The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted a raid on President Joe Biden’s Rehoboth Beach, Delaware home on Wednesday as part of its investigation amidst a row over classified documents being found in his home and think tank, American media reported. However, as per Biden's attorney,&nbsp;no documents were found in the search.

The FBI was investigating the potential mishandling of classified documents.&nbsp;

In a statement, Biden's attorney said the search was "planned" with the president's "full support", according to BBC.&nbsp; 
 
The probe followed the November 2, 2022&nbsp;discovery of documents with classified markings by Biden's lawyers as they closed up an office at the Penn Biden Center, a think tank affiliated with the Ivy League school.&nbsp;Documents were also found at his Wilmington home by his personal lawyers, who initiated a search after the Penn Biden Center documents were discovered. 
 
Raids were also conducted at the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement in mid-November after classified documents were discovered there, NBC News reported Tuesday.&nbsp;

The Biden documents probe is being handled by a special counsel, Robert Hur.

Hur, a former top federal prosecutor in Baltimore, is starting work this week, inheriting a months-long investigation by FBI agents and Justice Department prosecutors.&nbsp;The Bidens had purchased the Rehoboth Beach home, which overlooks a state park adjacent to the beach, in June 2017, months after he left the vice presidency.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted a raid on President Joe Biden’s Rehoboth Beach, Delaware home on Wednesday as part of its investigation amidst a row over classified documents being found in his home and think tank, American media reported.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted a raid on President Joe Biden’s Rehoboth Beach, Delaware home on Wednesday as part of its investigation amidst a row over classified documents being found in his home and think tank, American media reported. However, as per Biden's attorney, no documents were found in the search. The FBI was investigating the potential mishandling of classified documents. In a statement, Biden's attorney said the search was "planned" with the president's "full support", according to BBC. The probe followed the November 2, 2022 discovery of documents with classified markings by Biden's lawyers as they closed up an office at the Penn Biden Center, a think tank affiliated with the Ivy League school. Documents were also found at his Wilmington home by his personal lawyers, who initiated a search after the Penn Biden Center documents were discovered. Raids were also conducted at the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement in mid-November after classified documents were discovered there, NBC News reported Tuesday. The Biden documents probe is being handled by a special counsel, Robert Hur. Hur, a former top federal prosecutor in Baltimore, is starting work this week, inheriting a months-long investigation by FBI agents and Justice Department prosecutors. The Bidens had purchased the Rehoboth Beach home, which overlooks a state park adjacent to the beach, in June 2017, months after he left the vice presidency. (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.

Classified documents probe: FBI raid at Biden’s Delaware home fails to find more classified papers

The FBI conducted a planned search of US President Joe Biden's home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware amid an ongoing probe into the potential mishandling of classified documents.

FBI searches US President Biden's beach home in Delaware, in classified documents probe

In the latest, the FBI conducted a raid on President Joe Biden’s beach house in Delaware on Wednesday amidst row over classified documents being found in his home and think tank.&nbsp;Several suspects have been arrested in connection with Monday’s&nbsp;suicide bomb blast&nbsp;in a mosque in Pakistan’s northern city of Peshawar that killed more than 100 people. In India, the finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2023-24 in the parliament.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines for more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-raids-president-joe-bidens-home-in-delaware-558003">FBI raids President Joe Biden’s home in Delaware &nbsp;</a>

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted a raid on President Joe Biden’s beach house in Delaware on Wednesday amidst row over classified documents being found in his home and think tank, American media reported.&nbsp;In a statement, Biden's attorney said the search was "planned" with the president's "full support", according to BBC.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/police-nab-suspects-involved-in-pakistan-mosque-blast-investigate-security-lapse-557943">Police nab suspects involved in Pakistan mosque blast, investigate security lapse</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14c9c9f0-b127-4dcc-b569-16dc6ed28dfc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/update-over-90-killed-in-pakistan-mosque-blast.jpeg" />

Several suspects were arrested by the police in Peshawar, Pakistan as the investigation into the suicide bomb blast in the mosque, which killed more than 100 people, continues.

The police said that the chances of a bomber being able to evade security checks because of internal assistance cannot be ruled out completely.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2023-pm-modi-says-steps-taken-to-empower-middle-class-ensure-ease-of-living-557883">Budget 2023: PM Modi says steps taken to empower middle class, ensure ease of living</a>

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Expressing his thoughts on India’s Union Budget 2023–24&nbsp;after it was tabled by India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament on Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it will build a strong foundation of a developed India.&nbsp;"The first budget of ‘Amrit Kaal’ (after 75 years of Independence)&nbsp;will build a strong foundation for building a developed India. This budget will fulfil the dreams of aspirational society including poor people, middle-class people, farmers," PM Modi said

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/massive-avalanche-hits-kashmirs-gulmarg-casualties-feared-557860">Massive avalanche hits Kashmir's Gulmarg, two dead, 18 rescued</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d321e2c2-1f1a-40db-8355-bf6a461ae156" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/avalanche-pti-1674821643.jpg" />

A day after Jammu Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) issued an alert, a massive avalanche hit the upper reaches of the Afarwat peak of Gulmarg in North Kashmir, officials informed on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Bodies of two persons belonging to Poland have been retrieved from underneath the snow mass while 18 (eight Russians, 10 Polish) tourists have been rescued, according to&nbsp;officials.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earthquake-of-60-magnitude-hits-southern-philippines-no-reports-of-major-damage-557955">Earthquake of 6.0-magnitude hits southern Philippines, no reports of major damage</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="209b35d1-8075-418c-9e8c-ba3ca59134db" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/earthquake-ani-1612419050.jpg" />

An earthquake of 6.0 magnitude struck the southern Philippines on Wednesday (February 1), according to the US Geological Service. The earthquake struck at 1044 GMT near the &nbsp;Monkayo municipality in Davao de Oro province on Mindanao island. There were no immediate reports of any major damage. Speaking to the news agency AFP, Monkayo police Staff Sergeant Harvey Asayas said the quake was strong at the beginning but gradually weakened and stopped after 40 seconds.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/s-koreas-economy-inches-towards-first-recession-in-three-years-says-data-557946">S. Korea's economy inches towards first recession in three years, says data</a>

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Data released on Wednesday (Feb 1) indicated that South Korea's economy has&nbsp;advanced closer to its first recession in three years in January as a result of a record-high trade deficit, largely driven by falling exports as a result of extended holidays and a slowing global economy.

The fourth-largest economy in Asia, which is largely dependent on trade for growth, contracted by 0.4 per cent in the third quarter of 2018 and is now in danger of entering its first recession since the middle of 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tyre-nichols-murder-questions-raised-over-white-cops-delayed-suspension-from-memphis-police-557906">Tyre Nichols murder: Questions raised over White cop's delayed suspension from Memphis Police, says report</a>

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As authorities continue to investigate the death of Tyre Nichols, 29, who died after being thrashed by Memphis Police Department officers, questions have now started raising as why did the police wait for weeks to name a White cop in the beating of the Black man. On Monday (January 30), the police suspended Officer Preston Hemphill, a White man who had joined the police force in 2018. "The Memphis Police Department began administrative investigations on officers involved in the death of Tyre Nichols on January 7, 2023. On January 8, seven officers including Officer Preston Hemphill were relieved of duty," the police department said in a statement.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-couple-dancing-in-the-streets-sentenced-to-over-10-years-in-prison-557849">Iranian couple dancing in the streets sentenced to over 10 years in prison</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7040f72f-23ee-4ab0-a7f3-89dc589ff211" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tower-dance-e1675178817718.jpg" />

A couple in their 20s has been sentenced to more than 10 years in jail by an Iranian court for posting a video of themselves dancing in a street. The court convicted them of 'encouraging corruption' and 'public prostitution' under archaic Islamic laws.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-local-governments-struggle-to-pay-interest-on-mounting-loan-558008">China’s local governments struggle to pay interest on mounting loan &nbsp;</a>

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Provincial governments in China are at risk of default and might struggle to provide even basic services in the months to come as authorities struggle to pay off the interest on 123 trillion yuan ($18 trillion) loan, reports CNN.&nbsp;

Strict pandemic controls and real estate crash have drained the coffers of local governments, who have spent their budgets on enforcing frequent Covid lockdowns, mass testing, and setting up quarantine centers before&nbsp;the abrupt end of Xi Jinping’s zero-Covid policy in December.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/recovering-post-attack-but-salman-rushdie-wont-promote-new-novel-557828">Recovering post attack but Salman Rushdie won't promote new novel</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6b5fb0c4-f0ee-4ff2-b9ac-4511ec41f8c6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_126300645_gettyimages-1175394039.jpg" />

Salman Rushdie will not promote his new novel amid major backlash for the same. The author is currently recovering after he was attacked some five months ago and has no plans of promoting his new novel, according to his agent.&nbsp;

In a statement, the agent said that the author’s “recovery is progressing, but he will not be making any public appearances to promote his forthcoming novel”. His new book is called Victory City.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the latest, the FBI conducted a raid on President Joe Biden’s beach house in Delaware on Wednesday amidst row over classified documents being found in his home and think tank.

In the latest, the FBI conducted a raid on President Joe Biden’s beach house in Delaware on Wednesday amidst row over classified documents being found in his home and think tank. Several suspects have been arrested in connection with Monday’s suicide bomb blast in a mosque in Pakistan’s northern city of Peshawar that killed more than 100 people. In India, the finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2023-24 in the parliament. Click on the headlines for more. FBI raids President Joe Biden’s home in Delaware The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted a raid on President Joe Biden’s beach house in Delaware on Wednesday amidst row over classified documents being found in his home and think tank, American media reported. In a statement, Biden's attorney said the search was "planned" with the president's "full support", according to BBC. Police nab suspects involved in Pakistan mosque blast, investigate security lapse Several suspects were arrested by the police in Peshawar, Pakistan as the investigation into the suicide bomb blast in the mosque, which killed more than 100 people, continues. The police said that the chances of a bomber being able to evade security checks because of internal assistance cannot be ruled out completely. Budget 2023: PM Modi says steps taken to empower middle class, ensure ease of living Expressing his thoughts on India’s Union Budget 2023–24 after it was tabled by India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament on Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it will build a strong foundation of a developed India. "The first budget of ‘Amrit Kaal’ (after 75 years of Independence) will build a strong foundation for building a developed India. This budget will fulfil the dreams of aspirational society including poor people, middle-class people, farmers," PM Modi said Massive avalanche hits Kashmir's Gulmarg, two dead, 18 rescued A day after Jammu Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) issued an alert, a massive avalanche hit the upper reaches of the Afarwat peak of Gulmarg in North Kashmir, officials informed on Wednesday. Bodies of two persons belonging to Poland have been retrieved from underneath the snow mass while 18 (eight Russians, 10 Polish) tourists have been rescued, according to officials. Earthquake of 6.0-magnitude hits southern Philippines, no reports of major damage An earthquake of 6.0 magnitude struck the southern Philippines on Wednesday (February 1), according to the US Geological Service. The earthquake struck at 1044 GMT near the Monkayo municipality in Davao de Oro province on Mindanao island. There were no immediate reports of any major damage. Speaking to the news agency AFP, Monkayo police Staff Sergeant Harvey Asayas said the quake was strong at the beginning but gradually weakened and stopped after 40 seconds. S. Korea's economy inches towards first recession in three years, says data Data released on Wednesday (Feb 1) indicated that South Korea's economy has advanced closer to its first recession in three years in January as a result of a record-high trade deficit, largely driven by falling exports as a result of extended holidays and a slowing global economy. The fourth-largest economy in Asia, which is largely dependent on trade for growth, contracted by 0.4 per cent in the third quarter of 2018 and is now in danger of entering its first recession since the middle of 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tyre Nichols murder: Questions raised over White cop's delayed suspension from Memphis Police, says report As authorities continue to investigate the death of Tyre Nichols, 29, who died after being thrashed by Memphis Police Department officers, questions have now started raising as why did the police wait for weeks to name a White cop in the beating of the Black man. On Monday (January 30), the police suspended Officer Preston Hemphill, a White man who had joined the police force in 2018. "The Memphis Police Department began administrative investigations on officers involved in the death of Tyre Nichols on January 7, 2023. On January 8, seven officers including Officer Preston Hemphill were relieved of duty," the police department said in a statement. Iranian couple dancing in the streets sentenced to over 10 years in prison A couple in their 20s has been sentenced to more than 10 years in jail by an Iranian court for posting a video of themselves dancing in a street. The court convicted them of 'encouraging corruption' and 'public prostitution' under archaic Islamic laws. China’s local governments struggle to pay interest on mounting loan Provincial governments in China are at risk of default and might struggle to provide even basic services in the months to come as authorities struggle to pay off the interest on 123 trillion yuan ($18 trillion) loan, reports CNN. Strict pandemic controls and real estate crash have drained the coffers of local governments, who have spent their budgets on enforcing frequent Covid lockdowns, mass testing, and setting up quarantine centers before the abrupt end of Xi Jinping’s zero-Covid policy in December. Recovering post attack but Salman Rushdie won't promote new novel Salman Rushdie will not promote his new novel amid major backlash for the same. The author is currently recovering after he was attacked some five months ago and has no plans of promoting his new novel, according to his agent. In a statement, the agent said that the author’s “recovery is progressing, but he will not be making any public appearances to promote his forthcoming novel”. His new book is called Victory City.

Top 10 world news: Police nab Pakistan mosque blast suspects, & more

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been approached by the Jamaican government to assist in probing the fraud in which eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt lost over $12.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been approached by the Jamaican government to assist in probing the fraud in which eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt lost over $12.7 million. Jamaican Finance Minister Nigel Clarke informed about the decision and said the FBI and other international partners were urged to join the investigation against investment firm Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) to bring 'to justice all perpetrators and co-conspirators'. After the fraud came to light, Bolt's representatives informed that his account containing $12.7 million had dwindled to just $12,000. Bolt's attorneys have given a Friday deadline to SSL to recover the money or prepare to be dragged to the court. WATCH | Gravitas: Why do millionaires end up in turmoil? × The multi-billion fraud appears to have spanned for more than a decade before the lid was blown over it. Clarke questioned how a scam of such magnitude that targetted elderly clients and government agencies could go on without anyone coming to know about it. "The central issue, my fellow Jamaicans, is, how did this fraud, this alleged fraud, go undetected for 13 years, between 2010 and 2023. Perhaps even longer," he said in a press conference. The authorities, at this point, do not know how much money was stolen. However, given the timeline of the scam, it can be said with certainty it is a multi-billion dollar scam. SSL has attempted to shrug off the responsibility by suggesting that a rogue former employee was behind the operation. "Like all Jamaicans I am in shock, and feel a profound level of anger and disgust, at the alarming and evil fraud that has allegedly been committed at Stocks and Securities Limited, and which is the source of public discussion and anxiety at this time," added Clarke. Read more: Olympic champion Usain Bolt missing millions from investment accounts, investigation launched - Reports Bolt's $90 million fortune may not have taken a substantial hit due to the fraud but the elderly clients who planned their retirement with the private investment firm are staring down the barrel of a bleak future. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

FBI to help probe multi-billion dollar fraud case targetting Olympic champion Usain Bolt, others

A former senior FBI agent in New York had been arrested due to his affiliations with a Russian oligarch,&nbsp;ABC News reported on Monday.&nbsp;Charles McGonigal, a special agent in charge of counterintelligence at the FBI's New York Field Office, has been&nbsp;arrested because of his ties with Oleg Deripaska, a Russian billionaire who the US has sanctioned and who was criminally accused last year of breaching those sanctions.

McGonigal left the FBI in 2018. He was detained on Saturday afternoon after arriving at JFK Airport from Sri Lanka, according to the sources.

The Justice Department claims that in 2021, McGonigal and Shestakov, two FBI oligarch investigators, agreed to look into a rival Russian tycoon in exchange for money from Deripaska. In order to conceal the fact that Deripaska was paying McGonigal and Shestakov, it is alleged that they utilised phoney firms to receive money and forged signatures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/doomsday-clock-may-tick-closer-to-midnight-as-experts-warn-of-nuclear-war-555300">Doomsday clock may tick closer to midnight, as experts warn of nuclear war</a>

Along with allegations of breaking sanctions, both of them are accused of money laundering. The maximum jail time for each of the four offences is 20 years.

"The FBI is committed to the enforcement of economic sanctions designed to protect the United States and our allies, especially against hostile activities of a foreign government and its actors," FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael Driscoll said in a statement. "Russian oligarchs like Oleg Deripaska perform global malign influence on behalf of the Kremlin and are associated with acts of bribery, extortion, and violence."

"As alleged, Mr. McGonigal and Mr. Shestakov, both US&nbsp;citizens, acted on behalf of Deripaska and fraudulently used a US&nbsp;entity to obscure their activity in violation of US&nbsp;sanctions. After sanctions are imposed, they must be enforced equally against all US&nbsp;citizens in order to be successful. There are no exceptions for anyone, including a former FBI official like Mr. McGonigal,"&nbsp;Driscoll added.&nbsp;

Shestakov, 69, who was based in Morris, Connecticut, is also accused of lying to FBI agents about his connection with Deripaska in November 2021. He faces one count of making false statements in addition to the other accusations.

According to Treasury officials, Deripaska, an aluminum mogul, was one of twenty Russians sanctioned by the Treasury Department in 2018 as retaliation for "the Russian government's continuous and more nefarious operations throughout the globe."

Also watch |&nbsp;US Mass Shooting: Gunman open fire at a dance studio in Monterey Park, California

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In 2021, the FBI raided his residences in Washington and New York.

Deripaska, 55, is reported to have a net worth of $1.7 billion on Forbes' Billionaires List, despite having a value of roughly $7 billion in 2018 when US&nbsp;sanctions were imposed.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A former senior FBI agent in New York had been arrested due to his affiliations with a Russian oligarch, ABC News reported on Monday. Charles McGonigal, a special agent in charge of counterintelligence at the FBI's New York Field Office, has been arrested because of his ties with Oleg Deripaska, a Russian billionaire who the US has sanctioned and who was criminally accused last year of breaching those sanctions.

A former senior FBI agent in New York had been arrested due to his affiliations with a Russian oligarch, ABC News reported on Monday. Charles McGonigal, a special agent in charge of counterintelligence at the FBI's New York Field Office, has been arrested because of his ties with Oleg Deripaska, a Russian billionaire who the US has sanctioned and who was criminally accused last year of breaching those sanctions. McGonigal left the FBI in 2018. He was detained on Saturday afternoon after arriving at JFK Airport from Sri Lanka, according to the sources. The Justice Department claims that in 2021, McGonigal and Shestakov, two FBI oligarch investigators, agreed to look into a rival Russian tycoon in exchange for money from Deripaska. In order to conceal the fact that Deripaska was paying McGonigal and Shestakov, it is alleged that they utilised phoney firms to receive money and forged signatures. Also read | Doomsday clock may tick closer to midnight, as experts warn of nuclear war Along with allegations of breaking sanctions, both of them are accused of money laundering. The maximum jail time for each of the four offences is 20 years. "The FBI is committed to the enforcement of economic sanctions designed to protect the United States and our allies, especially against hostile activities of a foreign government and its actors," FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael Driscoll said in a statement. "Russian oligarchs like Oleg Deripaska perform global malign influence on behalf of the Kremlin and are associated with acts of bribery, extortion, and violence." "As alleged, Mr. McGonigal and Mr. Shestakov, both US citizens, acted on behalf of Deripaska and fraudulently used a US entity to obscure their activity in violation of US sanctions. After sanctions are imposed, they must be enforced equally against all US citizens in order to be successful. There are no exceptions for anyone, including a former FBI official like Mr. McGonigal," Driscoll added. Shestakov, 69, who was based in Morris, Connecticut, is also accused of lying to FBI agents about his connection with Deripaska in November 2021. He faces one count of making false statements in addition to the other accusations. According to Treasury officials, Deripaska, an aluminum mogul, was one of twenty Russians sanctioned by the Treasury Department in 2018 as retaliation for "the Russian government's continuous and more nefarious operations throughout the globe." Also watch | US Mass Shooting: Gunman open fire at a dance studio in Monterey Park, California In 2021, the FBI raided his residences in Washington and New York. Deripaska, 55, is reported to have a net worth of $1.7 billion on Forbes' Billionaires List, despite having a value of roughly $7 billion in 2018 when US sanctions were imposed. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ex top FBI officer Charles McGonigal held over ties with Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska

In pics: FBI's top 10 most wanted list of criminals, that you need to lookout for

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

The latest and the ninth instalment of the 'Twitter Files' has uncovered a web of coordination between the tech giant and US government agencies.&nbsp;Releasing the latest instalment on Christmas eve, Substack writer Matt Taibbi claims that it goes beyond the FBI which was acting as the "doorman to a vast programme of social media surveillance and censorship, encompassing agencies across the federal government – from the State Department to the Pentagon to the CIA."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;The Twitter files: How Twitter handled Hunter Biden story?

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Posting part of a screenshot of an email, Taibbi alleges that "Twitter had so much contact with so many agencies that executives lost track."

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6.Twitter had so much contact with so many agencies that executives lost track. Is today the DOD, and tomorrow the FBI? Is it the weekly call, or the monthly meeting? It was dizzying. <a href="https://t.co/C8d8jntnC0">pic.twitter.com/C8d8jntnC0</a>
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtaibbi/status/1606701408967090177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In the long series of tweets, he further claims that one of Twitter's executives is ex-CIA.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitter-files-70-shows-fbi-pressured-to-discredit-hunter-biden-laptop-story-all-you-need-to-know-544882">Twitter files 7.0 show FBI pressured social media platforms to ‘discredit’ Hunter Biden laptop story</a>

"It was an open secret at Twitter that one of its executives was ex-CIA, which is why Chan referred to that executive’s 'former employer'". He also shared another screenshot as evidence in which, there is a clear mention of this.

"The first Twitter executive abandoned any pretense to stealth and emailed that the employee “used to work for the CIA, so that is Elvis’s question”.

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12.The first Twitter executive abandoned any pretense to stealth and emailed that the employee “used to work for the CIA, so that is Elvis’s question.” <a href="https://t.co/5kL8xNRZcO">pic.twitter.com/5kL8xNRZcO</a>
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtaibbi/status/1606701420543381504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-acted-as-a-subsidiary-shared-master-canine-quality-relationship-with-fbi-543922">Twitter Files 6.0: Twitter acted as a 'subsidiary', shared “master-canine quality” relationship with FBI</a>

The US government was in contact "not just with Twitter but with virtually every major tech firm". This includes Facebook, Microsoft, Verison, Reddit, Pinterest and "many others".

As per the revelations, around the 2020 elections, the government had "overwhelmed" Twitter with lists of hundreds of "problem accounts" that were to be taken down for misleading information.

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23. Email after email came from the San Francisco office heading into the election, often adorned with an Excel attachment: <a href="https://t.co/2xCKHPcBRE">pic.twitter.com/2xCKHPcBRE</a>
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtaibbi/status/1606701446325735429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Apparently, most of these accounts were domestic, Taibbi remarks that "It seemed to strike no one as strange that a “Foreign Influence” task force was forwarding thousands of mostly domestic reports, along with the DHS, about the fringiest material".&nbsp; 
 
One of the most common forums was a regular meeting of the multi-agency Foreign Influence Task Force (FITF), attended by spates of executives, FBI personnel, and – nearly always – one or two attendees marked “OGA”, mentions Matt on his twitter handle.

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30. It seemed to strike no one as strange that a “Foreign Influence” task force was forwarding thousands of mostly domestic reports, along with the DHS, about the fringiest material: <a href="https://t.co/YlOQQeUbkw">pic.twitter.com/YlOQQeUbkw</a>
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtaibbi/status/1606701461718863873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The previous instalments of the so-called Twitter files too have made similar surprising revelations including that tweets by former US President Donald Trump in the run-up to January 6 Capital riots did not violate the company's policies.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The latest and the ninth instalment of the 'Twitter Files' has uncovered a web of coordination between the tech giant and US government agencies. Releasing the latest instalment on Christmas eve, Substack writer Matt Taibbi claims that it goes beyond the FBI which was acting as the "doorman to a vast programme of social media surveillance and censorship, encompassing agencies across the federal government – from the State Department to the Pentagon to the CIA.

The latest and the ninth instalment of the 'Twitter Files' has uncovered a web of coordination between the tech giant and US government agencies. Releasing the latest instalment on Christmas eve, Substack writer Matt Taibbi claims that it goes beyond the FBI which was acting as the "doorman to a vast programme of social media surveillance and censorship, encompassing agencies across the federal government – from the State Department to the Pentagon to the CIA." Watch | The Twitter files: How Twitter handled Hunter Biden story? Posting part of a screenshot of an email, Taibbi alleges that "Twitter had so much contact with so many agencies that executives lost track." 6.Twitter had so much contact with so many agencies that executives lost track. Is today the DOD, and tomorrow the FBI? Is it the weekly call, or the monthly meeting? It was dizzying. pic.twitter.com/C8d8jntnC0 — Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 24, 2022 × In the long series of tweets, he further claims that one of Twitter's executives is ex-CIA. Also read | Twitter files 7.0 show FBI pressured social media platforms to ‘discredit’ Hunter Biden laptop story "It was an open secret at Twitter that one of its executives was ex-CIA, which is why Chan referred to that executive’s 'former employer'". He also shared another screenshot as evidence in which, there is a clear mention of this. "The first Twitter executive abandoned any pretense to stealth and emailed that the employee “used to work for the CIA, so that is Elvis’s question”. 12.The first Twitter executive abandoned any pretense to stealth and emailed that the employee “used to work for the CIA, so that is Elvis’s question.” pic.twitter.com/5kL8xNRZcO — Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 24, 2022 × Also read | Twitter Files 6.0: Twitter acted as a 'subsidiary', shared “master-canine quality” relationship with FBI The US government was in contact "not just with Twitter but with virtually every major tech firm". This includes Facebook, Microsoft, Verison, Reddit, Pinterest and "many others". As per the revelations, around the 2020 elections, the government had "overwhelmed" Twitter with lists of hundreds of "problem accounts" that were to be taken down for misleading information. 23. Email after email came from the San Francisco office heading into the election, often adorned with an Excel attachment: pic.twitter.com/2xCKHPcBRE — Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 24, 2022 × Apparently, most of these accounts were domestic, Taibbi remarks that "It seemed to strike no one as strange that a “Foreign Influence” task force was forwarding thousands of mostly domestic reports, along with the DHS, about the fringiest material". One of the most common forums was a regular meeting of the multi-agency Foreign Influence Task Force (FITF), attended by spates of executives, FBI personnel, and – nearly always – one or two attendees marked “OGA”, mentions Matt on his twitter handle. 30. It seemed to strike no one as strange that a “Foreign Influence” task force was forwarding thousands of mostly domestic reports, along with the DHS, about the fringiest material: pic.twitter.com/YlOQQeUbkw — Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 24, 2022 × The previous instalments of the so-called Twitter files too have made similar surprising revelations including that tweets by former US President Donald Trump in the run-up to January 6 Capital riots did not violate the company's policies. (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.

Twitter Files 9.0 reveals a web of ‘social media surveillance, censorship’ by not just FBI, other agencies too

The seventh round of internal Twitter staff communication was published on the microblogging network on Monday. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) paid a stunning $3.4 million to Twitter between October 2019 and February 2021, according to the "Twitter Files 7.0," which also revealed how the FBI forced top Twitter executives to kill the "Hunter Biden narrative" under duress.

Twitter Chaos: Emails reveal FBI's involvement to suppress Hunter-Biden laptop story

The sixth part of “Twitter Files”, which was released by Independent journalist Matt Taibbi on Friday, revealed how Twitter was treated as a “subsidiary” by the FBI along with different law enforcement organisations, as various accounts were flagged by the government body for harmful “misinformation” since January 2020.

Taibbi said that the FBI and Twitter's relationship had a “master-canine quality” and that the bureau and the tech giant remained in “constant and pervasive” contact.

“Between January 2020 and November 2022, there were over 150 emails between the FBI and former Twitter Trust and Safety chief Yoel Roth,” Taibbi tweeted, pointing to the executives who worked towards suppressing the report prepared by The Post on the extensive overseas business of US President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-files-30-reveal-how-donald-trump-was-de-platformed-by-supreme-court-of-moderation-541763">Twitter Files 3.0 reveal how Donald Trump was deplatformed by ‘Supreme Court of moderation’</a>

Holding the tech giant's reins&nbsp;

The journalist also revealed that Twitter received a “surprisingly high number” of missives from the FBI requesting “Twitter to take action on election misinformation,” which also included some jokes posted by accounts which had less number of followers.

Recently on November 22, an email was sent to Twitter from the FBI’s San Francisco office in which four accounts were flagged that “may potentially constitute violations of Twitter’s Terms of Service”.

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1. THREAD: The Twitter Files, Part Six 
TWITTER, THE FBI SUBSIDIARY
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One of those accounts had the most satirical tweets, however, the employees at Twitter still hurriedly started to “look for reasons to suspend” the mentioned account for “civic misinformation”.

Although Twitter has been accused by the conservatives of unfairly targetting them through their enforcement actions, Taibbi claimed that left-wing accounts were also flagged by Twitter for policing overzealous speech.&nbsp;

In one such case, a user was noted by the FBI with the name “ULTRA MAGA” after he posted a tweet on November 8, which was the day of mid-term elections, saying, “Americans, Vote today. Democrats you vote Wednesday 9th.”

In a different incident, an account of a user, who according to Taibbi, “kids a lot,” and tweeted, “I’m a ballot counter in my state. If you’re not wearing a mask, I’m not counting your vote. For every negative comment on this post, I’m adding another vote for the Democrats”, was also flagged by the FBI.

“Anyone who cannot discern obvious satire from reality has no place making decisions for others or working for the feds,” said the user, @ClaireFosterPHD while speaking to Taibbi about the flagging.&nbsp;

During the 2016 elections, FBI authorities' focus increased on social media, as its social media-focused task force unit grew to 80 agents and outside security think tanks and contractors were partnered with the Department of Homeland Security partnering “to pressure Twitter to moderate content”, Taibbi revealed.&nbsp;

“You have to prove to me that inside the f—ing government you can do any kind of massive data or AI search,” said a former intelligence officer as quoted by the journalist.

WATCH|&nbsp;Twitter Files 4.0 reveal how executives changed policies to permanently ban Trump

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Twitter presence in FBI meetings&nbsp;

The sixth instalment also talked about Twitter's presence in the monthly meetings of not only the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, and also the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Justice Department.&nbsp;

A letter was sent to Twitter's former Deputy General Counsel Jim Baker on September 16, in which notes of the meetings were shared by Twitter legal executive Stacia Cardille, who also stated they were “soon to be weekly”.

As per Cardille's letter, Twitter and the FBI shared such a good relationship that the feds were “adamant” that the classified information can be shared with executives.

A packet containing “products” was sent by the FBI to Cardille in March 2021, which she later passed on to other Twitter employees, which Taibbi said were “really DHS bulletins stressing the need for greater collaboration between law enforcement and ‘private sector partners.'”

The alleged threat of the spread of Iranian and Russian misinformation on the social media platform was highlighted in the FBI bulletins, along with the “Domestic Violent Extremist Threat.”

The aggressiveness of Federal law enforcement in sending “possible violative content” to Twitter for review was so much that one of the materials sent to review was described by an employee as a “monumental undertaking” which required help from several employees.

Taibbi's report highlighted the flagging of similar content by the state governments, DHS as well as partner organisations like the Center for Internet Security, which was described by the journalist as a “DHS contractor”, and the Election Integrity Project of Stanford University, which he called “one of a series of government-affiliated think tanks that mass-review content.”

Summing up his tweets, Taibbi said, “Instead of chasing child sex predators or terrorists, the FBI has agents — lots of them — analysing and mass-flagging social media posts. Not as part of any criminal investigation, but as a permanent, end-in-itself surveillance operation. People should not be okay with this.”

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-second-installment-of-twitter-files-reveals-how-right-wing-users-were-targeted-541462">Elon Musk's second installment of Twitter Files reveals how right-wing users were targeted</a>

FBI's response to its engagements with Twitter

Responding to the allegations, The FBI, speaking to the New York Post on Friday, said that it “regularly engages” with companies to send them information about malicious foreign actors' activities.&nbsp;

However, the bureau refused to comment on Taibbi’s characterisation of Twitter and the FBI's relationship and did not disclose if any classified information was provided by the social media platform.

“The FBI regularly engages with private sector entities to provide information specific to identified foreign malign influence actors’ subversive, undeclared, covert, or criminal activities. Private sector entities independently make decisions about what, if any, action they take on their platforms and for their customers after the FBI has notified them,” stated the FBI, in its statement.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The sixth part of “Twitter Files”, which was released by Independent journalist Matt Taibbi on Friday, revealed how Twitter was treated as a “subsidiary” by the FBI along with different law enforcement organisations, as various accounts were flagged by the government body for harmful “misinformation” since January 2020.

The sixth part of “Twitter Files”, which was released by Independent journalist Matt Taibbi on Friday, revealed how Twitter was treated as a “subsidiary” by the FBI along with different law enforcement organisations, as various accounts were flagged by the government body for harmful “misinformation” since January 2020. Taibbi said that the FBI and Twitter's relationship had a “master-canine quality” and that the bureau and the tech giant remained in “constant and pervasive” contact. “Between January 2020 and November 2022, there were over 150 emails between the FBI and former Twitter Trust and Safety chief Yoel Roth,” Taibbi tweeted, pointing to the executives who worked towards suppressing the report prepared by The Post on the extensive overseas business of US President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden. ALSO READ| Twitter Files 3.0 reveal how Donald Trump was deplatformed by ‘Supreme Court of moderation’ Holding the tech giant's reins The journalist also revealed that Twitter received a “surprisingly high number” of missives from the FBI requesting “Twitter to take action on election misinformation,” which also included some jokes posted by accounts which had less number of followers. Recently on November 22, an email was sent to Twitter from the FBI’s San Francisco office in which four accounts were flagged that “may potentially constitute violations of Twitter’s Terms of Service”. 1. THREAD: The Twitter Files, Part Six TWITTER, THE FBI SUBSIDIARY — Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 16, 2022 × One of those accounts had the most satirical tweets, however, the employees at Twitter still hurriedly started to “look for reasons to suspend” the mentioned account for “civic misinformation”. Although Twitter has been accused by the conservatives of unfairly targetting them through their enforcement actions, Taibbi claimed that left-wing accounts were also flagged by Twitter for policing overzealous speech. In one such case, a user was noted by the FBI with the name “ULTRA MAGA” after he posted a tweet on November 8, which was the day of mid-term elections, saying, “Americans, Vote today. Democrats you vote Wednesday 9th.” In a different incident, an account of a user, who according to Taibbi, “kids a lot,” and tweeted, “I’m a ballot counter in my state. If you’re not wearing a mask, I’m not counting your vote. For every negative comment on this post, I’m adding another vote for the Democrats”, was also flagged by the FBI. “Anyone who cannot discern obvious satire from reality has no place making decisions for others or working for the feds,” said the user, @ClaireFosterPHD while speaking to Taibbi about the flagging. During the 2016 elections, FBI authorities' focus increased on social media, as its social media-focused task force unit grew to 80 agents and outside security think tanks and contractors were partnered with the Department of Homeland Security partnering “to pressure Twitter to moderate content”, Taibbi revealed. “You have to prove to me that inside the f—ing government you can do any kind of massive data or AI search,” said a former intelligence officer as quoted by the journalist. WATCH| Twitter Files 4.0 reveal how executives changed policies to permanently ban Trump Twitter presence in FBI meetings The sixth instalment also talked about Twitter's presence in the monthly meetings of not only the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, and also the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Justice Department. A letter was sent to Twitter's former Deputy General Counsel Jim Baker on September 16, in which notes of the meetings were shared by Twitter legal executive Stacia Cardille, who also stated they were “soon to be weekly”. As per Cardille's letter, Twitter and the FBI shared such a good relationship that the feds were “adamant” that the classified information can be shared with executives. A packet containing “products” was sent by the FBI to Cardille in March 2021, which she later passed on to other Twitter employees, which Taibbi said were “really DHS bulletins stressing the need for greater collaboration between law enforcement and ‘private sector partners.'” The alleged threat of the spread of Iranian and Russian misinformation on the social media platform was highlighted in the FBI bulletins, along with the “Domestic Violent Extremist Threat.” The aggressiveness of Federal law enforcement in sending “possible violative content” to Twitter for review was so much that one of the materials sent to review was described by an employee as a “monumental undertaking” which required help from several employees. Taibbi's report highlighted the flagging of similar content by the state governments, DHS as well as partner organisations like the Center for Internet Security, which was described by the journalist as a “DHS contractor”, and the Election Integrity Project of Stanford University, which he called “one of a series of government-affiliated think tanks that mass-review content.” Summing up his tweets, Taibbi said, “Instead of chasing child sex predators or terrorists, the FBI has agents — lots of them — analysing and mass-flagging social media posts. Not as part of any criminal investigation, but as a permanent, end-in-itself surveillance operation. People should not be okay with this.” ALSO READ| Elon Musk's second installment of Twitter Files reveals how right-wing users were targeted FBI's response to its engagements with Twitter Responding to the allegations, The FBI, speaking to the New York Post on Friday, said that it “regularly engages” with companies to send them information about malicious foreign actors' activities. However, the bureau refused to comment on Taibbi’s characterisation of Twitter and the FBI's relationship and did not disclose if any classified information was provided by the social media platform. “The FBI regularly engages with private sector entities to provide information specific to identified foreign malign influence actors’ subversive, undeclared, covert, or criminal activities. Private sector entities independently make decisions about what, if any, action they take on their platforms and for their customers after the FBI has notified them,” stated the FBI, in its statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Twitter Files 6.0: Twitter acted as a 'subsidiary', shared “master-canine quality” relationship with FBI

A self-proclaimed prophet and a cult leader of a small polygamous group in US had more than 20 wives, most of them minors, and punished his followers who failed to recognise his divine powers, according to FBI’s affidavit filed in federal court.

Samuel Bateman, 46, was arrested in August and charged in September after he was found transporting three minor children, aged between 11 and 14, believed to be for sexual activity. It has been claimed that&nbsp;&nbsp;Bateman engaged in child sex trafficking and polygamy.

According to the FBI, Bateman used to engage in sexual acts with women who were given up by their husbands to be his wife. He claimed that it was God's will for him to engage in such acts.

Bateman was a former member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) and later left to start his own small offshoot group near the Arizona-Utah border. He was financially supported by his male followers.

The court documents that were revealed on Wednesday provide fresh insight into what investigators found in the case that first became public in August, Sky News reports.

The FBI filed the affidavit a day after the enforcement officials tracked down eight girls who were under Bateman's care. They had escaped from their group homes in Arizona, the affidavit said.

The state authorities managed to track them down after an officer spotted a vehicle driven by one of Bateman's wives, according to the affidavit.

The FLDS Church was designated as a hate group by the Southern Law Poverty Center.

In 2011, an FLDS leader was jailed for life for sexually assaulting two underage followers he took as brides.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A self-proclaimed prophet and a cult leader of a small polygamous group in US had more than 20 wives, most of them minors, and punished his followers who failed to recognise his divine powers, according to FBI’s affidavit filed in federal court.

A self-proclaimed prophet and a cult leader of a small polygamous group in US had more than 20 wives, most of them minors, and punished his followers who failed to recognise his divine powers, according to FBI’s affidavit filed in federal court. Samuel Bateman, 46, was arrested in August and charged in September after he was found transporting three minor children, aged between 11 and 14, believed to be for sexual activity. It has been claimed that Bateman engaged in child sex trafficking and polygamy. According to the FBI, Bateman used to engage in sexual acts with women who were given up by their husbands to be his wife. He claimed that it was God's will for him to engage in such acts. Bateman was a former member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) and later left to start his own small offshoot group near the Arizona-Utah border. He was financially supported by his male followers. The court documents that were revealed on Wednesday provide fresh insight into what investigators found in the case that first became public in August, Sky News reports. The FBI filed the affidavit a day after the enforcement officials tracked down eight girls who were under Bateman's care. They had escaped from their group homes in Arizona, the affidavit said. The state authorities managed to track them down after an officer spotted a vehicle driven by one of Bateman's wives, according to the affidavit. The FLDS Church was designated as a hate group by the Southern Law Poverty Center. In 2011, an FLDS leader was jailed for life for sexually assaulting two underage followers he took as brides. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Self-proclaimed prophet Samuel Bateman had 20 wives, most of them minor: FBI

Federal Bureau of Investigation chief Christopher Wray has sounded a warning over Chinese apps like Tik-Tok and&nbsp;raising national security concerns, warned that the control of the popular video sharing app is in the hands of a Chinese government that doesn’t share ‘our values’. Wray&nbsp;said the Chinese government can use TikTok and other&nbsp;such apps for espionage. TikTok is a massively popular short video-sharing platform in America.&nbsp;Wray was talking at Gerald R Ford School of Public Policy when he sounded the warning bell.

Wray expressed FBI's concerns about China's ability to control the app's recommendation algorithm. He said the algorithm allows the Chinese company to manipulate content. He added that this strategy can be used for traditional espionage. 
 
"All of these things are in the hands of a government that doesn’t share our values, and that has a mission that's very much at odds with what’s in the best interests of the United States. That should concern us," he said.

Wray had echoed similar sentiments in front of US lawmakers during a congressional appearance last month. He was asked by the lawmakers about the app's ability to cllect data from Americans and its other functionalities

"China’s vast hacking programme is the world’s largest, and they have stolen more Americans’ personal and business data than every other nation combined," he had told the lawmakers.

Wray said the FBI is also concerned about Chinese government’s ‘talent programmes’ that at times pay American professors through secret relationships.&nbsp;“The Chinese government, and the Chinese Communist Party, are engaged in an international talent war to try to leverage and steal intellectual property and sensitive research and data from countries all over the world and so it’s our responsibility to protect the information.” 
 
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Federal Bureau of Investigation chief Christopher Wray has sounded a warning over Chinese apps like Tik-Tok and raising national security concerns, warned that the control of the popular video sharing app is in the hands of a Chinese government that doesn’t share ‘our values’.

Federal Bureau of Investigation chief Christopher Wray has sounded a warning over Chinese apps like Tik-Tok and raising national security concerns, warned that the control of the popular video sharing app is in the hands of a Chinese government that doesn’t share ‘our values’. Wray said the Chinese government can use TikTok and other such apps for espionage. TikTok is a massively popular short video-sharing platform in America. Wray was talking at Gerald R Ford School of Public Policy when he sounded the warning bell. Wray expressed FBI's concerns about China's ability to control the app's recommendation algorithm. He said the algorithm allows the Chinese company to manipulate content. He added that this strategy can be used for traditional espionage. "All of these things are in the hands of a government that doesn’t share our values, and that has a mission that's very much at odds with what’s in the best interests of the United States. That should concern us," he said. Wray had echoed similar sentiments in front of US lawmakers during a congressional appearance last month. He was asked by the lawmakers about the app's ability to cllect data from Americans and its other functionalities "China’s vast hacking programme is the world’s largest, and they have stolen more Americans’ personal and business data than every other nation combined," he had told the lawmakers. Wray said the FBI is also concerned about Chinese government’s ‘talent programmes’ that at times pay American professors through secret relationships. “The Chinese government, and the Chinese Communist Party, are engaged in an international talent war to try to leverage and steal intellectual property and sensitive research and data from countries all over the world and so it’s our responsibility to protect the information.” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Chinese apps like TikTok can be used for espionage, says FBI chief Christopher Wray

FBI director Chris Wray is raising National Security concerns about Tik Tok stating that it doesn't share our values. The control of the popular video sharing app was in the hands of the Chinese government.

US: FBI's Wray raises concerns over National Security issues on Tik Tok

If you think about Black Friday sales, what comes to mind? Probably shoes, electronic gadgets or maybe even toys but for America it also means guns. As the citizens rushed to the markets to take advantage of one of the most awaited sales of the year, the FBI was busy doing background checks only to find that last Friday was likely the third highest day for gun sales ever.

Black Friday Sale: Surge in gun sales come as Biden threatens to ban popular arms

Republican leader and South Dakota governor Kristi Noem on Tuesday issued an executive order banning the use of Chinese TikTok by state employees and contractors on government gadgets, citing the short video app's ties to Beijing.

Republican leader and South Dakota governor Kristi Noem on Tuesday issued an executive order banning the use of Chinese TikTok by state employees and contractors on government gadgets, citing the short video app's ties to Beijing. “South Dakota will have no part in the intelligence gathering operations of nations who hate us," said Noem in a statement posted on Twitter. "The Chinese Communist Party uses information that it gathers on TikTok to manipulate the American people, and they gather data off the devices that access the platform." Noem added that the order which goes into effect immediately "prohibits downloading or using the TikTok application or visiting the website on state-owned or state-leased electronic devices capable of internet connectivity". South Dakota is banning TikTok for state government. We will have no part in intelligence gathering for China, a nation that hates America. I hope other states quickly follow this example and protect the vital private information of our citizens. pic.twitter.com/rJ2H2k0Rlk — Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) November 29, 2022 × TikTok did not immediately respond to Noem's order or the ban imposed. Notably, the GOP leaders, in recent weeks have increased the pressure on TikTok and its owner ByteDance to come clean regarding its data-sharing policies. WATCH | US: Senators call TikTok a 'massive surveillance tool; Is TikTok spying on you for China? × Last week, Republican lawmakers Cathy McMorris Rodgers and James Comer wrote a letter criticising ByteDance saying the Chinese company may have misled Congress about how much data it shares with China. Both Rodgers and Comer are expected to set the House agenda next year after Republicans won the lower chamber in the just-concluded midterm elections. Read more: Republicans target TikTok for sharing users’ data with China, likely to unleash probe Previously, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also warned against data leaks through the app. Director Christopher Wray told a House panel that potential Chinese government access to users’ data or software through the app is reason to be “extremely concerned”. Wray added that ByteDance embeds specific application programming interfaces (APIs) in the app which gives Beijing access to “control data collection of millions of users or control the recommendation algorithm". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Wary of China, US state of South Dakota bans TikTok on state-owned devices

FBI Director Christopher Wray has said that bomb-laden drones are circulating in the U.S. He has further claimed that these drones can carry drugs or launch weaponry withing America. Priyanka Sharma reports.

Gravitas: FBI Director says bomb-laden drones are circulating in America

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director Christopher Wray expressed concern over reports of police stations linked to the Chinese government springing up across the US cities.

Speaking at the US Senate’s homeland security and governmental affairs committee hearing, Wray said that the bureau is investigating these claims, but declined to give further details.

I’m very concerned about this. We are aware of the existence of these stations,” Wray told the lawmakers.

“But to me, it is outrageous to think that the Chinese police would attempt to set up shop, you know, in New York, let’s say, without proper coordination. It violates the sovereignty and circumvents standard judicial and law enforcement cooperation processes.”

When asked by Republican Senator Rick Scott if such stations violated US law, Wray said that the FBI was “looking into the legal parameters”, reports BBC.

Apprehensions of a Chinese police station emerged after NGO Safeguard Defenders in its September report revealed the presence of these establishments across the world, including New York.

<h2>WION Dispatch | FBI: TikTok a threat to national security of the United States</h2>

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According to the Spain-based organisation, in its investigation, it found that Chinese public security bureaus established "overseas police service stations" in several continents, including two in London and one in Glasgow. In North America, it found stations in Toronto and in New York.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-director-says-tiktok-poses-national-security-threat-535009">FBI director says TikTok poses ‘national security threat’, gives Beijing access to data, devices</a>

It is said that police stations were created to tackle transnational crime and to provide administrative services to Chinese nationals abroad, such as renewing driver's licences abroad and other consular services

The NGO, however, believes that they also serve a "more sinister goal", by contributing to "cracking down on all kinds of illegal and criminal activities involving overseas Chinese".

The report prompted the Irish government to order to close one of the Chinese "police stations" in Dublin.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director Christopher Wray expressed concern over reports of police stations linked to the Chinese government springing up across the US cities.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director Christopher Wray expressed concern over reports of police stations linked to the Chinese government springing up across the US cities. Speaking at the US Senate’s homeland security and governmental affairs committee hearing, Wray said that the bureau is investigating these claims, but declined to give further details. I’m very concerned about this. We are aware of the existence of these stations,” Wray told the lawmakers. “But to me, it is outrageous to think that the Chinese police would attempt to set up shop, you know, in New York, let’s say, without proper coordination. It violates the sovereignty and circumvents standard judicial and law enforcement cooperation processes.” When asked by Republican Senator Rick Scott if such stations violated US law, Wray said that the FBI was “looking into the legal parameters”, reports BBC. Apprehensions of a Chinese police station emerged after NGO Safeguard Defenders in its September report revealed the presence of these establishments across the world, including New York. WION Dispatch | FBI: TikTok a threat to national security of the United States According to the Spain-based organisation, in its investigation, it found that Chinese public security bureaus established "overseas police service stations" in several continents, including two in London and one in Glasgow. In North America, it found stations in Toronto and in New York. Also read | FBI director says TikTok poses ‘national security threat’, gives Beijing access to data, devices It is said that police stations were created to tackle transnational crime and to provide administrative services to Chinese nationals abroad, such as renewing driver's licences abroad and other consular services The NGO, however, believes that they also serve a "more sinister goal", by contributing to "cracking down on all kinds of illegal and criminal activities involving overseas Chinese". The report prompted the Irish government to order to close one of the Chinese "police stations" in Dublin. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

FBI probing presence of Chinese ‘police station’ in New York, says chief Wray

Israel has confirmed that the United States is conducting an investigation into the "tragic passing" of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. However, calling the investigation a "mistake" a senior Israeli official said that the country &nbsp;"will not cooperate with an external investigation".

Benny Gantz, Israel's Defence Minister in a statement said that "The decision taken by the US Justice Department to conduct an investigation into the tragic passing of Shireen Abu Akleh, is a mistake."

Watch |&nbsp;Probe in journalist Abu Akleh's death: 'Will not cooperate with US investigation,' says Israel

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Gatz added that the nation's military has already conducted an investigation: The IDF (Israeli army) has conducted a professional, independent investigation, which was presented to American officials with whom the case details were shared."

While a Politico report said that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has opened a probe into the killing, the agency as per AFP has neither confirmed nor denied the investigation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-admits-accidental-killing-of-al-jazeera-journalist-shireen-abu-akleh-513183">Israel says Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh 'probably' got shot by its forces unintentionally</a>

B'Tselem, an Israeli human rights group that documents violations in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories as per AFP said that it always believed that "some form of international intervention" would be needed to bring the slain journalist some justice.

However, the outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid said that Israeli soldiers "will not be probed" by the FBI.

In a statement to UN investigators last week, Abu Akleh's family and colleagues said that Israel had purposefully targeted her as part of its "wide-scale war" against Palestinian media workers. They also demanded accountability and justice.

The apparent launch of a US investigation, according to the murdered reporter's family, is "an essential step."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Israel has confirmed that the United States is conducting an investigation into the "tragic passing" of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. However, calling the investigation a "mistake" a senior Israeli official said that the country "will not cooperate with an external investigation".

Israel has confirmed that the United States is conducting an investigation into the "tragic passing" of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. However, calling the investigation a "mistake" a senior Israeli official said that the country "will not cooperate with an external investigation". Benny Gantz, Israel's Defence Minister in a statement said that "The decision taken by the US Justice Department to conduct an investigation into the tragic passing of Shireen Abu Akleh, is a mistake." Watch | Probe in journalist Abu Akleh's death: 'Will not cooperate with US investigation,' says Israel Gatz added that the nation's military has already conducted an investigation: The IDF (Israeli army) has conducted a professional, independent investigation, which was presented to American officials with whom the case details were shared." While a Politico report said that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has opened a probe into the killing, the agency as per AFP has neither confirmed nor denied the investigation. Also read | Israel says Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh 'probably' got shot by its forces unintentionally B'Tselem, an Israeli human rights group that documents violations in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories as per AFP said that it always believed that "some form of international intervention" would be needed to bring the slain journalist some justice. However, the outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid said that Israeli soldiers "will not be probed" by the FBI. In a statement to UN investigators last week, Abu Akleh's family and colleagues said that Israel had purposefully targeted her as part of its "wide-scale war" against Palestinian media workers. They also demanded accountability and justice. The apparent launch of a US investigation, according to the murdered reporter's family, is "an essential step." (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.

Israel opens up about US investigation into journalist Shireen Abu Akleh's killing, says 'won't cooperate'

A&nbsp;Nigerian Instagram influencer going by the name Hushpuppi has been jailed in the US for more than 11 years for being a part of an international fraud syndicate. He has also been ordered to pay $1.7 million as compensation to two of his fraud victims.&nbsp;

Hushpuppi, whose real name is Ramon Abbas was notorious for flaunting his wealth and lavish lifestyle on social media platforms to sell the mirage of being successful and launder his money derived from online bank cyber-heists, business email compromise (BEC) schemes and other online frauds.

When Abbas' Instagram account was suspended, he had over 2.8 million followers.&nbsp;

“Ramon Abbas targeted both American and international victims and became one of the most prolific money launderers in the world,” the FBI said in a court document.&nbsp;

"Abbas leveraged his social media platforms...to gain notoriety and to brag about the immense wealth he acquired by conducting business email compromise scams, online bank heists and other cyber-enabled fraud that financially ruined scores of victims and provided assistance to the North Korean regime," it added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-9-year-old-is-worlds-youngest-billionaire-and-owns-a-mansion-private-jet-448450">Read more:&nbsp;This 9-year-old is world's youngest billionaire and owns a mansion, private jet</a>

The investigation agency was referring to an incident from 2019 when Abbas attempted to launder $15 million, stolen by a&nbsp;gang of North Korean hackers from the Maltese Bank of Valletta. Such was Abbas' attempt that the entire payment system of the island was shut down.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Apart from the school scam that formed the bedrock of his sentencing, Abbas was also involved in a dating scam where he swindled money from&nbsp;online lovers, after establishing a relationship&nbsp;via a false identity.&nbsp;

Reportedly, during the court hearing, Abbas also admitted to stealing more than $1.1 million from an individual who wanted to fund a Qatari school. The prosecutors said Abbas created a fake bank website and used identity theft by impersonating bank officials.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tech-it-out-watch-out-for-online-scams-on-facebook-whatsapp-and-instagram-502596">WATCH |&nbsp;Tech It Out: Watch out for online scams on Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram</a>

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In a handwritten letter to the judge, Abbas apologised for his actions and said, “If I could turn back the hands of time I would make an entirely different decision and be more careful in the choices and friends I make."&nbsp;

While Abbas pleaded guilty, his lawyer continued to maintain that he was not the leader of the ring.&nbsp;

“Mr. Abbas was not the leader, organizer, or supervisor in the commission of this offense. Mr. Abbas has done everything in his power to right his wrongful acts.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/japanese-woman-swindled-out-of-30000-in-an-out-of-this-world-scam-524643">Read more:&nbsp;Japanese woman swindled out of $30,000 in an 'out of this world' scam</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

A Nigerian Instagram influencer going by the name Hushpuppi has been jailed in the US for more than 11 years for being a part of an international fraud syndicate.

A Nigerian Instagram influencer going by the name Hushpuppi has been jailed in the US for more than 11 years for being a part of an international fraud syndicate. He has also been ordered to pay $1.7 million as compensation to two of his fraud victims. Hushpuppi, whose real name is Ramon Abbas was notorious for flaunting his wealth and lavish lifestyle on social media platforms to sell the mirage of being successful and launder his money derived from online bank cyber-heists, business email compromise (BEC) schemes and other online frauds. When Abbas' Instagram account was suspended, he had over 2.8 million followers. “Ramon Abbas targeted both American and international victims and became one of the most prolific money launderers in the world,” the FBI said in a court document. "Abbas leveraged his social media platforms...to gain notoriety and to brag about the immense wealth he acquired by conducting business email compromise scams, online bank heists and other cyber-enabled fraud that financially ruined scores of victims and provided assistance to the North Korean regime," it added. Read more: This 9-year-old is world's youngest billionaire and owns a mansion, private jet The investigation agency was referring to an incident from 2019 when Abbas attempted to launder $15 million, stolen by a gang of North Korean hackers from the Maltese Bank of Valletta. Such was Abbas' attempt that the entire payment system of the island was shut down. Apart from the school scam that formed the bedrock of his sentencing, Abbas was also involved in a dating scam where he swindled money from online lovers, after establishing a relationship via a false identity. Reportedly, during the court hearing, Abbas also admitted to stealing more than $1.1 million from an individual who wanted to fund a Qatari school. The prosecutors said Abbas created a fake bank website and used identity theft by impersonating bank officials. WATCH | Tech It Out: Watch out for online scams on Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram × In a handwritten letter to the judge, Abbas apologised for his actions and said, “If I could turn back the hands of time I would make an entirely different decision and be more careful in the choices and friends I make." While Abbas pleaded guilty, his lawyer continued to maintain that he was not the leader of the ring. “Mr. Abbas was not the leader, organizer, or supervisor in the commission of this offense. Mr. Abbas has done everything in his power to right his wrongful acts.” Read more: Japanese woman swindled out of $30,000 in an 'out of this world' scam (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Nigerian influencer fraudster jailed for 11 years in the US and ordered to pay $1.7 mn

With the help of DNA analysis, historical records and genealogy research, the FBI has identified the alleged "Lady of the Dunes", nearly 50 years after her dismembered body was discovered on a Massachusetts beach.

The victim was Ruth Marie Terry, a 37-year-old native of Tennessee, killed in a 1974 crime that was never solved, the FBI announced Monday at a press conference outside Boston.

"Ruth was a daughter, sister, aunt, wife, and mother," FBI special agent Joe Bonavolonta told reporters, urging anyone with information about what he called an "infamous cold case" to come forward.

A new notice from the FBI asking for information regarding Terry's murder featured four images of the now-known victim.

"While we have identified Ruth as the victim of this horrific murder, it does not ease the pain for her family -- nothing can -- but hopefully it answers some questions while we continue to look for her killer," Bonavolonta said.

Since the murder in 1974, detectives have pursued leads ineffectively. They never knew who the victim was, despite having a number of suspects.&nbsp;

On July 26, 1974, Terry's body was discovered on a Cape Cod beach in Provincetown, Massachusetts.&nbsp;

She was likely struck in the head and killed several weeks prior. Bonavolonta revealed that her hands had been severed, perhaps to make her harder to recognise.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/movement-of-ships-in-black-sea-corridor-is-unacceptable-says-russia-530051">Movement of ships in Black Sea corridor is 'unacceptable', says Russia</a>

"And her head was nearly severed from her body," he added.

The body was not accompanied by any weapons.&nbsp;

The FBI reported that despite decades of work, including the analysis of thousands of reports of missing individuals, interrogation of locals, and attempts to reconstruct the victim's face using clay models, officials were unable to identify the victim.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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With the help of DNA analysis, historical records and genealogy research, the FBI has identified the alleged "Lady of the Dunes", nearly 50 years after her dismembered body was discovered on a Massachusetts beach.

With the help of DNA analysis, historical records and genealogy research, the FBI has identified the alleged "Lady of the Dunes", nearly 50 years after her dismembered body was discovered on a Massachusetts beach. The victim was Ruth Marie Terry, a 37-year-old native of Tennessee, killed in a 1974 crime that was never solved, the FBI announced Monday at a press conference outside Boston. "Ruth was a daughter, sister, aunt, wife, and mother," FBI special agent Joe Bonavolonta told reporters, urging anyone with information about what he called an "infamous cold case" to come forward. A new notice from the FBI asking for information regarding Terry's murder featured four images of the now-known victim. "While we have identified Ruth as the victim of this horrific murder, it does not ease the pain for her family -- nothing can -- but hopefully it answers some questions while we continue to look for her killer," Bonavolonta said. Since the murder in 1974, detectives have pursued leads ineffectively. They never knew who the victim was, despite having a number of suspects. On July 26, 1974, Terry's body was discovered on a Cape Cod beach in Provincetown, Massachusetts. She was likely struck in the head and killed several weeks prior. Bonavolonta revealed that her hands had been severed, perhaps to make her harder to recognise. Also Read: Movement of ships in Black Sea corridor is 'unacceptable', says Russia "And her head was nearly severed from her body," he added. The body was not accompanied by any weapons. The FBI reported that despite decades of work, including the analysis of thousands of reports of missing individuals, interrogation of locals, and attempts to reconstruct the victim's face using clay models, officials were unable to identify the victim. (with inputs from agencies)

50 years on, FBI identifies 'Lady of the Dunes' murder victim using DNA analysis

The attack on US speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband has shocked the United States and now the real intent behind the attack is slowly being revealed.

United States | FBI: Attacker wanted to kidnap Nancy Pelosi

The US Department of Justice has charged 13 Chinese citizens, including two PRC intelligence officers, for trying to disrupt a US prosecution of the Chinese telecommunication firm Huawei, reports AP news agency.

Guochun He and Zheng Wang—the two Chinese intelligence officers who remain at large—were accused of buying out a US government employee to provide confidential information about the Justice Department’s probe against Huawei.

The company's identity was not revealed in the court documents, but several US media reported that the matter referred to Huawei.

It is said that the government employee was paid about $41,000 in Bitcoin for the information on witnesses, trial evidence and potential new charges from the US Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, New York.

However, the person the Chinese spies contacted was actually working as a double agent for the FBI.

“The defendants believed they had recruited the US government employee as an asset. But in fact, the individual they recruited was actually a double agent, working on behalf of the FBI,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said.

Last year, that person had passed a single-page classified document that contained information about a purported plan to charge and arrest Huawei executives in the US, they said. However, the confidential document was actually inaccurate.

“Over the past week, the justice department has taken several actions to disrupt criminal activity by individuals working on behalf of the government of the People’s Republic of&nbsp;China,” Garland said in a speech.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-becomes-uk-pm-first-of-indian-heritage-527999" hreflang="en">Rishi Sunak set to become UK PM, first of Indian heritage</a>

He announced charges against “two PRC intelligence officers with attempting to obstruct influence and impede a criminal prosecution of a PRC-based telecommunications company.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-may-be-evading-us-sanctions-through-a-small-start-up-report-523079">Huawei may be evading US sanctions through a small start-up: Report</a>

FBI Director Christopher Wray said that these cases “lays bare the Chinese government’s flagrant violation of international laws, as they work to project their authoritarian view around the world."

“They try to silence anyone who fights back against their theft – companies, politicians, individuals.&nbsp;Just as they try to silence anyone who fights back against their other aggressions."

(With inputs from agencies)

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The US Department of Justice has charged 13 Chinese citizens, including two PRC intelligence officers, for trying to disrupt a US prosecution of the Chinese telecommunication firm Huawei, reports AP news agency.

The US Department of Justice has charged 13 Chinese citizens, including two PRC intelligence officers, for trying to disrupt a US prosecution of the Chinese telecommunication firm Huawei, reports AP news agency. Guochun He and Zheng Wang—the two Chinese intelligence officers who remain at large—were accused of buying out a US government employee to provide confidential information about the Justice Department’s probe against Huawei. The company's identity was not revealed in the court documents, but several US media reported that the matter referred to Huawei. It is said that the government employee was paid about $41,000 in Bitcoin for the information on witnesses, trial evidence and potential new charges from the US Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, New York. However, the person the Chinese spies contacted was actually working as a double agent for the FBI. “The defendants believed they had recruited the US government employee as an asset. But in fact, the individual they recruited was actually a double agent, working on behalf of the FBI,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said. Last year, that person had passed a single-page classified document that contained information about a purported plan to charge and arrest Huawei executives in the US, they said. However, the confidential document was actually inaccurate. “Over the past week, the justice department has taken several actions to disrupt criminal activity by individuals working on behalf of the government of the People’s Republic of China,” Garland said in a speech. Also read | Rishi Sunak set to become UK PM, first of Indian heritage He announced charges against “two PRC intelligence officers with attempting to obstruct influence and impede a criminal prosecution of a PRC-based telecommunications company.” Also read | Huawei may be evading US sanctions through a small start-up: Report FBI Director Christopher Wray said that these cases “lays bare the Chinese government’s flagrant violation of international laws, as they work to project their authoritarian view around the world." “They try to silence anyone who fights back against their theft – companies, politicians, individuals. Just as they try to silence anyone who fights back against their other aggressions." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘China disrupting Huawei prosecution’, says US Justice Dept after 2 spies charged

Igor Danchenko, a Russian who contributed details to the "Steele&nbsp;dossier" was acquitted on Tuesday (October 18) on charges that he lied to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about the sources of his intelligence.&nbsp;

Danchenko was acquitted of four counts&nbsp;initially, but he was charged with five counts of lying to the FBI. A judge threw out one of the charges.&nbsp;

Published in 2016, the "Steele dossier" (also known as the "Trump–Russia dossier") emerged as a controversial political document that was released by the opposition.&nbsp;

The document&nbsp;claimed there was misconduct, conspiracy, and cooperation between former United States president Donald Trump's presidential campaign and the Russian government before and during the 2016 election campaign.&nbsp;

The document&nbsp;is basically a collection of&nbsp;allegations.&nbsp;The report is compiled by retired British spy Christopher Steele, whose research was indirectly funded by Hillary Clinton's campaign in 2016.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musk-says-he-hasnt-received-any-funding-from-pentagon-for-starlink-services-in-ukraine-526631">Musk says he hasn't received any funding from Pentagon for Starlink services in Ukraine</a>&nbsp;

The result is yet another blow&nbsp;to Special Counsel John Durham, who was&nbsp;appointed by Attorney General William Barr in 2019. He spent around three years investigating the FBI's probe into the Trump-Russia probe.&nbsp;

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="archive.cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_6EF0BBBB-2094-96A8-CE94-ECC668EB7DDE@published">Two cases taken by Durham to trial ended in acquittals.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;US fighter jets intercept two Russian nuclear-capable warplanes near Alaska

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In a statement, Durham said: "While we are disappointed in the outcome, we respect the jury’s decision and thank them for their service. I also want to recognize and thank the investigators and the prosecution team for their dedicated efforts in seeking truth and justice in this case."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Danchenko's attorney Stuart Sears hailed the result. Sears told reporters outside the courthouse that "the American public knows that as well. We thank these jurors for their hard work and deliberation in reaching the right decision."&nbsp;

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Igor Danchenko, a Russian who contributed details to the "Steele dossier" was acquitted on Tuesday (October 18) on charges that he lied to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about the sources of his intelligence.

Igor Danchenko, a Russian who contributed details to the "Steele dossier" was acquitted on Tuesday (October 18) on charges that he lied to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about the sources of his intelligence. Danchenko was acquitted of four counts initially, but he was charged with five counts of lying to the FBI. A judge threw out one of the charges. Published in 2016, the "Steele dossier" (also known as the "Trump–Russia dossier") emerged as a controversial political document that was released by the opposition. The document claimed there was misconduct, conspiracy, and cooperation between former United States president Donald Trump's presidential campaign and the Russian government before and during the 2016 election campaign. The document is basically a collection of allegations. The report is compiled by retired British spy Christopher Steele, whose research was indirectly funded by Hillary Clinton's campaign in 2016. ALSO READ | Musk says he hasn't received any funding from Pentagon for Starlink services in Ukraine The result is yet another blow to Special Counsel John Durham, who was appointed by Attorney General William Barr in 2019. He spent around three years investigating the FBI's probe into the Trump-Russia probe. Two cases taken by Durham to trial ended in acquittals. WATCH | US fighter jets intercept two Russian nuclear-capable warplanes near Alaska × ALSO READ | Visa reform, property ownership: Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee vows to lure foreign talent In a statement, Durham said: "While we are disappointed in the outcome, we respect the jury’s decision and thank them for their service. I also want to recognize and thank the investigators and the prosecution team for their dedicated efforts in seeking truth and justice in this case." Meanwhile, Danchenko's attorney Stuart Sears hailed the result. Sears told reporters outside the courthouse that "the American public knows that as well. We thank these jurors for their hard work and deliberation in reaching the right decision." 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.

Igor Danchenko: US jury acquits Russian on charges he lied to FBI over 'Steele dossier'

Former US President Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to intervene in the row over the classified documents that were seized from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida that were seized during an FBI raid.

US: January 6 capitol hearing to focus on warnings given in lead up to violence

In the past few days, users of the conservative dating app, The Right Stuff, created by former US president Donald Trump's staffers, claim that they have been contacted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and police. According to reports, people are supposedly getting these calls after answering one of the questions on the app.&nbsp;

John McEntee is the co-founder and CEO of the app and a former political aide in the Trump administration. Launched on September 30, the right-wing dating app is also backed by conservative PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel.&nbsp;

Reportedly, the app has largely been dubbed as a failure because of its invite-only system which makes it impossible to join. Furthermore, reports claim there are no women who have signed up for the app.&nbsp;

One of the questions that people are asked while they are making their profile is a finish-the-sentence prompt which reads “January 6 was …”. This of course refers to the January 6 insurrection when Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol after his defeat in the 2020 presidential elections.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-capitol-riot-january-6-panel-probing-trump-associates-ties-to-extremists-496381">US Capitol riot: January 6 panel probing Trump associates’ ties to extremists</a>

Some reviewers claimed that they were being&nbsp;contacted by the FBI or the police after answering this question.&nbsp;

“I answered the question about January 6th honestly and the next day I have two police officers at my door telling me that they got a call alleging that I was involved in domestic terrorism??? This app was clearly created by Democrats as a way to subvert our constitutional rights as conservative Americans. Do not use this app unless you want to be harassed by left-wing fascists,” claimed one of the users on Apple's App store. &nbsp;

Another person alleged, “Ok app asks about January 6th, harmless, right? I said I was there because I was a patriot that’s why I am on this dating app – I use this app for hardly an evening and is it a coincidence I get a call from an FBI agent the SAME DAY????”.

The person added, “Seriously, what stunt are they trying to pull?? Whoever developed this has to be deepstate setting us up…I came here to find love not a d*** warrant!!!!&amp;&amp;$@”. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-non-woke-social-media-app-rivalling-the-biased-big-tech-to-launch-soon-442778">Trump's 'non-woke' social media app rivalling the 'biased' big-tech to launch soon</a>

As of earlier this month, the app has received over 120 reviews and a 2.4-star rating on Apple’s app store. Reviewers have also complained about the invite-only system, with one person saying, “So I love the idea and setup of the app but the whole reason I wanted to get this app was because I don’t know any conservatives in my area and wanted to get connected to them.”&nbsp;

They added, “But because it’s invite only I cannot use the app. If you make it available to everyone, just have a verification system instead or have a way for people like me to get in without an invite, it’d be so much better.”

Another person on the App store wrote, “Set up your profile then be told you can only join by invite only. What an absolute garbage way of making a dating app. Immediately deleted it as it’s guaranteed to have an extremely small pool of profiles because of this design. It’s basically designed to fail.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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In the past few days, users of the conservative dating app, The Right Stuff, created by former US president Donald Trump's staffers, claim that they have been contacted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and police.

In the past few days, users of the conservative dating app, The Right Stuff, created by former US president Donald Trump's staffers, claim that they have been contacted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and police. According to reports, people are supposedly getting these calls after answering one of the questions on the app. John McEntee is the co-founder and CEO of the app and a former political aide in the Trump administration. Launched on September 30, the right-wing dating app is also backed by conservative PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel. Reportedly, the app has largely been dubbed as a failure because of its invite-only system which makes it impossible to join. Furthermore, reports claim there are no women who have signed up for the app. One of the questions that people are asked while they are making their profile is a finish-the-sentence prompt which reads “January 6 was …”. This of course refers to the January 6 insurrection when Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol after his defeat in the 2020 presidential elections. ALSO READ: US Capitol riot: January 6 panel probing Trump associates’ ties to extremists Some reviewers claimed that they were being contacted by the FBI or the police after answering this question. “I answered the question about January 6th honestly and the next day I have two police officers at my door telling me that they got a call alleging that I was involved in domestic terrorism??? This app was clearly created by Democrats as a way to subvert our constitutional rights as conservative Americans. Do not use this app unless you want to be harassed by left-wing fascists,” claimed one of the users on Apple's App store. Another person alleged, “Ok app asks about January 6th, harmless, right? I said I was there because I was a patriot that’s why I am on this dating app – I use this app for hardly an evening and is it a coincidence I get a call from an FBI agent the SAME DAY????”. The person added, “Seriously, what stunt are they trying to pull?? Whoever developed this has to be deepstate setting us up…I came here to find love not a d*** warrant!!!!&&$@”. ALSO READ: Trump's 'non-woke' social media app rivalling the 'biased' big-tech to launch soon As of earlier this month, the app has received over 120 reviews and a 2.4-star rating on Apple’s app store. Reviewers have also complained about the invite-only system, with one person saying, “So I love the idea and setup of the app but the whole reason I wanted to get this app was because I don’t know any conservatives in my area and wanted to get connected to them.” They added, “But because it’s invite only I cannot use the app. If you make it available to everyone, just have a verification system instead or have a way for people like me to get in without an invite, it’d be so much better.” Another person on the App store wrote, “Set up your profile then be told you can only join by invite only. What an absolute garbage way of making a dating app. Immediately deleted it as it’s guaranteed to have an extremely small pool of profiles because of this design. It’s basically designed to fail.” (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.

Report: Users of right-wing dating app ‘The Right Stuff’ claim FBI contacted them

US President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden is on Federal Bureau of Investigation’s radar. According to the media reports, the probe agency has gathered enough evidence to charge him with tax crimes and making a false statement to buy a gun.

US: President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden on FBI's radar for tax crimes

Who is Edward Snowden, the US whistleblower who just got Russian citizenship?

Declassification in spotlight during Trump probe

The US judge named to review documents seized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) last month at Donald Trump's Florida home pressed Trump's lawyers to say whether they plan to assert that the records had been declassified by the former president, as he has claimed.

US Judge asks Trump's lawyer if he declassified records in FBI search

Judge Raymond Dearie – the special master in charge of reviewing the materials seized by the FBI during their raid on the Mar-a-Lago residence of former United States President Donald Trump – has asked Trump’s lawyers to make it clear if the documents were declassified at any point.

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This was an argument brought forward by Trump’s lawyers earlier and the judge asked them to officially state their stance on the matter. If the Department of Justice can prove that the documents were classified, the arbitrator can allow them to examine all documents as part of the investigation.

"If the government gives me prima facie evidence (a legal term meaning a fact presumed to be true unless disproved) that this is classified, and you decide not to advance a claim of declassification ... as far as I'm concerned that's the end of it," Dearie told Trump's lawyers on Tuesday, according to Reuters.

However, Trump's lawyers have said that they will not make their position clear immediately.

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On August 8, the FBI searched the Florida residence of the former US President after speaking to witnesses who told them about the presence of classified documents and “proof of obstruction of justice”, according to an affidavit filed by the Department of Justice. The affidavit also claimed that around 100 documents found during the search had “classified” markings on them.

The argument was put forward by Trump himself on social media as he hinted that the documents were declassified by him during his time as president. However, with the DOJ looking to charge him with mishandling of classified state documents, the lawyers have not used this as an official argument.

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Judge Raymond Dearie – the special master in charge of reviewing the materials seized by the FBI during their raid on the Mar-a-Lago residence of former United States President Donald Trump – has asked Trump’s lawyers to make it clear if the documents were declassified at any point.

Judge Raymond Dearie – the special master in charge of reviewing the materials seized by the FBI during their raid on the Mar-a-Lago residence of former United States President Donald Trump – has asked Trump’s lawyers to make it clear if the documents were declassified at any point. Also read | Türkiye President Erdogan rakes up Kashmir issue again at UNGA This was an argument brought forward by Trump’s lawyers earlier and the judge asked them to officially state their stance on the matter. If the Department of Justice can prove that the documents were classified, the arbitrator can allow them to examine all documents as part of the investigation. "If the government gives me prima facie evidence (a legal term meaning a fact presumed to be true unless disproved) that this is classified, and you decide not to advance a claim of declassification ... as far as I'm concerned that's the end of it," Dearie told Trump's lawyers on Tuesday, according to Reuters. However, Trump's lawyers have said that they will not make their position clear immediately. Also read | Twitter to depose Elon Musk before the buyout deal trial On August 8, the FBI searched the Florida residence of the former US President after speaking to witnesses who told them about the presence of classified documents and “proof of obstruction of justice”, according to an affidavit filed by the Department of Justice. The affidavit also claimed that around 100 documents found during the search had “classified” markings on them. The argument was put forward by Trump himself on social media as he hinted that the documents were declassified by him during his time as president. However, with the DOJ looking to charge him with mishandling of classified state documents, the lawyers have not used this as an official argument.

Donald Trump's lawyers resist judge's request to clarify 'declassification' claim

The intel review of documents at Trump’s estate

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