right now I’m feeling like I have,” she tweeted. Nazanin is at the airport in Tehran and on her way home. I came into politics to make a difference, and right now I’m feeling like I have. More details to follow. #FreeNazanin — Tulip Siddiq (@TulipSiddiq) March 16, 2022 × According to AP news agency, which cited Iranian state media, Zaghari-Ratcliffe was permitted to travel to the airport alongside British officials after UK "settled a debt of $530 million to Tehran". Zaghari-Ratcliffe had been under house arrest and was given her UK passport back this week, BBC reported. Her husband Richard Ratcliffe intensely campaigned for her release, and even launched hunger strike twice— first outside the Iranian embassy in London in 2019, and then in October last year outside the UK foreign ministry. Zaghari-Ratcliffe's sister-in-law Rebecca Ratcliffe told BBC News it was an "emotional day". "It feels like we're on the home run now but until she leaves that airport we can't believe it," she said, adding that she had also spoken to Ratcliffe. (With inputs from agencies)

UK national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, held in Iran for six years on espionage charges, released

The US Justice Department said on Friday said that a Chinese national pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit economic espionage.

Xiang Haitao, 44, conspired to steal "trade secrets" from an international company based in the United States to benefit China, the Justice Department said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-court-sentences-canadian-michael-spavor-to-11-years-in-jail-in-espionage-case-404568">Also Read:&nbsp;Chinese court sentences Canadian Michael Spavor to 11 years in jail in espionage case</a>

"Xiang has now admitted that he stole a trade secret from Monsanto, transferred it to a memory card and attempted to take it to China,” the US Justice Department added.

The department alleged that Xiang used his "insider status" to steal "valuable trade secrets". The court documents showed Xian worked as an imaging scientist in the international company Monsanto from 2008 to 2017.

The Justice Department informed that the corporation where Xiang was working developed "digital, online farming software platform that was used by farmers to collect, store and visualise critical agricultural field data".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-adopts-new-anti-espionage-law-to-avert-foreign-infiltration-in-key-firms-380838">Also Read:&nbsp;China adopts new anti-espionage law to avert 'foreign infiltration' in key firms</a>

“The American worker suffers when adversaries&nbsp;like China&nbsp;steal technology to grow their economies,” Alan E. Kohler from the FBI said. The investigating agency asserted that "it’s not just military technology developed in secret labs that adversaries want,&nbsp;it was agricultural technology used by American farmers to improve crop yields."&nbsp;

In 2017, federal authorities had searched Xiang's baggage as he was leaving for China and later found he was carrying copies of the "nutrient optimiser". The Chinese national was arrested after he returned from his country.

Xiang reportedly pleaded guilty to committing economic espionage and is set to be sentenced on April 17. He may face a maximum of 15 years in jail and a potential fine of $5 million.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The US Justice Department said on Friday said that a Chinese national pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit economic espionage. Xiang Haitao, 44, conspired to steal "trade secrets" from an international company based in the United States to benefit China, the Justice Department said.

The US Justice Department said on Friday said that a Chinese national pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit economic espionage. Xiang Haitao, 44, conspired to steal "trade secrets" from an international company based in the United States to benefit China, the Justice Department said. Also Read: Chinese court sentences Canadian Michael Spavor to 11 years in jail in espionage case "Xiang has now admitted that he stole a trade secret from Monsanto, transferred it to a memory card and attempted to take it to China,” the US Justice Department added. The department alleged that Xiang used his "insider status" to steal "valuable trade secrets". The court documents showed Xian worked as an imaging scientist in the international company Monsanto from 2008 to 2017. The Justice Department informed that the corporation where Xiang was working developed "digital, online farming software platform that was used by farmers to collect, store and visualise critical agricultural field data". Also Read: China adopts new anti-espionage law to avert 'foreign infiltration' in key firms “The American worker suffers when adversaries like China steal technology to grow their economies,” Alan E. Kohler from the FBI said. The investigating agency asserted that "it’s not just military technology developed in secret labs that adversaries want, it was agricultural technology used by American farmers to improve crop yields." In 2017, federal authorities had searched Xiang's baggage as he was leaving for China and later found he was carrying copies of the "nutrient optimiser". The Chinese national was arrested after he returned from his country. Xiang reportedly pleaded guilty to committing economic espionage and is set to be sentenced on April 17. He may face a maximum of 15 years in jail and a potential fine of $5 million. (With inputs from Agencies)

Chinese national in US steals agricultural tech, pleads guilty to economic espionage

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is now one step closer to being extradited to the United States in the Espionage case. The US wins the appeal against the London court ruling.

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is now one step closer to being extradited to the United States

Eight "undeclared" Russian intelligence personnel were ejected from Moscow's delegation to NATO's defence alliance in Brussels on Wednesday. 
 
According to Sky News, the expulsions were carried out "in reaction to suspected harmful Russian operations, such as murder and espionage."&nbsp;

"We can confirm that we have withdrawn the accreditation of eight members of the Russian Mission to NATO, who were undeclared Russian intelligence officers," a NATO official said, per the Associated Press.

"NATO's strategy toward Russia is unchanged.In response to Russia's provocative measures, we have increased our deterrent and defensive capabilities while remaining open to constructive engagement, "added the official.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-remains-bedrock-for-european-security-says-stoltenberg-amid-aukus-row-418607">Also read | NATO remains bedrock for European security, says Stoltenberg amid AUKUS row</a>

NATO is also decreasing the size of Russia's delegation from 20 to 10.

A request for comment from Insider was not immediately returned by the Russian authorities.

The eight Russians were expelled at a time when relations between Moscow and the West are at an all-time high, owing in large part to Russia's unilateral annexation of Crimea in 2014.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-foreign-minister-lavrov-slams-quad-aukus-417837">Also Read:&nbsp;Russia's foreign minister Lavrov slams Quad, AUKUS</a>

It is the first time NATO has taken such action against Moscow since seven Russian ambassadors were removed from the mission following the Salisbury espionage poisonings in 2018.

The West, according to Russian authorities, is exploiting Moscow as a "bogeyman."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Eight "undeclared" Russian intelligence personnel were ejected from Moscow's delegation to NATO's defence alliance in Brussels on Wednesday. According to Sky News, the expulsions were carried out "in reaction to suspected harmful Russian operations, such as murder and espionage.

Eight "undeclared" Russian intelligence personnel were ejected from Moscow's delegation to NATO's defence alliance in Brussels on Wednesday. According to Sky News, the expulsions were carried out "in reaction to suspected harmful Russian operations, such as murder and espionage." "We can confirm that we have withdrawn the accreditation of eight members of the Russian Mission to NATO, who were undeclared Russian intelligence officers," a NATO official said, per the Associated Press. "NATO's strategy toward Russia is unchanged.In response to Russia's provocative measures, we have increased our deterrent and defensive capabilities while remaining open to constructive engagement, "added the official. Also read | NATO remains bedrock for European security, says Stoltenberg amid AUKUS row NATO is also decreasing the size of Russia's delegation from 20 to 10. A request for comment from Insider was not immediately returned by the Russian authorities. The eight Russians were expelled at a time when relations between Moscow and the West are at an all-time high, owing in large part to Russia's unilateral annexation of Crimea in 2014. Also Read: Russia's foreign minister Lavrov slams Quad, AUKUS It is the first time NATO has taken such action against Moscow since seven Russian ambassadors were removed from the mission following the Salisbury espionage poisonings in 2018. The West, according to Russian authorities, is exploiting Moscow as a "bogeyman." (With inputs from agencies)

NATO expels eight Russians from its mission, claiming they were working as intelligence officers

A British man suspected of spying for&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;in exchange for cash has&nbsp;been&nbsp;arrested&nbsp;in Germany, prosecutors said Wednesday, in a highly unusual case compared to a Cold War thriller.

Germany has&nbsp;arrested&nbsp;a number of people in recent years accused of spying for&nbsp;Russia, but the capture of a citizen of a NATO ally is exceedingly rare.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Berlin was taking the case "extraordinarily seriously" as the "selection by an intelligence service of a close alliance partner is absolutely unacceptable".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-arrests-russian-scientist-over-spying-for-moscow-392942">Germany arrests Russian scientist over ‘spying’ for Moscow</a>

The suspect identified only as David S., who worked as local staff at the British embassy, "on at least one occasion passed on documents he acquired as part of his professional activities to a representative of Russian intelligence".&nbsp;

"The accused received a cash payment in an unspecified amount in return," the federal prosecutor's office said in a statement.

It said David S. was detained Tuesday in the eastern city of Potsdam on an arrest warrant issued on August 4. His home and place of work were searched and he was&nbsp;remanded in custody Wednesday by an investigating judge.

The suspect was believed to have&nbsp;been&nbsp;spying since November 2020 "at the latest".&nbsp;

His arrest was the result of a joint operation by German and British authorities. The British foreign office confirmed the arrest of someone "contracted to work for the government" but declined to comment further.

The Metropolitan Police in London said the suspect was a 57-year-old British national and that the investigation was conducted by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command and German counterparts.

It said his alleged offences were related to being engaged in "Intelligence Agent activity" under German law and that the German authorities would retain primacy over the probe.

Like Le Carre&nbsp;

Maas said Germany stood in "full solidarity" with Britain and would provide any assistance necessary to aid the prosecutors' probe.

Security specialist Edward Lucas likened the arrest to an early spy novel by the British writer John le Carre.

"The fact that the arrest has&nbsp;been&nbsp;made in Berlin suggests it's a non-diplomatic member of the embassy, that's why the German judicial system has&nbsp;been&nbsp;brought to bear on it," he told Times Radio.

Lucas, who formerly covered eastern and central European affairs for The Economist, said the arrest was "a reminder of how much effort the Russians put in to trying to find out what Western alliances are up to".

In June, German police&nbsp;arrested&nbsp;a Russian scientist at a German university accused of working for the Russian secret service since October 2020 at the latest.

And German prosecutors in February filed espionage charges against a German man suspected of having passed the floor plans of parliament to Russian secret services in 2017.

Moscow is at loggerheads with a number of Western capitals following a Russian troop build-up on Ukraine's borders and a series of espionage scandals.

In June, Italy said it had created a national cybersecurity agency following warnings by Prime Minister Mario Draghi that Europe needs to protect itself from Russian "interference".

The move came after an Italian navy captain was caught red-handed by police selling confidential military documents to a Russian embassy official.

&nbsp;Tit-for-tat expulsions

The leaders of nine eastern European nations in May condemned what they termed Russian "aggressive acts", citing operations in Ukraine and&nbsp;"sabotage" allegedly targeted at the Czech Republic.

Several central and eastern European countries expelled Russian diplomats in solidarity with Prague, but&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;has branded accusations of its involvement as "absurd" and responded with tit-for-tat expulsions.

The latest espionage case also comes at a time of highly strained relations between&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and Germany on a number of fronts, including the ongoing detention of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who received treatment in Berlin after near-fatal poisoning.

Relations between London and Moscow have&nbsp;been&nbsp;at a low point since the attempted poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal in British Salisbury in 2018.

The Kremlin has denied any involvement in either case.

A British man suspected of spying for Russia in exchange for cash has been arrested in Germany, prosecutors said Wednesday, in a highly unusual case compared to a Cold War thriller.

A British man suspected of spying for Russia in exchange for cash has been arrested in Germany, prosecutors said Wednesday, in a highly unusual case compared to a Cold War thriller. Germany has arrested a number of people in recent years accused of spying for Russia, but the capture of a citizen of a NATO ally is exceedingly rare. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Berlin was taking the case "extraordinarily seriously" as the "selection by an intelligence service of a close alliance partner is absolutely unacceptable". Also read | Germany arrests Russian scientist over ‘spying’ for Moscow The suspect identified only as David S., who worked as local staff at the British embassy, "on at least one occasion passed on documents he acquired as part of his professional activities to a representative of Russian intelligence". "The accused received a cash payment in an unspecified amount in return," the federal prosecutor's office said in a statement. It said David S. was detained Tuesday in the eastern city of Potsdam on an arrest warrant issued on August 4. His home and place of work were searched and he was remanded in custody Wednesday by an investigating judge. The suspect was believed to have been spying since November 2020 "at the latest". His arrest was the result of a joint operation by German and British authorities. The British foreign office confirmed the arrest of someone "contracted to work for the government" but declined to comment further. The Metropolitan Police in London said the suspect was a 57-year-old British national and that the investigation was conducted by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command and German counterparts. It said his alleged offences were related to being engaged in "Intelligence Agent activity" under German law and that the German authorities would retain primacy over the probe. Like Le Carre Maas said Germany stood in "full solidarity" with Britain and would provide any assistance necessary to aid the prosecutors' probe. Security specialist Edward Lucas likened the arrest to an early spy novel by the British writer John le Carre. "The fact that the arrest has been made in Berlin suggests it's a non-diplomatic member of the embassy, that's why the German judicial system has been brought to bear on it," he told Times Radio. Lucas, who formerly covered eastern and central European affairs for The Economist, said the arrest was "a reminder of how much effort the Russians put in to trying to find out what Western alliances are up to". In June, German police arrested a Russian scientist at a German university accused of working for the Russian secret service since October 2020 at the latest. And German prosecutors in February filed espionage charges against a German man suspected of having passed the floor plans of parliament to Russian secret services in 2017. Moscow is at loggerheads with a number of Western capitals following a Russian troop build-up on Ukraine's borders and a series of espionage scandals. In June, Italy said it had created a national cybersecurity agency following warnings by Prime Minister Mario Draghi that Europe needs to protect itself from Russian "interference". The move came after an Italian navy captain was caught red-handed by police selling confidential military documents to a Russian embassy official. Tit-for-tat expulsions The leaders of nine eastern European nations in May condemned what they termed Russian "aggressive acts", citing operations in Ukraine and "sabotage" allegedly targeted at the Czech Republic. Several central and eastern European countries expelled Russian diplomats in solidarity with Prague, but Russia has branded accusations of its involvement as "absurd" and responded with tit-for-tat expulsions. The latest espionage case also comes at a time of highly strained relations between Russia and Germany on a number of fronts, including the ongoing detention of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who received treatment in Berlin after near-fatal poisoning. Relations between London and Moscow have been at a low point since the attempted poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal in British Salisbury in 2018. The Kremlin has denied any involvement in either case.

Briton arrested in Germany for 'spying for Russia'

Firmly rejecting any attempt by Australia to intervene in the case of writer and academic Yang Jun, China defended holding the spy trial of him behind closed doors, saying it involved "state secrets".

"Australian citizen Yang Jun's case involves state secrets, and is not held in open court by the law, with no arrangements for observers to sit in," said foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian. "This is entirely lawful and reasonable."

Australia's ambassador to China was barred from the trial, in a case that has exacerbated a bitter row between the two nations.

Yang has been held since arriving in China in January 2019 and has had no access to his family. He has had only limited contact with his legal representation, according to Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne.

The case comes amid a deepening crisis in relations between Australia and China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said&nbsp;that by Chinese law, all cases involving state secrets, including Yang's, are heard in private sessions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Firmly rejecting any attempt by Australia to intervene in the case of writer and academic Yang Jun, China defended holding the spy trial of him behind closed doors, saying it involved "state secrets".

Firmly rejecting any attempt by Australia to intervene in the case of writer and academic Yang Jun, China defended holding the spy trial of him behind closed doors, saying it involved "state secrets". "Australian citizen Yang Jun's case involves state secrets, and is not held in open court by the law, with no arrangements for observers to sit in," said foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian. "This is entirely lawful and reasonable." Australia's ambassador to China was barred from the trial, in a case that has exacerbated a bitter row between the two nations. Yang has been held since arriving in China in January 2019 and has had no access to his family. He has had only limited contact with his legal representation, according to Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne. The case comes amid a deepening crisis in relations between Australia and China. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that by Chinese law, all cases involving state secrets, including Yang's, are heard in private sessions. (With inputs from agencies)

Closed-door spy trial of Australian writer 'lawful and reasonable': China

Czech President Milos Zeman took a rare swipe at Moscow on Sunday, likening two deadly blasts on Czech soil to terror attacks and comparing the Russian suspected culprits to bumbling cartoon characters.&nbsp;

Czech intelligence said last week that it suspected two Russians orchestrated two explosions in a military depot in the Czech Republic's east which killed two people in 2014.

The announcement led Prague to expel 18 Russian diplomats seen as spies while Moscow kicked out 20 Czech embassy staff in retaliation, sending bilateral relations to their lowest point in decades.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Slavia Prague's Kudela banned for 10 games over racism incident">Slavia Prague's Kudela banned for 10 games over racism incident</a>

The alleged agents of Russia's GRU military secret service are the same ones suspected of poisoning former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, England in 2018.

Czech police said the two Russians travelled to the Czech Republic under false identities days before the first blast.

"What were the Russians, Pat and Mat, who are also suspected of having poisoned Skripal, doing on our soil?" President Milos Zeman said on a Sunday TV debate show as he demanded a thorough investigation of the blasts.

"No sovereign country can allow two agents of a foreign country to cause a terror attack on its soil," he added.

Popular Czech cartoon characters Pat and Mat are do-it-yourself enthusiasts whose exploits often end in calamity.&nbsp;

Zeman's comparison came amid reports that the explosions were supposed to have taken place outside the depot to target arms owned by a Bulgarian dealer and possibly heading for Ukraine.

Usually pro-Russian, veteran left-winger Zeman took a week to comment on the allegations against Moscow. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The explosions occurred the same year that Russia triggered tensions with the West by annexing the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine and a conflict broke out between Ukrainian forces and Russia-backed rebels in the east of the country.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, Zeman's ally, has also described the explosions as a "fumbled" terror attack.

Zeman on Sunday also commented on the diplomatic expulsions, saying he could see no reason why "there should be 18 spies" at the Russian embassy.

Prague and Moscow decided to cap the number of diplomats at their respective embassies on Thursday.

Czech President Milos Zeman took a rare swipe at Moscow on Sunday, likening two deadly blasts on Czech soil to terror attacks and comparing the Russian suspected culprits to bumbling cartoon characters.

Czech President Milos Zeman took a rare swipe at Moscow on Sunday, likening two deadly blasts on Czech soil to terror attacks and comparing the Russian suspected culprits to bumbling cartoon characters. Czech intelligence said last week that it suspected two Russians orchestrated two explosions in a military depot in the Czech Republic's east which killed two people in 2014. The announcement led Prague to expel 18 Russian diplomats seen as spies while Moscow kicked out 20 Czech embassy staff in retaliation, sending bilateral relations to their lowest point in decades. Also read: Slavia Prague's Kudela banned for 10 games over racism incident The alleged agents of Russia's GRU military secret service are the same ones suspected of poisoning former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, England in 2018. Czech police said the two Russians travelled to the Czech Republic under false identities days before the first blast. "What were the Russians, Pat and Mat, who are also suspected of having poisoned Skripal, doing on our soil?" President Milos Zeman said on a Sunday TV debate show as he demanded a thorough investigation of the blasts. "No sovereign country can allow two agents of a foreign country to cause a terror attack on its soil," he added. Popular Czech cartoon characters Pat and Mat are do-it-yourself enthusiasts whose exploits often end in calamity. Zeman's comparison came amid reports that the explosions were supposed to have taken place outside the depot to target arms owned by a Bulgarian dealer and possibly heading for Ukraine. Usually pro-Russian, veteran left-winger Zeman took a week to comment on the allegations against Moscow. The explosions occurred the same year that Russia triggered tensions with the West by annexing the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine and a conflict broke out between Ukrainian forces and Russia-backed rebels in the east of the country. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, Zeman's ally, has also described the explosions as a "fumbled" terror attack. Zeman on Sunday also commented on the diplomatic expulsions, saying he could see no reason why "there should be 18 spies" at the Russian embassy. Prague and Moscow decided to cap the number of diplomats at their respective embassies on Thursday.

Czech leader takes rare swipe at Russia over 'terror' blasts

The trial of Canadian citizen Michael Spavor, detained by China since late 2018 on suspicion of espionage, ended on Friday after closed-court hearing of around two hours, in a case embroiled in a wider diplomatic spat between Washington and Beijing.

Spavor and his lawyer appeared for the hearing and the court will later set a date to issue a verdict, the Dandong Intermediate People's Court said in a statement on its website.

China arrested Spavor and fellow Canadian Michael Kovrig in December 2018, soon after Canadian police detained Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies, on a US&nbsp;warrant.

Beijing insists the detentions are not linked to the arrest of Meng, who remains under house arrest in Vancouver as she fights extradition to the United States.

The two men have had almost no contact with the outside world since their detention.

Virtual consular visits only resumed in October after a nine-month hiatus that authorities said was due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Spavor's family have called for his unconditional release, insisting that he was innocent. His family described him as "just an ordinary Canadian businessman who has done extraordinary things to build constructive ties" between Canada, China and North Korea.

Jim Nickel, the Charge d'affaires of the Canadian embassy in Beijing, told reporters outside the court that they were "disappointed by the lack of transparency and the lack of access."

Canada's foreign ministry said Thursday that Beijing had confirmed Canadian officials "will not be granted permission to attend the trial" despite several official requests.

The trial of Michael Kovrig, a former diplomat, is scheduled to start on Monday in Beijing.

Beijing insists the detentions are not linked to the arrest of Meng, who remains under house arrest in Vancouver as she fights extradition to the United States.

The trial dates were announced by Canada just as the United States and China were preparing to hold high-level talks in Alaska, the first since US President Joe Biden took office, which have proven to be contentious.

China on Thursday denied the trials are linked to those talks.

The trial may only last one day and a verdict is unlikely to be released immediately. China has a conviction rate of over 99%.

Observers have said convictions of the two men could ultimately facilitate a diplomatic agreement whereby the two men are released and sent back to Canada.

(with inputs)

The trial of Canadian citizen Michael Spavor, detained by China since late 2018 on suspicion of espionage, ended on Friday after closed-court hearing of around two hours, in a case embroiled in a wider diplomatic spat between Washington and Beijing.

The trial of Canadian citizen Michael Spavor, detained by China since late 2018 on suspicion of espionage, ended on Friday after closed-court hearing of around two hours, in a case embroiled in a wider diplomatic spat between Washington and Beijing. Spavor and his lawyer appeared for the hearing and the court will later set a date to issue a verdict, the Dandong Intermediate People's Court said in a statement on its website. China arrested Spavor and fellow Canadian Michael Kovrig in December 2018, soon after Canadian police detained Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies, on a US warrant. Beijing insists the detentions are not linked to the arrest of Meng, who remains under house arrest in Vancouver as she fights extradition to the United States. The two men have had almost no contact with the outside world since their detention. Virtual consular visits only resumed in October after a nine-month hiatus that authorities said was due to the coronavirus pandemic. Spavor's family have called for his unconditional release, insisting that he was innocent. His family described him as "just an ordinary Canadian businessman who has done extraordinary things to build constructive ties" between Canada, China and North Korea. Jim Nickel, the Charge d'affaires of the Canadian embassy in Beijing, told reporters outside the court that they were "disappointed by the lack of transparency and the lack of access." Canada's foreign ministry said Thursday that Beijing had confirmed Canadian officials "will not be granted permission to attend the trial" despite several official requests. The trial of Michael Kovrig, a former diplomat, is scheduled to start on Monday in Beijing. Beijing insists the detentions are not linked to the arrest of Meng, who remains under house arrest in Vancouver as she fights extradition to the United States. The trial dates were announced by Canada just as the United States and China were preparing to hold high-level talks in Alaska, the first since US President Joe Biden took office, which have proven to be contentious. China on Thursday denied the trials are linked to those talks. The trial may only last one day and a verdict is unlikely to be released immediately. China has a conviction rate of over 99%. Observers have said convictions of the two men could ultimately facilitate a diplomatic agreement whereby the two men are released and sent back to Canada. (with inputs)

China concludes trial of Canadian accused of espionage behind closed doors

China will put two Canadians on trial in the coming days following their arrests more than two years ago in apparent retaliation for the detention of a top Huawei executive.

China detained former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor in 2018 -- days after the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver on fraud charges. Charges against the two Canadians -- who have been accused of espionage -- are widely perceived in the West as retaliation for Meng's arrest, although China has denied this.

Meng was arrested on a US warrant during a stopover in Vancouver in December 2018, just nine days before the two Canadians were detained. She is under house arrest in Vancouver as she fights extradition to the United States.

Spavor and Kovrig are scheduled go on trial Friday and Monday respectively, Canadian Foreign Minister Marc Garneau said in a statement, saying Ottawa's Beijing embassy had been notified.

Canadian officials, he added, have demanded immediate consular access to the two men and asked to attend the trials.

Spavor is being held in Dandong while Kovrig was jailed in Beijing. China's judicial system convicts most people who stand trial and the two men face up to life in prison if found guilty of "espionage" and "providing state secrets".

Their court dates come as an extradition hearing for Meng enters its final months. It is scheduled to wrap up in May, barring appeals.

The United States wants the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei extradited to face trial on charges related to the Chinese telecom equipment maker's alleged violations of US sanctions against Iran.

Meng, 49, is accused of having lied to the HSBC investment bank about Huawei's relationship with subsidiary Skycom, putting the bank at risk of violating the sanctions as it continued to clear US dollar transactions for Huawei.&nbsp;

Both Meng and Huawei -- the world's largest telecommunications equipment manufacturer -- deny the charges.

US and Chinese top foreign officials are also scheduled to hold high-level meetings in Alaska on Thursday.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the Canadian government said their release remains a top priority.

The arrests of Meng, Kovrig and Spavor have roiled diplomatic relations between China and Canada, which has enlisted the help of allies to apply pressure on China -its second largest trading partner.

As part of that effort, Ottawa recently unveiled a declaration signed by 58 countries against "arbitrary detention in state-to-state relations," though it did not specifically mention China.

The Canadian parliament also provoked China's ire by voting to label its treatment of Uighurs in Xinjiang as genocide.

If convicted in a US court, Meng could face more than 30 years in prison. For now, she remains under house arrest in her Vancouver mansion.

The two men face spying charges and it is unclear how long the process may take, but "there will be a verdict," a Canadian government source said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has sought support from US President Joe Biden to counter Chinese influence.

"Human beings are not bartering chips," Biden said after speaking with Trudeau by video link in February. "We`re going to work together until we get their safe return."

(with inputs from agencies)

China will put two Canadians on trial in the coming days following their arrests more than two years ago in apparent retaliation for the detention of a top Huawei executive.

China will put two Canadians on trial in the coming days following their arrests more than two years ago in apparent retaliation for the detention of a top Huawei executive. China detained former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor in 2018 -- days after the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver on fraud charges. Charges against the two Canadians -- who have been accused of espionage -- are widely perceived in the West as retaliation for Meng's arrest, although China has denied this. Meng was arrested on a US warrant during a stopover in Vancouver in December 2018, just nine days before the two Canadians were detained. She is under house arrest in Vancouver as she fights extradition to the United States. Spavor and Kovrig are scheduled go on trial Friday and Monday respectively, Canadian Foreign Minister Marc Garneau said in a statement, saying Ottawa's Beijing embassy had been notified. Canadian officials, he added, have demanded immediate consular access to the two men and asked to attend the trials. Spavor is being held in Dandong while Kovrig was jailed in Beijing. China's judicial system convicts most people who stand trial and the two men face up to life in prison if found guilty of "espionage" and "providing state secrets". Their court dates come as an extradition hearing for Meng enters its final months. It is scheduled to wrap up in May, barring appeals. The United States wants the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei extradited to face trial on charges related to the Chinese telecom equipment maker's alleged violations of US sanctions against Iran. Meng, 49, is accused of having lied to the HSBC investment bank about Huawei's relationship with subsidiary Skycom, putting the bank at risk of violating the sanctions as it continued to clear US dollar transactions for Huawei. Both Meng and Huawei -- the world's largest telecommunications equipment manufacturer -- deny the charges. US and Chinese top foreign officials are also scheduled to hold high-level meetings in Alaska on Thursday. On Wednesday, the Canadian government said their release remains a top priority. The arrests of Meng, Kovrig and Spavor have roiled diplomatic relations between China and Canada, which has enlisted the help of allies to apply pressure on China -its second largest trading partner. As part of that effort, Ottawa recently unveiled a declaration signed by 58 countries against "arbitrary detention in state-to-state relations," though it did not specifically mention China. The Canadian parliament also provoked China's ire by voting to label its treatment of Uighurs in Xinjiang as genocide. If convicted in a US court, Meng could face more than 30 years in prison. For now, she remains under house arrest in her Vancouver mansion. The two men face spying charges and it is unclear how long the process may take, but "there will be a verdict," a Canadian government source said. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has sought support from US President Joe Biden to counter Chinese influence. "Human beings are not bartering chips," Biden said after speaking with Trudeau by video link in February. "We`re going to work together until we get their safe return." (with inputs from agencies)

China to put two Canadians, charged with spying, on trial in coming days

A British-Australian academic has claimed Iran tried to recruit her as a spy in exchange for her freedom when she was imprisoned in the country.

Middle East scholar Kylie Moore-Gilbert was arrested in 2018 and sentenced to 10 years in jail for espionage, an allegation she has denied. She was arrested by the hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after attending an academic conference in the holy city of Qom in central Iran.

In her first media interview since returning to Australia last November, she said&nbsp;Iranian officials asked her "many times" to&nbsp;work as a spy.

"I knew that the reason that they didn't engage in any meaningful negotiations with the Australians was because they wanted to recruit me. They wanted me (to work) for them as a spy," she told Sky News Australia on Tuesday.

Moore-Gilbert also said she was beaten during her detention and suffered "psychological torture" from spending seven months in solitary confinement. She said at times she "felt broken" by the experience of prison and had suicidal thoughts.

"It is so damaging. I would say I felt physical pain from the psychological trauma I had in that room," she said.

"It is a two-by-two metre box -- there is no toilet, there is no television, there is nothing whatsoever."

Moore-Gilbert also criticised the Australian government's approach to her case, which involved keeping it quiet from the media while negotiating behind the scenes for her release.

"I think had my ordeal been made public, there's no way I would have got 10 years," she said.

She was released reportedly in a swap for three Iranians linked to a botched plot to kill Israeli officials in Bangkok.

Moore-Gilbert added that "much greater attention" was paid to her health and wellbeing once her detention made headlines.

A British-Australian academic has claimed Iran tried to recruit her as a spy in exchange for her freedom when she was imprisoned in the country. Middle East scholar Kylie Moore-Gilbert was arrested in 2018 and sentenced to 10 years in jail for espionage, an allegation she has denied.

A British-Australian academic has claimed Iran tried to recruit her as a spy in exchange for her freedom when she was imprisoned in the country. Middle East scholar Kylie Moore-Gilbert was arrested in 2018 and sentenced to 10 years in jail for espionage, an allegation she has denied. She was arrested by the hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after attending an academic conference in the holy city of Qom in central Iran. In her first media interview since returning to Australia last November, she said Iranian officials asked her "many times" to work as a spy. "I knew that the reason that they didn't engage in any meaningful negotiations with the Australians was because they wanted to recruit me. They wanted me (to work) for them as a spy," she told Sky News Australia on Tuesday. Moore-Gilbert also said she was beaten during her detention and suffered "psychological torture" from spending seven months in solitary confinement. She said at times she "felt broken" by the experience of prison and had suicidal thoughts. "It is so damaging. I would say I felt physical pain from the psychological trauma I had in that room," she said. "It is a two-by-two metre box -- there is no toilet, there is no television, there is nothing whatsoever." Moore-Gilbert also criticised the Australian government's approach to her case, which involved keeping it quiet from the media while negotiating behind the scenes for her release. "I think had my ordeal been made public, there's no way I would have got 10 years," she said. She was released reportedly in a swap for three Iranians linked to a botched plot to kill Israeli officials in Bangkok. Moore-Gilbert added that "much greater attention" was paid to her health and wellbeing once her detention made headlines.

British-Australian academic says Iran tried to recruit her as spy

Delhi Police on Saturday said arrested freelance journalist Rajeev Sharma was allegedly passing sensitive information about India's border strategy and Army deployment to Chinese intelligence.

At a press conference, Special Cell DCP Sanjeev Kumar Yadav said Sharma was writing on defence-related issues for some Indian media organisations, as well as China's Global Times.

He was allegedly contacted by Chinese Intelligence agents in 2016. Sharma was also in contact with some Chinese intelligence officer, the police officer claimed, adding the freelance journalist got "Rs 40 lakh in one-and-a-half years and he was getting $1,000 for each information".

Sharma was arrested September 14 based on inputs from central intelligence. Police have seized classified defence documents from him, the DCP said.

He said that a Chinese woman and her Nepalese associate have also been arrested for allegedly paying Sharma large amounts of money routed through shell companies.

Delhi Police on Saturday said arrested freelance journalist Rajeev Sharma was allegedly passing sensitive information about India's border strategy and Army deployment to Chinese intelligence.

Delhi Police on Saturday said arrested freelance journalist Rajeev Sharma was allegedly passing sensitive information about India's border strategy and Army deployment to Chinese intelligence. At a press conference, Special Cell DCP Sanjeev Kumar Yadav said Sharma was writing on defence-related issues for some Indian media organisations, as well as China's Global Times. He was allegedly contacted by Chinese Intelligence agents in 2016. Sharma was also in contact with some Chinese intelligence officer, the police officer claimed, adding the freelance journalist got "Rs 40 lakh in one-and-a-half years and he was getting $1,000 for each information". Sharma was arrested September 14 based on inputs from central intelligence. Police have seized classified defence documents from him, the DCP said. He said that a Chinese woman and her Nepalese associate have also been arrested for allegedly paying Sharma large amounts of money routed through shell companies.

Arrested scribe Rajeev Sharma was passing info on India's border strategy to Chinese: Delhi Police

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