UK spy agency has warned that Russia is looking to cause "sustained mayhem on British and European streets". The head of MI5 said Russian intelligence agency GRU had carried out "arson, sabotage and more dangerous actions conducted with increasing recklessness" in UK following the invasion of Ukraine and subsequent support offered by London. MI5 chief Ken McCallum was giving an annual update on security threats faced by UK.

ISIS Using West Asia Crisis To Create Trouble', Says MI5 Chief Ken McCallum

China, on Monday (Jan 8) said that its security agencies have detained a foreign national who was the head of a foreign consulting firm for allegedly spying for the British Secret Intelligence Service, also known as MI6.

<h2>What do we know about the allegations?</h2>

The claim was made by the Chinese spy agency Ministry of State Security’s (MSS) WeChat account which accused the MI6 of forming an “intelligence cooperation relationship” with a foreign national with the surname Huang.&nbsp;

However, the Chinese officials did not mention the detained individual’s full name, or nationality or identify the company that they were working at.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/security-concerns-raised-after-chinese-tracking-device-found-in-uk-govt-car-report-550437">Security concerns raised after Chinese tracking device found in UK govt car: Report</a>

According to the MSS, Huang was in charge of an overseas consulting agency, and in 2015 the individual was contacted by the MI6 and began working with them on intelligence matters.&nbsp;

The MI6 directed Huang to enter China several times and instructed them to use public identity as a cover to collect China-related intelligence, including identifying potential assets for the British agency, the MSS said.&nbsp;

Huang allegedly passed 17 pieces of intelligence, including confidential state secrets, to MI6 before he was identified, according to the Chinese spy agency. It also claimed that Huang was trained by the MI6 and given professional spying equipment for intelligence cross-linking.&nbsp;

“After careful investigation, the state security organs promptly discovered evidence of Huang’s involvement in espionage activities, and took criminal coercive measures against him,” said the MSS.&nbsp;

The Chinese government did not disclose Huang’s current condition or whereabouts.&nbsp;

<h2>UK and China trade allegations</h2>

The recent allegations by the MSS came amid an ongoing row between the United Kingdom and China in the past couple of months over allegations of perceived espionage and its impact on national security.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientist-working-in-uk-for-last-20-years-joins-chinas-hypersonic-programme-592323">Scientist working in UK for last 20 years joins China’s hypersonic programme</a>

The British government has previously said that Chinese spies are targeting its officials in sensitive positions in politics, defence and business in a bid to gain access to its secrets.&nbsp;

Last year, a researcher at the British parliament denied that he was a Chinese spy after being arrested under the Official Secrets Act, saying that had only ever tried to educate others about China.

Meanwhile, Beijing has repeatedly condemned the assertions and a foreign ministry spokesperson has dismissed them as “entirely groundless.”&nbsp;

“We urge the UK to stop spreading disinformation and stop political manipulation and malicious slander against China,” said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning when queried at a press briefing.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China, on Monday (Jan 8) said that its security agencies have detained a foreign national who was the head of a foreign consulting firm for allegedly spying for the British Secret Intelligence Service, also known as MI6.

China, on Monday (Jan 8) said that its security agencies have detained a foreign national who was the head of a foreign consulting firm for allegedly spying for the British Secret Intelligence Service, also known as MI6. What do we know about the allegations? The claim was made by the Chinese spy agency Ministry of State Security’s (MSS) WeChat account which accused the MI6 of forming an “intelligence cooperation relationship” with a foreign national with the surname Huang. However, the Chinese officials did not mention the detained individual’s full name, or nationality or identify the company that they were working at. ALSO READ | Security concerns raised after Chinese tracking device found in UK govt car: Report According to the MSS, Huang was in charge of an overseas consulting agency, and in 2015 the individual was contacted by the MI6 and began working with them on intelligence matters. The MI6 directed Huang to enter China several times and instructed them to use public identity as a cover to collect China-related intelligence, including identifying potential assets for the British agency, the MSS said. Huang allegedly passed 17 pieces of intelligence, including confidential state secrets, to MI6 before he was identified, according to the Chinese spy agency. It also claimed that Huang was trained by the MI6 and given professional spying equipment for intelligence cross-linking. “After careful investigation, the state security organs promptly discovered evidence of Huang’s involvement in espionage activities, and took criminal coercive measures against him,” said the MSS. The Chinese government did not disclose Huang’s current condition or whereabouts. UK and China trade allegations The recent allegations by the MSS came amid an ongoing row between the United Kingdom and China in the past couple of months over allegations of perceived espionage and its impact on national security. ALSO READ | Scientist working in UK for last 20 years joins China’s hypersonic programme The British government has previously said that Chinese spies are targeting its officials in sensitive positions in politics, defence and business in a bid to gain access to its secrets. Last year, a researcher at the British parliament denied that he was a Chinese spy after being arrested under the Official Secrets Act, saying that had only ever tried to educate others about China. Meanwhile, Beijing has repeatedly condemned the assertions and a foreign ministry spokesperson has dismissed them as “entirely groundless.” “We urge the UK to stop spreading disinformation and stop political manipulation and malicious slander against China,” said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning when queried at a press briefing. (With inputs from agencies)

China claims to have detained foreign consultant spying for Britain’s MI6

Israel's Mossad spy agency released a statement on Thursday saying that it "apprehended" an Iranian plotting to kill an Israeli in Cyprus, with his interrogation "on Iranian soil" leading to arrests by Cypriot security forces.

The statement came after the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday appreciated "the thwarting of the Iranian terrorist attack in Cyprus against Israeli targets," without providing much details.

Cypriot authorities declined to comment on the matter, however, local media, mentioning unidentified sources, reported a foiled plan to attack Israeli or Jewish targets by suspects that were operating from a breakaway statelet, recognised only by Turkey, in the north of the divided Mediterranean island.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Breaking: In a counter-terrorist operation on Iranian soil, the Mossad apprehended the head of a terror cell which planned on attacking Israelis in Cyprus, thwarting the attack. 
 
Senior Mossad official: "We will reach whoever foments terrorism against Jews and Israelis around the… <a href="https://t.co/UKZDVQNe11">pic.twitter.com/UKZDVQNe11</a>
— Israel ישראל 🇮🇱 (@Israel) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel/status/1674464357453840384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The Mossad said an Iranian man named Yusef Shahabazi Abbasalilu was "apprehended" in "a counter-terrorist operation on Iranian soil".

<h2>Iranian man confesses to 'receiving weapons'</h2>

According to the Israeli agency, during cross-questioning Abbasalilu confessed to having "received detailed instructions and weapons from senior Revolutionary Guards personnel in Iran" regarding an Israeli businessman he was to assassinate in Cyprus.

As per AFP reports, a video that was circulated by the Mossad, which the news agency could not verify, showed a man, called Abbasalilu, detailing his arrival in Cyprus and making preparations to kill an Israeli with the help of 'Pakistanis'&nbsp;there.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-national-intelligence-claims-to-have-exposed-mossad-ring-working-against-iran-595614">Turkey’s intelligence claims to have exposed Mossad ring working against Iran</a>

The man then recalls being ordered by his Iranian handlers to return to Iran since the Cypriot police were on his tail.

"In the wake of the information that he gave to investigators, the cell was dismantled in an operation by the Cypriot security services," the Mossad said, noting "a series of arrests in Cyprus last week".

The Israeli agency said it had exposed part of "a continuing effort to carry out terrorist attacks and harm Israelis and Jews around the world".

Earlier this month, Netanyahu said that the vast majority of Israel's "security problems stem from Iran and its proxies".

Israel also condemned its arch-foe for seeking to obtain nuclear arms. Iran denies the claim.

While speaking at a military ceremony on Thursday, Netanyahu said that Israel would not be bound by any international agreement of Tehran's nuclear programme, adding: "We will retain our right and duty to defend ourselves, by ourselves, from any threat."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Israel's Mossad spy agency released a statement on Thursday saying that it "apprehended" an Iranian plotting to kill an Israeli in Cyprus, with his interrogation "on Iranian soil" leading to arrests by Cypriot security forces.

Israel's Mossad spy agency released a statement on Thursday saying that it "apprehended" an Iranian plotting to kill an Israeli in Cyprus, with his interrogation "on Iranian soil" leading to arrests by Cypriot security forces. The statement came after the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday appreciated "the thwarting of the Iranian terrorist attack in Cyprus against Israeli targets," without providing much details. Cypriot authorities declined to comment on the matter, however, local media, mentioning unidentified sources, reported a foiled plan to attack Israeli or Jewish targets by suspects that were operating from a breakaway statelet, recognised only by Turkey, in the north of the divided Mediterranean island. Breaking: In a counter-terrorist operation on Iranian soil, the Mossad apprehended the head of a terror cell which planned on attacking Israelis in Cyprus, thwarting the attack. Senior Mossad official: "We will reach whoever foments terrorism against Jews and Israelis around the… pic.twitter.com/UKZDVQNe11 — Israel ישראל 🇮🇱 (@Israel) June 29, 2023 × The Mossad said an Iranian man named Yusef Shahabazi Abbasalilu was "apprehended" in "a counter-terrorist operation on Iranian soil". Iranian man confesses to 'receiving weapons' According to the Israeli agency, during cross-questioning Abbasalilu confessed to having "received detailed instructions and weapons from senior Revolutionary Guards personnel in Iran" regarding an Israeli businessman he was to assassinate in Cyprus. As per AFP reports, a video that was circulated by the Mossad, which the news agency could not verify, showed a man, called Abbasalilu, detailing his arrival in Cyprus and making preparations to kill an Israeli with the help of 'Pakistanis' there. Also read: Turkey’s intelligence claims to have exposed Mossad ring working against Iran The man then recalls being ordered by his Iranian handlers to return to Iran since the Cypriot police were on his tail. "In the wake of the information that he gave to investigators, the cell was dismantled in an operation by the Cypriot security services," the Mossad said, noting "a series of arrests in Cyprus last week". The Israeli agency said it had exposed part of "a continuing effort to carry out terrorist attacks and harm Israelis and Jews around the world". Earlier this month, Netanyahu said that the vast majority of Israel's "security problems stem from Iran and its proxies". Israel also condemned its arch-foe for seeking to obtain nuclear arms. Iran denies the claim. While speaking at a military ceremony on Thursday, Netanyahu said that Israel would not be bound by any international agreement of Tehran's nuclear programme, adding: "We will retain our right and duty to defend ourselves, by ourselves, from any threat." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israel's spy agency Mossad nabs man in Iran for planning attack in Cyprus

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may be facing a sleep disorder while his alcohol and nicotine dependency might be worsening, reported Bloomberg citing South Korea's spy agency National Intelligence Service (NIS). The NIS briefed South Korean lawmakers about the intense collection of overseas medical information by North Korea, specifically related to insomnia, including details about medications like Zolpidem used to treat it.

Yoo Sang-bum, a lawmaker from South Korea's ruling People Power Party and executive secretary of the parliamentary intelligence committee, shared further information from the NIS briefing&nbsp;mentioning that North Korea has recently imported significant quantities of Marlboro and Dunhill cigarettes, along with high-end snacks typically consumed with alcohol.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/highly-decorated-australian-soldier-loses-case-against-media-giants-amidst-grave-war-crimes-allegations-599163">Highly-decorated Australian soldier loses case against media giants amidst grave war crimes allegations</a>

Additionally, artificial intelligence analysis suggests that Kim Jong-un's weight is estimated to exceed 140kg, the report said quoting Yoo who added that&nbsp;the situation for ordinary North Koreans has worsened, characterized by growing food shortages and a surge in grain prices to the highest level since Kim Jong-un assumed power.&nbsp;

Yoo also highlighted an increase in crimes, suicides, and deaths due to starvation in the country.

The NIS informed lawmakers that Kim Jong-un likely observed a failed satellite launch on Wednesday morning, which inadvertently triggered a false emergency alert from the Seoul government, causing panic among the public.

<h2>Kim Jong-un leading unhealthy life, claims reports&nbsp;</h2>

Kim Jong Un, has been reportedly&nbsp;leading an unhealthy lifestyle, with a particular focus on indulging in fine spirits and wines. Recent reports suggest that the supreme leader, who recently turned 39, has been out of the public eye for an extended period, leading to speculation about his health issues.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tragedy-in-indias-haryana-minor-girl-strangulates-younger-brother-as-she-felt-parents-loved-him-more-599137">Tragedy in India's Haryana: Minor girl strangulates younger brother as she felt parents loved him more</a>

According to a Mirror report in January this year, Kim Jong Un was said to be experiencing a mid-life crisis with deep concerns about his well-being. Dr. Choi Jinwook, a North Korean academic based in Seoul, stated that as Kim Jong Un approaches the age of 40, he is facing increasing anxieties about his personal health and safety. Jinwook said Kim engages in heavy drinking sessions that sometimes lead to tears, highlighting feelings of loneliness and immense pressure.

Watch | Singer Sia reveals Autism diagnosis, reflects on personal journey | Details

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/singer-sia-reveals-autism-diagnosis-reflects-on-personal-journey-details-599087/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Although advised by his doctors and wife to reduce his alcohol consumption and exercise more frequently, it appears that Kim Jong Un is disregarding these recommendations, as per reports.

Concerned about leaks regarding his health, he reportedly travels with his own personal toilet during rare trips abroad to prevent potential espionage through the examination of his waste, as reported by the Mirror. Kim Jong-un is known for maintaining a secretive private life, but he made a public appearance last year, holding his daughter's hands during her debut appearance.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may be facing a sleep disorder while his alcohol and nicotine dependency might be worsening, reported Bloomberg citing South Korea's spy agency National Intelligence Service (NIS).

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may be facing a sleep disorder while his alcohol and nicotine dependency might be worsening, reported Bloomberg citing South Korea's spy agency National Intelligence Service (NIS). The NIS briefed South Korean lawmakers about the intense collection of overseas medical information by North Korea, specifically related to insomnia, including details about medications like Zolpidem used to treat it. Yoo Sang-bum, a lawmaker from South Korea's ruling People Power Party and executive secretary of the parliamentary intelligence committee, shared further information from the NIS briefing mentioning that North Korea has recently imported significant quantities of Marlboro and Dunhill cigarettes, along with high-end snacks typically consumed with alcohol. Also Read | Highly-decorated Australian soldier loses case against media giants amidst grave war crimes allegations Additionally, artificial intelligence analysis suggests that Kim Jong-un's weight is estimated to exceed 140kg, the report said quoting Yoo who added that the situation for ordinary North Koreans has worsened, characterized by growing food shortages and a surge in grain prices to the highest level since Kim Jong-un assumed power. Yoo also highlighted an increase in crimes, suicides, and deaths due to starvation in the country. The NIS informed lawmakers that Kim Jong-un likely observed a failed satellite launch on Wednesday morning, which inadvertently triggered a false emergency alert from the Seoul government, causing panic among the public. Kim Jong-un leading unhealthy life, claims reports Kim Jong Un, has been reportedly leading an unhealthy lifestyle, with a particular focus on indulging in fine spirits and wines. Recent reports suggest that the supreme leader, who recently turned 39, has been out of the public eye for an extended period, leading to speculation about his health issues. Also Read | Tragedy in India's Haryana: Minor girl strangulates younger brother as she felt parents loved him more According to a Mirror report in January this year, Kim Jong Un was said to be experiencing a mid-life crisis with deep concerns about his well-being. Dr. Choi Jinwook, a North Korean academic based in Seoul, stated that as Kim Jong Un approaches the age of 40, he is facing increasing anxieties about his personal health and safety. Jinwook said Kim engages in heavy drinking sessions that sometimes lead to tears, highlighting feelings of loneliness and immense pressure. Watch | Singer Sia reveals Autism diagnosis, reflects on personal journey | Details × Although advised by his doctors and wife to reduce his alcohol consumption and exercise more frequently, it appears that Kim Jong Un is disregarding these recommendations, as per reports. Concerned about leaks regarding his health, he reportedly travels with his own personal toilet during rare trips abroad to prevent potential espionage through the examination of his waste, as reported by the Mirror. Kim Jong-un is known for maintaining a secretive private life, but he made a public appearance last year, holding his daughter's hands during her debut appearance. 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. ×

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may have 'insomnia, alcohol dependency': South Korea's spy agency

Beijing claimed on Monday (February 13), that Washington has sent spy balloons into its airspace more than 10 times since January 2022, after&nbsp;an alleged Chinese surveillance craft was shot down over the United States recently.&nbsp;The decision by Washington to shoot down the alleged spy balloon&nbsp;in early February, which Beijing has maintained was carrying out a civilian mission, has further&nbsp;strained ties between the US and China in recent weeks. Since then, a&nbsp;number of other such devices have&nbsp;been shot down over the United States and Canada, though Beijing has only admitted that the first was one of its own. In reaction,&nbsp;China on Monday&nbsp;accused the US of sending over 10 balloons into its airspace since January 2022.

"It's not uncommon as well for the US to illegally enter the airspace of other countries," foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said during a briefing, and&nbsp;as reported by the AFP.&nbsp;

"Since last year alone, US balloons have illegally flown above China more than 10 times without any approval from Chinese authorities," he added.

When asked how China responded to those alleged incursions, Wang said Beijing's "handling (of these incidents) was responsible and professional".

Also watch |&nbsp;Mystery object flies over Yukon, Canada

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-defence-minister-object-posed-a-risk-to-civilians-561047/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"If you want to know more about US high-altitude balloons illegally entering China's airspace, I suggest you refer to the US side," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-shoots-down-a-fourth-unidentified-object-as-a-senior-official-doesnt-rule-out-aliens-561293">US shoots down another UFO as a senior official doesn't rule out 'aliens'</a>

The US shot down a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon over the Atlantic Ocean last week (February 5),&nbsp;days after it was spotted crossing the US and adding fuel to the&nbsp;&nbsp;already high tensions between Washington and Beijing.

On Sunday afternoon (February 12), the US shot down a fourth unidentified object close to the Canadian border. President Joe Biden gave the order to shoot it down because the Pentagon said that the object, which was moving at 20,000 feet (6,100 metres), could have interfered with commercial air traffic.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Beijing claimed on Monday (February 13), that Washington has sent spy balloons into its airspace more than 10 times since January 2022, after an alleged Chinese surveillance craft was shot down over the United States recently.

Beijing claimed on Monday (February 13), that Washington has sent spy balloons into its airspace more than 10 times since January 2022, after an alleged Chinese surveillance craft was shot down over the United States recently. The decision by Washington to shoot down the alleged spy balloon in early February, which Beijing has maintained was carrying out a civilian mission, has further strained ties between the US and China in recent weeks. Since then, a number of other such devices have been shot down over the United States and Canada, though Beijing has only admitted that the first was one of its own. In reaction, China on Monday accused the US of sending over 10 balloons into its airspace since January 2022. "It's not uncommon as well for the US to illegally enter the airspace of other countries," foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said during a briefing, and as reported by the AFP. "Since last year alone, US balloons have illegally flown above China more than 10 times without any approval from Chinese authorities," he added. When asked how China responded to those alleged incursions, Wang said Beijing's "handling (of these incidents) was responsible and professional". Also watch | Mystery object flies over Yukon, Canada "If you want to know more about US high-altitude balloons illegally entering China's airspace, I suggest you refer to the US side," he added. Also read | US shoots down another UFO as a senior official doesn't rule out 'aliens' The US shot down a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon over the Atlantic Ocean last week (February 5), days after it was spotted crossing the US and adding fuel to the already high tensions between Washington and Beijing. On Sunday afternoon (February 12), the US shot down a fourth unidentified object close to the Canadian border. President Joe Biden gave the order to shoot it down because the Pentagon said that the object, which was moving at 20,000 feet (6,100 metres), could have interfered with commercial air traffic. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China says US spy balloons entered airspace more than 10 times since January 2022

What are the quintessential features of James Bond? Allow me to explain. Mostly suited up, sporting a crisp bow tie, uber cool sunglasses and an unmissable personality.

What are the quintessential features of James Bond? Allow me to explain. Mostly suited up, sporting a crisp bow tie, uber cool sunglasses and an unmissable personality. Everything that a real MI5 spy would keep away from. To cut a long story short, James Bond would make a bad spy, a stance that intelligence officials have held consistently for centuries. To corroborate this claim, MI5, the United Kingdom's domestic counter-intelligence and security agency has put out a list of basic requirements for the role of a spy, and James Bond is clearly failing on several counts. The £37,757-a-year role is largely focused on "blending into the environment naturally wherever you are". So, 007 aspirants aren't allowed to be overly tall or to have any identifying traits, such as tattoos on their hands, faces, or necks. Women must be under 5ft 10in and men under 6ft 2in to be considered for the position. Sean Connery, the first to portray James Bond on the silver screen, would therefore have been on the very thin end of the scale at 6 feet 2 inches and unlikely to have been hired. Daniel Craig, the most recent James Bond actor, who stands 5 feet 10 inches tall, would be a good fit. The most accurate espionage depictions were found in Alfred Hitchcock's films, whose best-known pre-war espionage thrillers included, 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' (1934) and 'The 39 Steps' (1935). These movies introduced a concept that later became commonplace in spy flicks: the non-spy who gets caught up in a scheme and is confused by what is happening. The representation of espionage had advanced to the point that movie and TV makers were using a strategy way too far from reality by the late 1950s. These acts became material for humour or fantastical stories with a comedic twist rather than being depicted as a serious and covert endeavour. James Bond, the protagonist of 14 novels by British intelligence officer Ian Fleming, stands out as the best illustration of this pattern. Bond, Agent 007 has the licence to kill, and he makes the most of it in his unending operations against the Soviet-style group known as Smersh—using both that licence and his signature finesse of coming out unhurt from every adventure. Well, good for the reel-life Bond, but if anyone were to apply for the position of an MI5 spy, shed those Bond like idiosyncrasies and blend in with the crowd. Also WATCH | WION Fineprint: Russia says female Ukrainian spy killed daughter of Putin’s ally

MI5 might not have selected Sean Connery: Hollywood spy vs reality of espionage jobs

Britain's GCHQ spy agency has installed a giant multicoloured artwork to celebrate codebreaker and&nbsp;mathematician Alan Turing, who helped turn the tide of World War Two against Nazi Germany but was persecuted for being gay. 
 
The 10-metre&nbsp;by 10-metre artwork in the centre of the agency's doughnut-shaped headquarters depicts Turing inside the wheels of the 'bombe' codebreaker machine that he designed. 
 
Considered the father of modern computing, Turing led a team that cracked the Nazis' naval Enigma code for British spies, a breakthrough dramatised in the 2014 thriller 'The Imitation Game'. 
 
But he pleaded guilty to gross indecency in 1952 after a sexual relationship with another man and, forced to have hormonal injections, killed himself two years later aged 41 by eating an apple laced with cyanide. 
 
Unveiled on his birthday as a new 50-pound note featuring Turing entered circulation, the work at GCHQ in the western English city of Cheltenham was created by 3D artist Joe Hill and features 15 hidden codes. 
 
It also carries a famous Turing quote: "Sometimes it is the people no one can imagine anything of who do the things no one can imagine." 
 
Years after his death, Turing has become a symbol of the prejudice suffered by gay people during his lifetime. 
 
"He was embraced for his brilliance but persecuted for being gay," GCHQ Director Jeremy Fleming said. 
 
Turing joined the Government Code &amp; Cypher School, a precursor to GCHQ, in 1939 to help break German codes. With Polish help, he broke Naval Enigma. He left GCHQ in 1945. 
 
GCHQ is Britain's biggest spy agency. Its job is to eavesdrop on the world to protect British security, though it also disrupts communications. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's GCHQ spy agency has installed a giant multicoloured artwork to celebrate codebreaker and mathematician Alan Turing, who helped turn the tide of World War Two against Nazi Germany but was persecuted for being gay.

Britain's GCHQ spy agency has installed a giant multicoloured artwork to celebrate codebreaker and mathematician Alan Turing, who helped turn the tide of World War Two against Nazi Germany but was persecuted for being gay. The 10-metre by 10-metre artwork in the centre of the agency's doughnut-shaped headquarters depicts Turing inside the wheels of the 'bombe' codebreaker machine that he designed. Considered the father of modern computing, Turing led a team that cracked the Nazis' naval Enigma code for British spies, a breakthrough dramatised in the 2014 thriller 'The Imitation Game'. But he pleaded guilty to gross indecency in 1952 after a sexual relationship with another man and, forced to have hormonal injections, killed himself two years later aged 41 by eating an apple laced with cyanide. Unveiled on his birthday as a new 50-pound note featuring Turing entered circulation, the work at GCHQ in the western English city of Cheltenham was created by 3D artist Joe Hill and features 15 hidden codes. It also carries a famous Turing quote: "Sometimes it is the people no one can imagine anything of who do the things no one can imagine." Years after his death, Turing has become a symbol of the prejudice suffered by gay people during his lifetime. "He was embraced for his brilliance but persecuted for being gay," GCHQ Director Jeremy Fleming said. Turing joined the Government Code & Cypher School, a precursor to GCHQ, in 1939 to help break German codes. With Polish help, he broke Naval Enigma. He left GCHQ in 1945. GCHQ is Britain's biggest spy agency. Its job is to eavesdrop on the world to protect British security, though it also disrupts communications. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain's spy agency honours codebreaker Turing in giant artwork

At least seven people were killed on Monday when a bomb-laden car exploded targeting an Afghan intelligence agency installation in the eastern province of Ghazni.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/us-says-islamic-state-conducted-the-attack-on-kabul-hospital-298864">Also read: US says Islamic State conducted the attack on Kabul hospital</a> 
 
"The terrorists have used a humvee in their attack. They have targeted the national directorate of security unit in Ghazni city," Wahidullah Jumazada, spokesman to the governor said.

He said 7 people were killed and 32 others were wounded.

"Most of the victims are intelligence personnel," he added. The interior ministry in Kabul and a health official in Ghazni also confirmed the attack.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the incident left tens of the special forces of the National Directorate of Security – the Afghan intelligence agency – dead and wounded.

The bombing comes a day after President Ashraf Ghani and his rival Abdullah Abdullah signed a power-sharing accord in Kabul, ending their months-long bitter feud.

The accord, welcomed by Washington, paves the way for launching peace talks with the Taliban.

On Thursday, the Taliban detonated a truck close to a military building in Gardiz city in southeastern Paktia province, leaving five dead and 20 injured, including military and civilians.

Last week, the Taliban attacked a military checkpoint in the Alishang district of eastern Laghman province that left dozens dead or wounded.

(With inputs from AFP)

At least seven people were killed on Monday when a bomb-laden car exploded targeting an Afghan intelligence agency installation in the eastern province of Ghazni.

At least seven people were killed on Monday when a bomb-laden car exploded targeting an Afghan intelligence agency installation in the eastern province of Ghazni. Also read: US says Islamic State conducted the attack on Kabul hospital "The terrorists have used a humvee in their attack. They have targeted the national directorate of security unit in Ghazni city," Wahidullah Jumazada, spokesman to the governor said. He said 7 people were killed and 32 others were wounded. "Most of the victims are intelligence personnel," he added. The interior ministry in Kabul and a health official in Ghazni also confirmed the attack. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the incident left tens of the special forces of the National Directorate of Security – the Afghan intelligence agency – dead and wounded. The bombing comes a day after President Ashraf Ghani and his rival Abdullah Abdullah signed a power-sharing accord in Kabul, ending their months-long bitter feud. The accord, welcomed by Washington, paves the way for launching peace talks with the Taliban. On Thursday, the Taliban detonated a truck close to a military building in Gardiz city in southeastern Paktia province, leaving five dead and 20 injured, including military and civilians. Last week, the Taliban attacked a military checkpoint in the Alishang district of eastern Laghman province that left dozens dead or wounded. (With inputs from AFP)

Seven killed in a car bomb attack on spy agency in Afghanistan

Israel's internal security agency Shin Bet confirmed Tuesday it has been mandated to collect information about citizens to fight the spread of the deadly coronavirus, a task it was undertaking with "immediate" effect.

The measure was declared by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu late on Monday under emergency regulations, after a parliamentary committee tasked with green-lighting the move refused to give it final approval, saying it needed more time.

The government "authorised the Shin Bet to put its advanced technologies in the service of the national effort to reduce the spread of coronavirus," a Shin Bet statement said Tuesday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/coronavirus-outbreak-how-middle-east-is-dealing-with-the-global-pandemic-286708">Coronavirus outbreak: How Middle-East is dealing with the global pandemic</a>

A Shin Bet spokesperson separately told the source that the policy has taken "immediate" effect.

Involving the spy agency in the fight against coronavirus sets "a dangerous precedent", according to Tehilla Shwartz Altshuler of the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI), speaking before the emergency regulations.&nbsp; &nbsp;

In the Shin Bet statement, agency chief Nadav Argaman said the agency was approached by the health ministry to help track coronavirus carriers "after it emerged that other authorities in the state do not have the necessary technologies".

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-crisis-delays-start-of-netanyahu-corruption-trial-286472">Coronavirus crisis delays start of Netanyahu corruption trial</a>

"The Shin Bet is aware this is a task that goes beyond its routine anti-terror activities, therefore the request was discussed with and approved by the attorney general, with oversight and regulating mechanisms established," Argaman said.

Netanyahu's office refused to provide details about the monitoring techniques to be used.

But copies of the emergency regulations leaked to Israeli media showed that police would be able to retrieve location data of coronavirus carriers as well as quarantined people from phone companies, without a court order.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-israels-spyder-us-made-air-defence-weapon-system-is-required-for-indias-defensive-capability-285623">Why Israel's SPYDER &amp; US-made Air Defence Weapon System is required for India's defensive capability</a>

The Shin Bet would also be able to use the location data of coronavirus carriers for the 14 days preceding their diagnosis "to identify their routes and the people with whom they came in contact with," the leaked copy of the decision said.

'No active penetration'

Argaman said the information would be given to the health ministry and not saved by the Shin Bet.

He stressed that given the severity of the crisis Shin Bet had a responsibility to use its "unique skills" to help contain the pandemic.

Netanyahu had on Saturday said he wanted "technologies used in the war against terror" deployed against the COVID-19 disease.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-ex-army-chief-gantz-gets-a-shot-at-forming-government-286736">Israel's ex-army chief Gantz gets a shot at forming government</a>

His cabinet then approved the measures last Sunday.

But after the parliamentary committee delayed its approval, referring the issue to the new Knesset sworn in yesterday, Netanyahu announced that his cabinet would authorise the measures under emergency powers.

A security official told the source on Monday the Shin Bet would not conduct "active penetration into phones" and "there won't be cyber-attacks."

But using the security agency in a health crisis set "a dangerous precedent," said Shwartz Altshuler, who heads the IDI's Democracy in the Information Age programme.

Watch: Israel: After months of political deadlock, Oppn leader Gantz has been asked to form the govt

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-after-months-of-political-deadlock-oppn-leader-gantz-has-been-asked-to-form-the-govt-286647/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"What if tomorrow they're called in for an economic emergency?"

By drawing in a clandestine security agency to deal with a civilian health crisis, Shwartz Altshuler said, "Israel is not aligning itself with the democracies."

Netanyahu's continued tenure as premier is uncertain, with President Reuven Rivlin on Monday formally handing centrist rival Benny Gantz a mandate to try to form a new government.

Gantz has been given 28 days to put together a coalition, after he garnered recommendations from 61 out of 120 lawmakers on Sunday, in the wake of an election held on March 2 - Israel's third national polls within a year.

Israel's internal security agency Shin Bet confirmed Tuesday it has been mandated to collect information about citizens to fight the spread of the deadly coronavirus, a task it was undertaking with "immediate" effect.

Israel's internal security agency Shin Bet confirmed Tuesday it has been mandated to collect information about citizens to fight the spread of the deadly coronavirus, a task it was undertaking with "immediate" effect. The measure was declared by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu late on Monday under emergency regulations, after a parliamentary committee tasked with green-lighting the move refused to give it final approval, saying it needed more time. The government "authorised the Shin Bet to put its advanced technologies in the service of the national effort to reduce the spread of coronavirus," a Shin Bet statement said Tuesday. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak: How Middle-East is dealing with the global pandemic A Shin Bet spokesperson separately told the source that the policy has taken "immediate" effect. Involving the spy agency in the fight against coronavirus sets "a dangerous precedent", according to Tehilla Shwartz Altshuler of the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI), speaking before the emergency regulations. In the Shin Bet statement, agency chief Nadav Argaman said the agency was approached by the health ministry to help track coronavirus carriers "after it emerged that other authorities in the state do not have the necessary technologies". Also see: Coronavirus crisis delays start of Netanyahu corruption trial "The Shin Bet is aware this is a task that goes beyond its routine anti-terror activities, therefore the request was discussed with and approved by the attorney general, with oversight and regulating mechanisms established," Argaman said. Netanyahu's office refused to provide details about the monitoring techniques to be used. But copies of the emergency regulations leaked to Israeli media showed that police would be able to retrieve location data of coronavirus carriers as well as quarantined people from phone companies, without a court order. Also read: Why Israel's SPYDER & US-made Air Defence Weapon System is required for India's defensive capability The Shin Bet would also be able to use the location data of coronavirus carriers for the 14 days preceding their diagnosis "to identify their routes and the people with whom they came in contact with," the leaked copy of the decision said. 'No active penetration' Argaman said the information would be given to the health ministry and not saved by the Shin Bet. He stressed that given the severity of the crisis Shin Bet had a responsibility to use its "unique skills" to help contain the pandemic. Netanyahu had on Saturday said he wanted "technologies used in the war against terror" deployed against the COVID-19 disease. Also see: Israel's ex-army chief Gantz gets a shot at forming government His cabinet then approved the measures last Sunday. But after the parliamentary committee delayed its approval, referring the issue to the new Knesset sworn in yesterday, Netanyahu announced that his cabinet would authorise the measures under emergency powers. A security official told the source on Monday the Shin Bet would not conduct "active penetration into phones" and "there won't be cyber-attacks." But using the security agency in a health crisis set "a dangerous precedent," said Shwartz Altshuler, who heads the IDI's Democracy in the Information Age programme. Watch: Israel: After months of political deadlock, Oppn leader Gantz has been asked to form the govt "What if tomorrow they're called in for an economic emergency?" By drawing in a clandestine security agency to deal with a civilian health crisis, Shwartz Altshuler said, "Israel is not aligning itself with the democracies." Netanyahu's continued tenure as premier is uncertain, with President Reuven Rivlin on Monday formally handing centrist rival Benny Gantz a mandate to try to form a new government. Gantz has been given 28 days to put together a coalition, after he garnered recommendations from 61 out of 120 lawmakers on Sunday, in the wake of an election held on March 2 - Israel's third national polls within a year.

Israel spy agency joins anti-virus fight

Australia's prime minister insisted he was "not naive" to the threat of foreign interference Monday, as authorities investigated an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-to-take-over-australian-politics-ex-spy-chief-263762">alleged&nbsp;plot&nbsp;by China</a> to recruit a businessman and get him elected.

Nine network programme "60 Minutes" broadcast explosive allegations Sunday night that suspected&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;agents had offered&nbsp;Chinese-Australian Bo "Nick" Zhao $679,000&nbsp;to run as a candidate in a federal seat in Melbourne.

The 32-year-old luxury car dealer had reportedly disclosed the alleged approach for him to&nbsp;spy&nbsp;to the&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Intelligence&nbsp;Organisation (ASIO) last year, before he was found dead in a motel room in March.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Monday the allegations surrounding Zhao, a member of his Liberal Party, were "deeply disturbing and troubling".

"Australia&nbsp;is not naive to&nbsp;the threats that it faces," he told reporters in Canberra.

"And that's why we&nbsp;strengthened the laws, why we&nbsp;increased the resources... to&nbsp;ensure&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;was in the best&nbsp;possible position to deal with any&nbsp;threats that come our way."

In a rare public statement late Sunday night, ASIO head Mike Burgess said&nbsp;the agency was had been "actively investigating" the matter.

"Hostile foreign&nbsp;intelligence&nbsp;activity continues to pose a real threat to our nation and its security," he added.

Burgess said he would not comment further on Zhao's death as it was subject to an inquest.

Police have been unable to determine how Zhao died.

Parliamentary&nbsp;intelligence&nbsp;committee chief Andrew Hastie described the alleged episode in Melbourne as "surreal" and "like something out of a&nbsp;spy&nbsp;novel".

"This isn't just cash in a bag, given for favours, this is a state-sponsored attempt to infiltrate our parliament using an Australian citizen and basically run them as an agent of foreign influence in our democratic system," he told 60 Minutes.

"So this is really significant and Australians should be very, very concerned about this."

Chinese&nbsp;foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang denied the claims, accusing "some politicians, organisations and media in&nbsp;Australia" of "cooking up so-called China&nbsp;spy&nbsp;cases."

Some in&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;have "reached a point where they panic at the slightest move and see threats everywhere", Geng said.

But "lies are ultimately just lies", he said at a regular press briefing.

The claims come just days after a&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;spy&nbsp;reportedly gave ASIO the identities of China's senior military&nbsp;intelligence&nbsp;officers in Hong Kong and provided details about how they funded and conducted&nbsp;operations&nbsp;in the city, Taiwan and&nbsp;Australia.

China has tried to paint defector Wang "William" Liqiang as an unemployed fraudster and fugitive, but there are growing calls in&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;to grant him political asylum.

The revelations are likely to heighten tensions between Beijing and Canberra.

Geng dismissed the allegations as a "clumsy farce" and a fabrication.

Recently retired ASIO chief Duncan Lewis said last week that China wanted to "take over"&nbsp;Australia's political system with an "insidious" and systematic campaign of&nbsp;espionage&nbsp;and influence peddling.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-aims-to-boost-revenue-for-renewable-power-firms-264353">China </a>is also widely suspected of being behind major intrusions into the computer systems of&nbsp;Australia's parliament and a university with close ties to the government and security services.

But Beijing has previously angrily denied allegations it was covertly meddling in Australian affairs.

Australia's prime minister insisted he was "not naive" to the threat of foreign interference Monday, as authorities investigated an alleged plot by China to recruit a businessman and get him elected.

Australia's prime minister insisted he was "not naive" to the threat of foreign interference Monday, as authorities investigated an alleged plot by China to recruit a businessman and get him elected. Nine network programme "60 Minutes" broadcast explosive allegations Sunday night that suspected Chinese agents had offered Chinese-Australian Bo "Nick" Zhao $679,000 to run as a candidate in a federal seat in Melbourne. The 32-year-old luxury car dealer had reportedly disclosed the alleged approach for him to spy to the Australia Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) last year, before he was found dead in a motel room in March. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Monday the allegations surrounding Zhao, a member of his Liberal Party, were "deeply disturbing and troubling". "Australia is not naive to the threats that it faces," he told reporters in Canberra. "And that's why we strengthened the laws, why we increased the resources... to ensure Australia was in the best possible position to deal with any threats that come our way." In a rare public statement late Sunday night, ASIO head Mike Burgess said the agency was had been "actively investigating" the matter. "Hostile foreign intelligence activity continues to pose a real threat to our nation and its security," he added. Burgess said he would not comment further on Zhao's death as it was subject to an inquest. Police have been unable to determine how Zhao died. Parliamentary intelligence committee chief Andrew Hastie described the alleged episode in Melbourne as "surreal" and "like something out of a spy novel". "This isn't just cash in a bag, given for favours, this is a state-sponsored attempt to infiltrate our parliament using an Australian citizen and basically run them as an agent of foreign influence in our democratic system," he told 60 Minutes. "So this is really significant and Australians should be very, very concerned about this." Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang denied the claims, accusing "some politicians, organisations and media in Australia" of "cooking up so-called China spy cases." Some in Australia have "reached a point where they panic at the slightest move and see threats everywhere", Geng said. But "lies are ultimately just lies", he said at a regular press briefing. The claims come just days after a Chinese spy reportedly gave ASIO the identities of China's senior military intelligence officers in Hong Kong and provided details about how they funded and conducted operations in the city, Taiwan and Australia. China has tried to paint defector Wang "William" Liqiang as an unemployed fraudster and fugitive, but there are growing calls in Australia to grant him political asylum. The revelations are likely to heighten tensions between Beijing and Canberra. Geng dismissed the allegations as a "clumsy farce" and a fabrication. Recently retired ASIO chief Duncan Lewis said last week that China wanted to "take over" Australia's political system with an "insidious" and systematic campaign of espionage and influence peddling. China is also widely suspected of being behind major intrusions into the computer systems of Australia's parliament and a university with close ties to the government and security services. But Beijing has previously angrily denied allegations it was covertly meddling in Australian affairs.

Australia investigates 'Chinese plot' to create spy lawmaker

Queen unveils secret-message plaque to mark spy agency centenary

Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday inaugurated the new, fortress-like Berlin headquarters of Germany's scandal-plagued BND foreign intelligence service.

Located where the Berlin Wall once dissected the city, the huge 1.1-billion-euro ($1.25-billion) complex now houses 4,000 of the spy agency's 6,500 staff.

Built on the former site of an East German sports stadium, it is one of the world's largest secret service bases, covering 10 hectares (25 acres) -- the equivalent to 36 football fields.

Pointing to a host of global threats from terrorism to cyber-attacks, Merkel thanked the BND staff for their work "so that millions of Germans can live in safety".

For the BND, which until now has been cloistered away in a former Nazi settlement outside Munich since its founding after World War II, its bold new presence is meant to signal a more self-confident global role.

The massive limestone and aluminium-fronted structure in central Berlin affords Federal Intelligence Service chief Bruno Kahl a view of the chancellery building, which he reports to.

The BND, hit by a series of scandals -- most recently the 2013 revelations of fugitive US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden -- has also signalled greater transparency to a sceptical public.

Mid-year it even plans to open a visitor centre, having already built up its online presence and stepped up open recruitment activities for the next generation of German spies.

'Healthy distrust'

For many Germans, given their country's fascist and totalitarian past, the idea of a secret service evokes images not just of James Bond but also of the Gestapo and Stasi.

The far-left opposition Die Linke party routinely demands the abolition of Germany's three intelligence agencies, also including the domestic BfV and military spy service MAD.

Merkel stressed that while the Stasi "was used against the populace", the BND serves the country and is subject to laws and parliamentary oversight.

"A healthy distrust is helpful, but being overly suspicious is a hindrance," said Merkel.

Many Germans were shocked by Snowden's revelations that the BND had closely cooperated with US and British services in the near-blanket surveillance of the world's digital communications.

Merkel, who grew up in the East German police state, herself expressed anger at news that Washington had for years tapped her mobile phone, insisting that spying on allies "is not on".

But Germany was soon forced to admit that the BND had itself eavesdropped on targets including the French presidency, the EU and international media organisations.

Last year the world's largest internet hub, the De-Cix exchange in Frankfurt, challenged the BND over its mass capture of international communications, but a German federal court in May approved the surveillance.

The massive operation to build the new BND headquarters, too, did not pass without delays, budget blow-outs and glitches.&nbsp;

In 2011, the agency had to admit that the blueprints for the sprawling new complex had been stolen, but played down the security risks posed by the loss.

And in 2015, thieves broke into the building site and stole newly fitted water taps, causing massive flooding damage that media dubbed the "Watergate" scandal.

Former BND chief Gerhard Schindler on Friday complained that the agency's technical surveillance had stayed behind at the old Bavarian base, saying there was "no rational, logical reason" for this.

&nbsp;

Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday inaugurated the new, fortress-like Berlin headquarters of Germany's scandal-plagued BND foreign intelligence service. Located where the Berlin Wall once dissected the city, the huge 1.

Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday inaugurated the new, fortress-like Berlin headquarters of Germany's scandal-plagued BND foreign intelligence service. Located where the Berlin Wall once dissected the city, the huge 1.1-billion-euro ($1.25-billion) complex now houses 4,000 of the spy agency's 6,500 staff. Built on the former site of an East German sports stadium, it is one of the world's largest secret service bases, covering 10 hectares (25 acres) -- the equivalent to 36 football fields. Pointing to a host of global threats from terrorism to cyber-attacks, Merkel thanked the BND staff for their work "so that millions of Germans can live in safety". For the BND, which until now has been cloistered away in a former Nazi settlement outside Munich since its founding after World War II, its bold new presence is meant to signal a more self-confident global role. The massive limestone and aluminium-fronted structure in central Berlin affords Federal Intelligence Service chief Bruno Kahl a view of the chancellery building, which he reports to. The BND, hit by a series of scandals -- most recently the 2013 revelations of fugitive US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden -- has also signalled greater transparency to a sceptical public. Mid-year it even plans to open a visitor centre, having already built up its online presence and stepped up open recruitment activities for the next generation of German spies. 'Healthy distrust' For many Germans, given their country's fascist and totalitarian past, the idea of a secret service evokes images not just of James Bond but also of the Gestapo and Stasi. The far-left opposition Die Linke party routinely demands the abolition of Germany's three intelligence agencies, also including the domestic BfV and military spy service MAD. Merkel stressed that while the Stasi "was used against the populace", the BND serves the country and is subject to laws and parliamentary oversight. "A healthy distrust is helpful, but being overly suspicious is a hindrance," said Merkel. Many Germans were shocked by Snowden's revelations that the BND had closely cooperated with US and British services in the near-blanket surveillance of the world's digital communications. Merkel, who grew up in the East German police state, herself expressed anger at news that Washington had for years tapped her mobile phone, insisting that spying on allies "is not on". But Germany was soon forced to admit that the BND had itself eavesdropped on targets including the French presidency, the EU and international media organisations. Last year the world's largest internet hub, the De-Cix exchange in Frankfurt, challenged the BND over its mass capture of international communications, but a German federal court in May approved the surveillance. The massive operation to build the new BND headquarters, too, did not pass without delays, budget blow-outs and glitches. In 2011, the agency had to admit that the blueprints for the sprawling new complex had been stolen, but played down the security risks posed by the loss. And in 2015, thieves broke into the building site and stole newly fitted water taps, causing massive flooding damage that media dubbed the "Watergate" scandal. Former BND chief Gerhard Schindler on Friday complained that the agency's technical surveillance had stayed behind at the old Bavarian base, saying there was "no rational, logical reason" for this.

Merkel opens spy agency's massive new Berlin headquarters

Lt Gen Asim Munir is likely to be made the new chief of Pakistan's powerful spy agency ISI after &nbsp;Lt General Naveed Mukhtar, and four other three-star generals retired on Monday, reports said.&nbsp;

As per reports, General Qamar Bajwa approved the promotion of Gen Munir and the six other generals on Monday.&nbsp;

It is highly expected that Lt Gen Munir would be appointed as the Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), The News reported.

Traditionally, the coveted slot of DG ISI, considered the most powerful after the army chief’s post, goes to a three-star general with a considerable experience of working in intelligence agencies.

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the promoted officers are: Maj Gen Nadeem Zaki Manj, Vice Chief of General Staff Maj Gen Shaheen Mazhar, ISI DG (Planning) Maj Gen Abdul Aziz, Military Intelligence Director General Maj Gen Asim Munir, Maj Gen Syed Muhammad Adnan and Frontier Corps IG Maj Gen Waseem Ashraf.

Besides director general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt Gen Mukhtar, the others retiring on Monday are Peshawar Corps Commander Lt General Nazir Ahmad Butt, Commander of Army's Strategic Forces Command (ASFC) Lt General Mian Mohammad Hilal Hussain, Military Secretary at the General Headquarters (GHQ) Lt General Ghayur Mehmood and Inspector General of Training and Evaluation, GHQ, Lt General Hidayatur Rehman, Dawn newspaper reported.

Lt Gen Asim Munir is likely to be made the new chief of Pakistan's powerful spy agency ISI after Lt General Naveed Mukhtar, and four other three-star generals retired on Monday, reports said.

Lt Gen Asim Munir is likely to be made the new chief of Pakistan's powerful spy agency ISI after Lt General Naveed Mukhtar, and four other three-star generals retired on Monday, reports said. As per reports, General Qamar Bajwa approved the promotion of Gen Munir and the six other generals on Monday. It is highly expected that Lt Gen Munir would be appointed as the Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), The News reported. Traditionally, the coveted slot of DG ISI, considered the most powerful after the army chief’s post, goes to a three-star general with a considerable experience of working in intelligence agencies. According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the promoted officers are: Maj Gen Nadeem Zaki Manj, Vice Chief of General Staff Maj Gen Shaheen Mazhar, ISI DG (Planning) Maj Gen Abdul Aziz, Military Intelligence Director General Maj Gen Asim Munir, Maj Gen Syed Muhammad Adnan and Frontier Corps IG Maj Gen Waseem Ashraf. Besides director general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt Gen Mukhtar, the others retiring on Monday are Peshawar Corps Commander Lt General Nazir Ahmad Butt, Commander of Army's Strategic Forces Command (ASFC) Lt General Mian Mohammad Hilal Hussain, Military Secretary at the General Headquarters (GHQ) Lt General Ghayur Mehmood and Inspector General of Training and Evaluation, GHQ, Lt General Hidayatur Rehman, Dawn newspaper reported.

Lt Gen Asim Munir likely to be appointed as new ISI chief 

North Korea&#39;s main spy agency has a special cell called Unit 180 that is likely to have launched some of its most daring and successful cyber attacks, according to defectors, officials and internet security experts.

North Korea has been blamed in recent years for a series of online attacks, mostly on financial networks, in the United States, South Korea and over a dozen other countries.

Cyber security researchers have also said they have found technical evidence that could link North Korea with the global WannaCry &quot;ransomware&quot; cyber attack that infected more than 300,000 computers in 150 countries this month. Pyongyang has called the allegation &quot;ridiculous&quot;.

The crux of the allegations against North Korea is its connection to a hacking group called Lazarus that is linked to last year&#39;s $81 million cyber heist at the Bangladesh central bank and the 2014 attack on Sony&#39;s Hollywood studio.

The US&nbsp;government has blamed North Korea for the Sony hack and some US&nbsp;officials have said prosecutors are building a case against Pyongyang in the Bangladesh Bank theft.

No conclusive proof has been provided and no criminal charges have yet been filed. North Korea has also denied being behind the Sony and banking attacks.

North Korea is one of the most closed countries in the world and any details of its clandestine operations are difficult to obtain. But experts who study the reclusive country and defectors who have ended up in South Korea or the West have provided some clues.

Kim Heung-kwang, a former computer science professor in North Korea who defected to the South in 2004 and still has sources inside North Korea, said Pyongyang&#39;s cyber attacks aimed at raising cash are likely organised by Unit 180, a part of the Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB), its main overseas intelligence agency.

&quot;Unit 180 is engaged in hacking financial institutions (by) breaching and withdrawing money out of bank accounts,&quot; Kim told Reuters. He has previously said that some of his former students have joined North Korea&#39;s Strategic Cyber Command, its cyber-army.

&quot;The hackers go overseas to find somewhere with better internet services than North Korea so as not to leave a trace,&quot; Kim added. He said it was likely they went under the cover of being employees of trading firms, overseas branches of North Korean companies, or joint ventures in China or Southeast Asia.

James Lewis, a North Korea expert at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Pyongyang first used hacking as a tool for espionage and then political harassment against South Korean and US targets.

&quot;They changed after Sony by using hacking to support criminal activities to generate hard currency for the regime,&quot; he said.

&quot;So far, it&#39;s worked as well or better as drugs, counterfeiting, smuggling &ndash; all their usual tricks,&quot; Lewis said.

Cost-effective, deniable

The US&nbsp;Department of Defense said in a report submitted to Congress last year that North Korea likely &quot;views cyber as a cost-effective, asymmetric, deniable tool that it can employ with little risk from reprisal attacks, in part because its networks are largely separated from the Internet&quot;.

&quot;It is likely to use Internet infrastructure from third-party nations,&quot; the report said.

South Korean officials say they have considerable evidence of North Korea&#39;s cyber warfare operations.

&quot;North Korea is carrying out cyber attacks through third countries to cover up the origin of the attacks and using their information and communication technology infrastructure,&quot; Ahn Chong-ghee, South Korea&#39;s vice foreign minister, told Reuters in written comments.

Besides the Bangladesh Bank heist, he said Pyongyang was also suspected in attacks on banks in the Philippines, Vietnam and Poland.

In June last year, police said the North Korea&nbsp;hacked into more than 140,000 computers at 160 South Korean companies and government agencies, planting malicious code as part of a long-term plan to lay the groundwork for a massive cyber attack on its rival. &nbsp;

North Korea was also suspected of staging cyber attacks against the South Korean nuclear reactor operator in 2014, although it denied any involvement.

That attack was conducted from a base in China, according to Simon Choi, a senior security researcher at Seoul-based anti-virus company Hauri Inc.

&quot;They operate there so that regardless of what kind of project they do, they have Chinese IP addresses,&quot; said Choi, who has conducted extensive research into North Korea&#39;s hacking capabilities.

Malaysia link

Malaysia has also been a base for North Korean cyber operations, according to Yoo Dong-ryul, a former South Korean police researcher who studied North Korean espionage techniques for 25 years.

&quot;They work in trading or IT programming companies on the surface,&quot; Yoo told Reuters. &quot;Some of them run websites and sell game and gambling programs&quot;.

Two IT firms in Malaysia have links to North Korea&#39;s RGB spy agency, according to a Reuters investigation this year, although there was no suggestion either of them was involved in hacking.

Michael Madden, a US-based expert on the North Korean leadership, said Unit 180 was one of many elite cyber warfare groups in the North Korean intelligence community.

&quot;The personnel are recruited from senior middle schools and receive advanced training at some elite training institutions,&quot; Madden told Reuters.

&quot;They have a certain amount of autonomy in their missions and tasking as well,&quot; he said, adding that they could be operating from hotels in China or Eastern Europe.

In the United States, officials said there was no conclusive evidence that North Korea was behind the WannaCry ransomware, but that was no reason to be complacent.

&quot;Whether or not they are directly involved with ransomware doesn&#39;t change the fact that they are a real cyber threat,&quot; said a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Dmitri Alperovitch, co-founder of prominent US&nbsp;security firm CrowdStrike, added: &quot;Their capabilities have improved steadily over time, and we consider them to be a threat actor that is capable of inflicting significant damage on US&nbsp;private or government networks.&quot;

(Reuters)

Cyber security researchers have found technical evidence to link North Korea with the global WannaCry "ransomware" cyber attack

North Korea's main spy agency has a special cell called Unit 180 that is likely to have launched some of its most daring and successful cyber attacks, according to defectors, officials and internet security experts. North Korea has been blamed in recent years for a series of online attacks, mostly on financial networks, in the United States, South Korea and over a dozen other countries. Cyber security researchers have also said they have found technical evidence that could link North Korea with the global WannaCry "ransomware" cyber attack that infected more than 300,000 computers in 150 countries this month. Pyongyang has called the allegation "ridiculous". The crux of the allegations against North Korea is its connection to a hacking group called Lazarus that is linked to last year's $81 million cyber heist at the Bangladesh central bank and the 2014 attack on Sony's Hollywood studio. The US government has blamed North Korea for the Sony hack and some US officials have said prosecutors are building a case against Pyongyang in the Bangladesh Bank theft. No conclusive proof has been provided and no criminal charges have yet been filed. North Korea has also denied being behind the Sony and banking attacks. North Korea is one of the most closed countries in the world and any details of its clandestine operations are difficult to obtain. But experts who study the reclusive country and defectors who have ended up in South Korea or the West have provided some clues. Kim Heung-kwang, a former computer science professor in North Korea who defected to the South in 2004 and still has sources inside North Korea, said Pyongyang's cyber attacks aimed at raising cash are likely organised by Unit 180, a part of the Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB), its main overseas intelligence agency. "Unit 180 is engaged in hacking financial institutions (by) breaching and withdrawing money out of bank accounts," Kim told Reuters. He has previously said that some of his former students have joined North Korea's Strategic Cyber Command, its cyber-army. "The hackers go overseas to find somewhere with better internet services than North Korea so as not to leave a trace," Kim added. He said it was likely they went under the cover of being employees of trading firms, overseas branches of North Korean companies, or joint ventures in China or Southeast Asia. James Lewis, a North Korea expert at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Pyongyang first used hacking as a tool for espionage and then political harassment against South Korean and US targets. "They changed after Sony by using hacking to support criminal activities to generate hard currency for the regime," he said. "So far, it's worked as well or better as drugs, counterfeiting, smuggling – all their usual tricks," Lewis said. Cost-effective, deniable The US Department of Defense said in a report submitted to Congress last year that North Korea likely "views cyber as a cost-effective, asymmetric, deniable tool that it can employ with little risk from reprisal attacks, in part because its networks are largely separated from the Internet". "It is likely to use Internet infrastructure from third-party nations," the report said. South Korean officials say they have considerable evidence of North Korea's cyber warfare operations. "North Korea is carrying out cyber attacks through third countries to cover up the origin of the attacks and using their information and communication technology infrastructure," Ahn Chong-ghee, South Korea's vice foreign minister, told Reuters in written comments. Besides the Bangladesh Bank heist, he said Pyongyang was also suspected in attacks on banks in the Philippines, Vietnam and Poland. In June last year, police said the North Korea hacked into more than 140,000 computers at 160 South Korean companies and government agencies, planting malicious code as part of a long-term plan to lay the groundwork for a massive cyber attack on its rival. North Korea was also suspected of staging cyber attacks against the South Korean nuclear reactor operator in 2014, although it denied any involvement. That attack was conducted from a base in China, according to Simon Choi, a senior security researcher at Seoul-based anti-virus company Hauri Inc. "They operate there so that regardless of what kind of project they do, they have Chinese IP addresses," said Choi, who has conducted extensive research into North Korea's hacking capabilities. Malaysia link Malaysia has also been a base for North Korean cyber operations, according to Yoo Dong-ryul, a former South Korean police researcher who studied North Korean espionage techniques for 25 years. "They work in trading or IT programming companies on the surface," Yoo told Reuters. "Some of them run websites and sell game and gambling programs". Two IT firms in Malaysia have links to North Korea's RGB spy agency, according to a Reuters investigation this year, although there was no suggestion either of them was involved in hacking. Michael Madden, a US-based expert on the North Korean leadership, said Unit 180 was one of many elite cyber warfare groups in the North Korean intelligence community. "The personnel are recruited from senior middle schools and receive advanced training at some elite training institutions," Madden told Reuters. "They have a certain amount of autonomy in their missions and tasking as well," he said, adding that they could be operating from hotels in China or Eastern Europe. In the United States, officials said there was no conclusive evidence that North Korea was behind the WannaCry ransomware, but that was no reason to be complacent. "Whether or not they are directly involved with ransomware doesn't change the fact that they are a real cyber threat," said a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Dmitri Alperovitch, co-founder of prominent US security firm CrowdStrike, added: "Their capabilities have improved steadily over time, and we consider them to be a threat actor that is capable of inflicting significant damage on US private or government networks." (Reuters)

North Korea's Unit 180, the cyber warfare cell worries the West

spy-agency

Spy Agency, News on Spy Agency, stories on Spy Agency, articles on Spy Agency, Spy Agency stories at Wion, Spy Agency news, Spy Agency latest news