There have been Espionage tremors in a key Indian government Department. An employee of India's Ministry of Finance has been arrested on the charges of spying. He's accused of supplying secret and classified documents to Pakistan. Authorities arrested accused Naveen Pal in the northern Indian city of Ghaziabad next to Delhi.

Finance ministry employee arrested for spying

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

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

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday credited US diplomacy for slowing down Chinese effort to project military power and espionage around the world. Blinken's statement came ahead of his visit to Beijing later this week. He was asked about Washington's response to Wall Street Journal report that said that a new Chinese spying effort against the US was underway in Cuba.

Blinken said that Chinese efforts in Cuba were part of its global efforts to expand its presence overseas. He said that US actions to address this since US President Joe Biden took office have produced results. He did not specify what these results were.&nbsp;

"Our experts assess that our diplomatic efforts have slowed down this effort by the PRC," Blinken said, referring to the People's Republic of China.

On Monday, China said that it was not using Cuba as a spying base.

Watch | China using secret base in Cuba to spy on U.S., Biden admin official confirms

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Blinken said that during the administration of former president Donald Trump, the US knew about a 2019 Chinese upgrade of intelligence-collection facilities in Cuba. However, he said, efforts to address this "weren't making enough progress'.

<h2>Incoming administration was briefed</h2>

Incoming Biden administration officials were briefed about Chinese efforts to "expand their overseas logistics, basing, collection infrastructure, to allow them to project and sustain military power at a greater distance", including the upgrade in Cuba, Blinken said.

The secretary of state said that President Biden told his team to take a more direct approach. This has included engaging with governments that are considering hosting Chinese base and exchanging information with them.

"We’ve been executing on that approach quietly, carefully - but, in our judgment, with results - ever since. I can’t get into every step that we’ve taken, but the strategy begins with diplomacy," Blinken said.

The relations between the US and China have been strained in recent times. The issues range from Taiwan to Chinese spy balloons and more.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-not-again-donald-trump-accused-of-lifting-monologue-from-ben-afflecks-air-without-consent-603316">Not again! Donald Trump accused of lifting monologue from Ben Affleck's 'Air' without consent</a>

China considers Taiwan its own territory and has not ruled out use of force to capture the self-ruled island nation. Chinese fighter planes and drones cross the median line in the Taiwan Strait many times, prompting Taiwan to scramble its own fighter jets.&nbsp;

The United States is the biggest backer of Taiwan internationally and regularly conducts freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. The stance taken by China and the US often finds them at odds with each other.

(With inputs from agencies)

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday credited US diplomacy for slowing down Chinese effort to project military power and espionage around the world. Blinken's statement came ahead of his visit to Beijing later this week.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday credited US diplomacy for slowing down Chinese effort to project military power and espionage around the world. Blinken's statement came ahead of his visit to Beijing later this week. He was asked about Washington's response to Wall Street Journal report that said that a new Chinese spying effort against the US was underway in Cuba. Blinken said that Chinese efforts in Cuba were part of its global efforts to expand its presence overseas. He said that US actions to address this since US President Joe Biden took office have produced results. He did not specify what these results were. "Our experts assess that our diplomatic efforts have slowed down this effort by the PRC," Blinken said, referring to the People's Republic of China. On Monday, China said that it was not using Cuba as a spying base. Watch | China using secret base in Cuba to spy on U.S., Biden admin official confirms × Blinken said that during the administration of former president Donald Trump, the US knew about a 2019 Chinese upgrade of intelligence-collection facilities in Cuba. However, he said, efforts to address this "weren't making enough progress'. Incoming administration was briefed Incoming Biden administration officials were briefed about Chinese efforts to "expand their overseas logistics, basing, collection infrastructure, to allow them to project and sustain military power at a greater distance", including the upgrade in Cuba, Blinken said. The secretary of state said that President Biden told his team to take a more direct approach. This has included engaging with governments that are considering hosting Chinese base and exchanging information with them. "We’ve been executing on that approach quietly, carefully - but, in our judgment, with results - ever since. I can’t get into every step that we’ve taken, but the strategy begins with diplomacy," Blinken said. The relations between the US and China have been strained in recent times. The issues range from Taiwan to Chinese spy balloons and more. Also Read | Not again! Donald Trump accused of lifting monologue from Ben Affleck's 'Air' without consent China considers Taiwan its own territory and has not ruled out use of force to capture the self-ruled island nation. Chinese fighter planes and drones cross the median line in the Taiwan Strait many times, prompting Taiwan to scramble its own fighter jets. The United States is the biggest backer of Taiwan internationally and regularly conducts freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. The stance taken by China and the US often finds them at odds with each other. (With inputs from agencies) 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 ×

Blinken credits US diplomacy for slowing Chinese spying activity

The White House and Cuba independently&nbsp;rejected a media report that said that China was planning to build a spy base on the island nation just 90 miles away from the continental USA. The initial report, published by&nbsp;The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), said that China and Cuba had entered into a secret agreement that would let Beijing set up an electronic eavesdropping facility in Cuba. This, said the report, would enable China to monitor communications across the southeastern United States. The WSJ report further said that China had paid "several billion dollars" to Cuba for this.

However, White House national security spokesman John Kirby has denied the story.

"I've seen that press report. It's not accurate," Kirby told MSNBC.&nbsp;

"What I can tell you is that we have been concerned since day one of this administration about China's influence activities around the world, certainly in this hemisphere and in this region," Kirby said.&nbsp;

"We are watching this very closely," he added.

Watch | China paying billions of dollars to Cuba for electronic spy facility: Report | World News | WION

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&nbsp;

Additionally, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder also called the Journal report inaccurate.

"We are not aware of China and Cuba developing any type of spy station," Ryder said, adding: "The relationship that those two countries share is something that we continuously monitor."

<h2>Cuba also denies report</h2>

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Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio addressed a press conference in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Havana and denied that there were any plans underway for building a Chinese spy base on its territory.&nbsp;

He said Cuba rejects all foreign military presence in Latin America, "including the many US bases and troops."

"Slander of this kind is often fabricated by US officials," he added.

<h2>US lawmakers raise alarm</h2>

The WSJ report, however, has led several US lawmakers to raise alarm.

Democratic Senator Mark Warner and Republican Marco Rubio, who head the Senate Intelligence Committee said that they were "deeply disturbed" by the WSJ report.

"The United States must respond to China's ongoing and brazen attacks on our nation's security," they said.

"We must be clear that it would be unacceptable for China to establish an intelligence facility within 100 miles (160 kilometres) of Florida and the United States."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-panel-passes-legislation-to-strip-china-of-developing-status-602509">US Senate panel passes legislation to strip China of 'developing' status</a>

<h2>Strained relations</h2>

The report in the Wall Street Journal has come amid strains in relations between the US and China. There has been friction between the countries over a number of issues, including Taiwan. China considers Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out use of force to someday capture the island. The US is among the biggest backers of Taiwan and carries out navigation exercises in Taiwan Strait.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The White House and Cuba independently rejected a media report that said that China was planning to build a spy base on the island nation just 90 miles away from the continental USA.

The White House and Cuba independently rejected a media report that said that China was planning to build a spy base on the island nation just 90 miles away from the continental USA. The initial report, published by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), said that China and Cuba had entered into a secret agreement that would let Beijing set up an electronic eavesdropping facility in Cuba. This, said the report, would enable China to monitor communications across the southeastern United States. The WSJ report further said that China had paid "several billion dollars" to Cuba for this. However, White House national security spokesman John Kirby has denied the story. "I've seen that press report. It's not accurate," Kirby told MSNBC. "What I can tell you is that we have been concerned since day one of this administration about China's influence activities around the world, certainly in this hemisphere and in this region," Kirby said. "We are watching this very closely," he added. Watch | China paying billions of dollars to Cuba for electronic spy facility: Report | World News | WION × Additionally, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder also called the Journal report inaccurate. "We are not aware of China and Cuba developing any type of spy station," Ryder said, adding: "The relationship that those two countries share is something that we continuously monitor." Cuba also denies report Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio addressed a press conference in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Havana and denied that there were any plans underway for building a Chinese spy base on its territory. He said Cuba rejects all foreign military presence in Latin America, "including the many US bases and troops." "Slander of this kind is often fabricated by US officials," he added. US lawmakers raise alarm The WSJ report, however, has led several US lawmakers to raise alarm. Democratic Senator Mark Warner and Republican Marco Rubio, who head the Senate Intelligence Committee said that they were "deeply disturbed" by the WSJ report. "The United States must respond to China's ongoing and brazen attacks on our nation's security," they said. "We must be clear that it would be unacceptable for China to establish an intelligence facility within 100 miles (160 kilometres) of Florida and the United States." Also Read | US Senate panel passes legislation to strip China of 'developing' status Strained relations The report in the Wall Street Journal has come amid strains in relations between the US and China. There has been friction between the countries over a number of issues, including Taiwan. China considers Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out use of force to someday capture the island. The US is among the biggest backers of Taiwan and carries out navigation exercises in Taiwan Strait. (With inputs from agencies) 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 ×

White House, Cuba reject report of China building spy base on the island

US House Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy has said that US lawmakers are going ahead with legislation that will address worries over TikTok. He accused China of having access to user data of the popular video-sharing app. Calls to ban TikTok in the US are growing. US-government has already banned use of TikTok on government-owned devices.

TikTok is owned by China-based company ByteDance.

"The House will be moving forward with legislation to protect Americans from the technological tentacles of the Chinese Communist Party," McCarthy said on Twitter.

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It's very concerning that the CEO of TikTok can't be honest and admit what we already know to be true—China has access to TikTok user data. 
 
The House will be moving forward with legislation to protect Americans from the technological tentacles of the Chinese Communist Party.
— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerMcCarthy/status/1639980623539445760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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On Thursday, TiKTok CEO Shou Zi appeared before US House Committee for about five hours. He was grilled by lawmakers from the Democratic as well as Republican parties.

TikTok has about 150 million users in America

In Thursday's hearing, the TikTok CEO was asked if of the app, has spied on Americans at Beijing's request. Chew answered, "No."

Republican Representative Neal Dunn then referenced the company's disclosure in December that some China-based employees at ByteDance improperly accessed TikTok user data of two journalists and were no longer employed by the company. He repeated his question about whether ByteDance was spying.

"I don't think that spying is the right way to describe it," Chew said. He went on to describe the reports as involving an "internal investigation" before being cut off.

McCarthy, a Republican, said in a tweet on Sunday, "It's very concerning that the CEO of TikTok can't be honest and admit what we already know to be true — China has access to TikTok user data."

The company says it has spent more than $1.5 billion on data security efforts under the name "Project Texas" which currently has nearly 1,500 full-time employees and is contracted with Oracle Corp to store TikTok’s U.S. user data.

Rather than appease lawmakers' concerns, Chew's appearance before Congress on Thursday "actually increased the likelihood that Congress will take some action," Representative Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, the Republican chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, told ABC News on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

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US House Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy has said that US lawmakers are going ahead with legislation that will address worries over TikTok. He accused China of having access to user data of the popular video-sharing app.

US House Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy has said that US lawmakers are going ahead with legislation that will address worries over TikTok. He accused China of having access to user data of the popular video-sharing app. Calls to ban TikTok in the US are growing. US-government has already banned use of TikTok on government-owned devices. TikTok is owned by China-based company ByteDance. "The House will be moving forward with legislation to protect Americans from the technological tentacles of the Chinese Communist Party," McCarthy said on Twitter. It's very concerning that the CEO of TikTok can't be honest and admit what we already know to be true—China has access to TikTok user data. The House will be moving forward with legislation to protect Americans from the technological tentacles of the Chinese Communist Party. — Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) March 26, 2023 × On Thursday, TiKTok CEO Shou Zi appeared before US House Committee for about five hours. He was grilled by lawmakers from the Democratic as well as Republican parties. TikTok has about 150 million users in America In Thursday's hearing, the TikTok CEO was asked if of the app, has spied on Americans at Beijing's request. Chew answered, "No." Republican Representative Neal Dunn then referenced the company's disclosure in December that some China-based employees at ByteDance improperly accessed TikTok user data of two journalists and were no longer employed by the company. He repeated his question about whether ByteDance was spying. "I don't think that spying is the right way to describe it," Chew said. He went on to describe the reports as involving an "internal investigation" before being cut off. McCarthy, a Republican, said in a tweet on Sunday, "It's very concerning that the CEO of TikTok can't be honest and admit what we already know to be true — China has access to TikTok user data." The company says it has spent more than $1.5 billion on data security efforts under the name "Project Texas" which currently has nearly 1,500 full-time employees and is contracted with Oracle Corp to store TikTok’s U.S. user data. Rather than appease lawmakers' concerns, Chew's appearance before Congress on Thursday "actually increased the likelihood that Congress will take some action," Representative Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, the Republican chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, told ABC News on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies) 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 ×

US: Lawmakers to press on with legislation to deal with TikTok issue

TikTok, the video-sharing application owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is being investigated by the US Department of Justice and FBI over the allegations of its employees spying on journalists, said a law enforcement official on Friday as per media reports.

Justice Department prosecutors are conducting the investigation in the Eastern District of Virginia and in Washington along with the FBI, said the officials.

While speaking to NBC about the news report, a spokesperson of ByteDance said, "We have strongly condemned the actions of the individuals found to have been involved, and they are no longer employed at ByteDance. Our internal investigation is still ongoing, and we will co-operate with any official investigations when brought to us."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-are-countries-banning-tiktok-573111">Explained: Why are countries banning TikTok?</a>

Forbes first reported about the investigation on Thursday, stating that the company fired the employees who were implicated in the surveillance after it was confirmed that efforts were being made by them to discover the sources of leaks and business documents to journalists.

An investigation by ByteDance found that employees of the company gained access to the IP addresses as well as other data of the reporters as well of some of their contacts which were connected through their accounts on TikTok, reported Forbes.

Investigation into TikTok is going on at a time when concern over the security threats to the citizens of the United States due to TikTok has increased.

A potential ban has been threatened by the Biden administration on the video-sharing application in the United States if its Chinese owners do not agree to sell their stakes in the company.

WATCH | Gravitas: EU purges TikTok from official devices

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The step has been taken after concerns were expressed by US intelligence officials that TikTok can be used by China to spy on Americans or influence public opinion in the United States.

Speaking about the message sent by the White House to TikTok users in the US, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Thursday said, "We’ve expressed concerns over China’s potential use of software platforms that could endanger or threaten America’s safety and their national security. So that is the president’s concern. That is why we have called on Congress to take action."

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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TikTok, the video-sharing application owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is being investigated by the US Department of Justice and FBI over the allegations of its employees spying on journalists, said a law enforcement official on Friday as per media reports.

TikTok, the video-sharing application owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is being investigated by the US Department of Justice and FBI over the allegations of its employees spying on journalists, said a law enforcement official on Friday as per media reports. Justice Department prosecutors are conducting the investigation in the Eastern District of Virginia and in Washington along with the FBI, said the officials. While speaking to NBC about the news report, a spokesperson of ByteDance said, "We have strongly condemned the actions of the individuals found to have been involved, and they are no longer employed at ByteDance. Our internal investigation is still ongoing, and we will co-operate with any official investigations when brought to us." ALSO READ | Explained: Why are countries banning TikTok? Forbes first reported about the investigation on Thursday, stating that the company fired the employees who were implicated in the surveillance after it was confirmed that efforts were being made by them to discover the sources of leaks and business documents to journalists. An investigation by ByteDance found that employees of the company gained access to the IP addresses as well as other data of the reporters as well of some of their contacts which were connected through their accounts on TikTok, reported Forbes. Investigation into TikTok is going on at a time when concern over the security threats to the citizens of the United States due to TikTok has increased. A potential ban has been threatened by the Biden administration on the video-sharing application in the United States if its Chinese owners do not agree to sell their stakes in the company. WATCH | Gravitas: EU purges TikTok from official devices The step has been taken after concerns were expressed by US intelligence officials that TikTok can be used by China to spy on Americans or influence public opinion in the United States. Speaking about the message sent by the White House to TikTok users in the US, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Thursday said, "We’ve expressed concerns over China’s potential use of software platforms that could endanger or threaten America’s safety and their national security. So that is the president’s concern. That is why we have called on Congress to take action." (With inputs from agencies) 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

US Justice Department, FBI investigate TikTok over allegations of spying

A Chinese engineer and former graduate student from the United States’ Chicago was sentenced to eight years in prison on Wednesday (January 25) for gathering information on possible recruits for Beijing like engineers and scientists in the US, said the Department of Justice (DOJ). Additionally, Ji Chaoqun, the Chinese spy in question was also linked to Beijing’s efforts to steal aviation trade secrets from Washington.&nbsp;

According to reports, the 31-year-old came to the US on a student visa in 2013 to study electrical engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology and later enlisted in the US Army Reserves after lying to his recruiters. Ji was arrested in 2018 and convicted last September for illegally acting as an agent for a foreign government which in this case was China’s Jiangsu Province Ministry of State Security and making a false statement to the US Army.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-warns-of-russia-and-iran-based-hacker-groups-targeting-politicians-and-journalists-556125">UK warns of Russia and Iran-based hacker groups targeting politicians and journalists</a>

Reports suggest that the body he was spying for is a critical one which has allegedly been involved in schemes to illegally obtain information about Washington’s industrial and trade secrets. Ji had been accused of supplying intelligence with biographical information on about eight people, who were naturalised American citizens originally from China or Taiwan; some of them even worked as US defence contractors.&nbsp;

In 2016, the Chinese national enlisted in the US Army Reserves under the programme which recruits foreign nations and lied on his application that he has not been in contact with a foreign government within the past seven years said the officials in Washington. Ji was arrested in 2018 after several interactions with a US law enforcement agent posing as a representative of China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS).

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-2023-china-seeks-to-correct-course-with-united-states-549513">In 2023, China seeks to 'correct course' with United States</a>

During these meetings, Ji spoke about how he obtained US citizenship and security clearance due to the Army Reserves programme said the Justice Department. Additionally, he revealed his plans to seek a job at the CIA, FBI or NASA and perform cybersecurity work which would give him access to databases, including those that contained scientific research. 
 
In a statement, the DOJ also said that Ji was working at the direction of Xu Yanjun, who is a deputy division director at the Jiangsu provincial branch of the MMS. Furthermore, the Chinese national’s case was also linked to plotting to steal trade secrets from Ohio-based General Electric Aviation and other companies including US military suppliers, as per AFP. &nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A Chinese engineer and former graduate student from the United States’ Chicago was sentenced to eight years in prison on Wednesday (January 25) for gathering information on possible recruits for Beijing like engineers and scientists in the US, said the Department of Justice (DOJ).

A Chinese engineer and former graduate student from the United States’ Chicago was sentenced to eight years in prison on Wednesday (January 25) for gathering information on possible recruits for Beijing like engineers and scientists in the US, said the Department of Justice (DOJ). Additionally, Ji Chaoqun, the Chinese spy in question was also linked to Beijing’s efforts to steal aviation trade secrets from Washington. According to reports, the 31-year-old came to the US on a student visa in 2013 to study electrical engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology and later enlisted in the US Army Reserves after lying to his recruiters. Ji was arrested in 2018 and convicted last September for illegally acting as an agent for a foreign government which in this case was China’s Jiangsu Province Ministry of State Security and making a false statement to the US Army. ALSO READ | UK warns of Russia and Iran-based hacker groups targeting politicians and journalists Reports suggest that the body he was spying for is a critical one which has allegedly been involved in schemes to illegally obtain information about Washington’s industrial and trade secrets. Ji had been accused of supplying intelligence with biographical information on about eight people, who were naturalised American citizens originally from China or Taiwan; some of them even worked as US defence contractors. In 2016, the Chinese national enlisted in the US Army Reserves under the programme which recruits foreign nations and lied on his application that he has not been in contact with a foreign government within the past seven years said the officials in Washington. Ji was arrested in 2018 after several interactions with a US law enforcement agent posing as a representative of China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS). ALSO READ | In 2023, China seeks to 'correct course' with United States During these meetings, Ji spoke about how he obtained US citizenship and security clearance due to the Army Reserves programme said the Justice Department. Additionally, he revealed his plans to seek a job at the CIA, FBI or NASA and perform cybersecurity work which would give him access to databases, including those that contained scientific research. In a statement, the DOJ also said that Ji was working at the direction of Xu Yanjun, who is a deputy division director at the Jiangsu provincial branch of the MMS. Furthermore, the Chinese national’s case was also linked to plotting to steal trade secrets from Ohio-based General Electric Aviation and other companies including US military suppliers, as per AFP. (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.

Chinese engineer sentenced to eight years in United States prison for spying

Taiwan detained four military officials including a retired Air Force captain and three active military officers in the city of Kaohsiung on suspicion of spying for China, the Taiwanese Central News Agency reported on Thursday.&nbsp;A total of seven individuals were brought for questioning amongst which three were released on bail of 100,000 to 200,000 Taiwan dollars ($3,260).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/key-component-of-taiwans-anti-ship-missile-sent-to-china-for-repair-report-549611">Also read |&nbsp;Key component of Taiwan's anti-ship missile sent to China for repair: Report</a>

After the questioning, the prosecutor detained the retired Air Force captain Li, one commander Sun and two lieutenant commanders Liu and Kung, ANI reported.

As per reports, the prosecutor said that Liu began his business in China after retiring from the force in 2013 and then was recruited as a spy to recruit active military officers in the Air and Navy forces.&nbsp;

He was believed to have recruited at least six military officers for rewards of 200,000 to 7,000 Taiwan dollars from Beijing.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Swiss firm sends Taiwan's 'Carrier Killer' device to China for repair

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Citing Taiwan's National Defence Ministry, the media said that the case was exposed by the military personnel who investigated the espionage allegations.&nbsp;

The investigation is still going on as it is expected that more military personnel are involved in spying activities for China.&nbsp;

Similarly, in late 2022, two incidents of military officials were detained on&nbsp;allegations of spying for China. A former marine major was detained in November for using a fake ID to enter the Zuoying Naval Base.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Taiwan detained four military officials including a retired Air Force captain and three active military officers in the city of Kaohsiung on suspicion of spying for China, the Taiwanese Central News Agency reported on Thursday.

Taiwan detained four military officials including a retired Air Force captain and three active military officers in the city of Kaohsiung on suspicion of spying for China, the Taiwanese Central News Agency reported on Thursday. A total of seven individuals were brought for questioning amongst which three were released on bail of 100,000 to 200,000 Taiwan dollars ($3,260). Also read | Key component of Taiwan's anti-ship missile sent to China for repair: Report After the questioning, the prosecutor detained the retired Air Force captain Li, one commander Sun and two lieutenant commanders Liu and Kung, ANI reported. As per reports, the prosecutor said that Liu began his business in China after retiring from the force in 2013 and then was recruited as a spy to recruit active military officers in the Air and Navy forces. He was believed to have recruited at least six military officers for rewards of 200,000 to 7,000 Taiwan dollars from Beijing. Watch | Swiss firm sends Taiwan's 'Carrier Killer' device to China for repair Citing Taiwan's National Defence Ministry, the media said that the case was exposed by the military personnel who investigated the espionage allegations. The investigation is still going on as it is expected that more military personnel are involved in spying activities for China. Similarly, in late 2022, two incidents of military officials were detained on allegations of spying for China. A former marine major was detained in November for using a fake ID to enter the Zuoying Naval Base. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Taiwan detains four military officials suspected of spying for China; probe underway

An employee of General Electric (GE) was handed a two-year jail sentence on Tuesday (January 4) for conspiring to steal the company's trade secrets to benefit China

Xiaoqing Zheng, 59, of Niskayuna, New York, was convicted of conspiracy to commit economic espionage following a four-week jury trial that ended in March last year, according to US Justice Department.

District Judge Mae D'Agostino also slapped a fine of USD 7500 on Zheng. He will also serve one year of post-imprisonment supervised release.

As US officials have underlined in the past, the Chinese government poses biggest long-term threat to US economic and national security. They say that China is taking unprecedented efforts &nbsp;to steal critical technology from U.S. businesses and researchers. These allegations have been denied by China.

Zheng was employed at GE Power in Schenectady, New York, as an engineer specializing in turbine sealing technology. He worked at GE from 2008 until the summer of 2018, the Justice Department said.

The trial evidence showed Zheng and others in China conspired to steal GE's trade secrets surrounding its ground-based and aviation-based turbine technologies to benefit China, including China-based companies and universities that research and manufacture parts for turbines, the Justice Department added.

"This is a case of textbook economic espionage. Zheng exploited his position of trust, betrayed his employer and conspired with the government of China to steal innovative American technology," said Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen of the Justice Department's national security division.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An employee of General Electric (GE) was handed a two-year jail sentence on Tuesday (January 4) for conspiring to steal the company's trade secrets to benefit China Xiaoqing Zheng, 59, of Niskayuna, New York, was convicted of conspiracy to commit economic espionage following a four-week jury trial that ended in March last year, according to US Justice Department.

An employee of General Electric (GE) was handed a two-year jail sentence on Tuesday (January 4) for conspiring to steal the company's trade secrets to benefit China Xiaoqing Zheng, 59, of Niskayuna, New York, was convicted of conspiracy to commit economic espionage following a four-week jury trial that ended in March last year, according to US Justice Department. District Judge Mae D'Agostino also slapped a fine of USD 7500 on Zheng. He will also serve one year of post-imprisonment supervised release. As US officials have underlined in the past, the Chinese government poses biggest long-term threat to US economic and national security. They say that China is taking unprecedented efforts to steal critical technology from U.S. businesses and researchers. These allegations have been denied by China. Zheng was employed at GE Power in Schenectady, New York, as an engineer specializing in turbine sealing technology. He worked at GE from 2008 until the summer of 2018, the Justice Department said. The trial evidence showed Zheng and others in China conspired to steal GE's trade secrets surrounding its ground-based and aviation-based turbine technologies to benefit China, including China-based companies and universities that research and manufacture parts for turbines, the Justice Department added. "This is a case of textbook economic espionage. Zheng exploited his position of trust, betrayed his employer and conspired with the government of China to steal innovative American technology," said Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen of the Justice Department's national security division. (With inputs from agencies) 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 ×

GE employee jailed for stealing trade secrets for China

UK's Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), a data watchdog has opened an investigation into two official World Cup apps over the concerns that Qatari authorities may be using the apps to secretly spy on England fans.

UK's Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), a data watchdog has opened an investigation into two official World Cup apps over the concerns that Qatari authorities may be using the apps to secretly spy on England fans. “If anyone is concerned about how their data has been handled, they can make a complaint to the ICO,” said a spokesman of the public body. English fans travelling to Qatar have been mandated to download the ‘Ehteraz’ and ‘Hayya’ apps to allow access to the stadiums and Covid contact tracing. However, some security experts are of the view that the app allows Qatari authorities to collect sensitive information which can be used to monitor the fans. The experts have cautioned the travellers to be extremely careful with the photos, videos or documents that they keep on their phones. Moreover, there is a high possibility that vulnerable groups that remain on the edge of archaic Qatari legislations could be monitored through the two apps. Read more: FIFA World Cup 2022: Morocco defeat Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal 1-0, reach semis for the 1st tim Countries such as Norway and France have already issued advisories to travellers to use the apps on a separate blank phone rather than the one they use for their personal use. The BfDI watchdog in Germany has asserted that Qatari authorities are not coming clean on the kind of data they are harvesting and that there is a 'central server' where the data is being transferred. “Among other things, one of the apps collects data on whether and with which number a telephone call is made. The other app actively prevents the device on which it is installed from going into sleep mode." "It is also obvious that the data used by the apps not only remain locally on the device, but are also transmitted to a central server.” The Qatar World Cup is heading towards its business end. The semifinals begin on Tuesday with the final scheduled for Sunday, next week. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UK data regulator probing World Cup apps mandated by Qatari authorities for spying on English fans

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

On Tuesday, authorities in Sweden said that they had detained two people — one on the suspicion of espionage and the other for supposedly being an accomplice with the suspected crimes, in Stockholm area in a dramatic predawn operation.&nbsp;

While the country’s security agency, SAPO, gave few details about the case, media reports citing witnesses described elite police arriving in two Black Hawk helicopters to arrest the&nbsp; couple that had allegedly spied for Russia, reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;According to the court documents, the two had been gathering intelligence since 2013.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-explosions-rock-jerusalem-at-least-13-injured-casualties-feared-536659">One killed, 22 injured after multiple explosions near bus stops in Jerusalem</a>

The police spokesperson also said that the two arrested were not connected to any other ongoing investigations and asserted, “Sweden must not be a platform for foreign powers to conduct unlawful intelligence activities, either against Sweden or against other countries.” They added that several houses were searched during the investigation and a third person had also been brought in for questioning by the police.&nbsp;

Sharing details of the operation, head of the Swedish police national operative department, Stefan Hector said that the raid&nbsp;took place in the business south of Stockholm and took under a minute. He added that they had to be swift with their approach so that the suspects did not have time to “flush anything in the toilet or destroy computers.”

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nord-stream-sabotage-european-leaders-see-russia-as-main-suspect-535483">Nord Stream sabotage: European leaders see Russia as main suspect</a>

Furthermore, the Swedish Security Service in a statement, said that the main suspect had allegedly committed, “gross illegal intelligence activities against Sweden and against a foreign power.” However, they did not identify the second country which was allegedly spied on. The spy agency also said that the investigation has been going on for some time now.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-refuses-to-ratify-sweden-and-finlands-nato-membership-bid-521606">Turkey refuses to ratify Sweden and Finland's NATO membership bid</a>

Meanwhile, media reports suggest that the duo was a married couple in their 60s. They were reportedly Russians who entered Sweden in the late 90s, said the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet. This comes days after two Iranian brothers were charged for allegedly spying for Russia in Sweden. One of the suspects had worked in the Swedish intelligence agency and the duo was charged with spying for Moscow’s military intelligence for nearly a decade.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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On Tuesday, authorities in Sweden said that they had detained two people — one on the suspicion of espionage and the other for supposedly being an accomplice with the suspected crimes, in Stockholm area in a dramatic predawn operation.

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

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

A couple has been arrested by the Swedish security forces in Stockholm as the married couple in their 60s are suspected of spying for Russia, according to authorities local media reported. Reportedly, the couple belongs to Russia and had moved to Sweden shortly before 2000.

Sweden: Couple arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia; third suspect bought in for questioning

Eight former officers in the Indian Navy were arrested in Qatar on suspicion of spying for Israel, although Qatari officials have refused to state the charges against the suspects despite their being in custody for over 70 days.

8 Indians allegedly spying for Israel arrested in Qatar

Amid spying fears from hostile nations, the Japanese government is mulling over creating a land registration system to track sales near military bases and civilian structures owned by foreign powers.

Amid spying fears from hostile nations, the Japanese government is mulling over creating a land registration system to track sales near military bases and civilian structures owned by foreign powers. For years, there has been a growing concern that countries such as China, Russia and North Korea have been purchasing property close to important military facilities operated by the Japanese or the US militaries. Additionally, the authorities suspect that the foreign powers are also buying properties near airports, seaports, nuclear plants, dams and key bridges. By introducing the new system, Tokyo is also attempting to limit property owned by sanctioned foreign individuals. According to reports, 60 locations with critical importance to national security have already been identified and the government. Read more: Japan, Australia ink ‘landmark’ security pact to counter China’s military build-up in Indo-Pacific Japanese opposition parties have been demanding the government bring such legislation which allows it to identify the true owner of the property, which, in most instances is hidden behind a series of shell companies. The system, if implemented, is modelled on a legislation brought in by the UK earlier this year for a similar purpose. WATCH | Gravitas: China-Japan mark 50 years of normalisation of ties × The Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022 which came into force in March provides greater power to the authorities to take "enforcement action and impose penalties on persons that breach sanctions restrictions, through the introduction of a “strict liability” test". Read more: UK sanctions Russian 'propagandists and state media' "I was amazed to discover the effectiveness of Britain’s new law that obliges overseas entities to reveal their beneficial owners," said Jin Matsubara, a member of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. "The UK has set an important precedent for the world and I was delighted to know that the Japanese government has made it clear it will set up a system to collect information on beneficial ownership of properties in Japan," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Amid spying fears from hostile nations, Japan to track land sales

United States has now accused China of meddling into its domestic affairs. US prosecutors said on Monday they have charged two Chinese nationals who were trying to obtain secret documents.

US prosecutors charge two Chinese nationals with spying for Huawei

A Pakistani journalist confessed to spying for the country’s intelligence agency ISI when he toured India in 2007 and 2010. He made this revelation during an interview, whose clip has gone viral on social media.

In the clip, Nusrat Mirza can be heard boasting on camera that he was invited by the then vice president of India Hamid Ansari and that he used to pass on information collected to the ISI chief during his visits to India.

On July 11, Mirza said that he received various 'privileges' from the foreign affairs department of Pakistan during his visits to India.

"I have visited India five times. I have visited Delhi, Banglore, Chennai, Patna and Kolkata as well. "I was invited to India at the time of Vice Presidentship of Mohammad Hamid Ansari," he claimed. In 2011, I also met with the Milli Gazette's publisher Zafarul Islam Khan."

Zafarul-Islam Khan is a former Chairman of the Delhi Minorities Commission and Founder-Editor of the Milli Gazette, Indian Muslims' leading news source.

He also expressed disappointment with the leadership in the Pakistan Army and said that they are not considerate of the situation and usually ignore the work of experts.

"Khurshid [former Pakistan minister] asked me to hand over the information I had brought to [General Ashfaq Parvez] Kayani [former Army Chief]. I said I would not hand over the information to him, but if you want, I am giving you the information. He handed it over to Kayani," he said.

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EXPLOSIVE! 
 
Nusrat Mirza, a Pakistani columnist who has visited India many times during the Congress rule boasts on camera that he used to pass on information collected during his visits to the ISI, claims he was invited by Hamid Ansari and the Milli Gazette’s Zafarul Islam Khan. <a href="https://t.co/6Rrn3xvRJu">pic.twitter.com/6Rrn3xvRJu</a>
— Sonam Mahajan (@AsYouNotWish) <a href="https://twitter.com/AsYouNotWish/status/1546242707680464896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"Later they called me and asked if I could get more information like this. I asked them to work on the information I provided. They have a research wing. They have information. They know about the weaknesses in the leadership in India. But they do not use it," he added.

He then blamed Pakistan's 'lackadaisical' approach to handling the intelligence received by him from India, saying, "Since FATF came, Pakistan has not done any activity. It has its hands tied up."

Notably, Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) terror finance watchlist has been keeping a close eye on Pakistan for not fulfilling the parameters to counter terrorism in the country.

He continued the interview by bragging about how he "fully understands" India and its outlook. He said that though he handed down the information to the Pakistani leadership, but no one seemed to pay any attention to it due to leadership issues.

"Though I agree I am not an expert, I understand their (India's) culture. I know about their weaknesses. But the problem is the experience I gathered about India is not being used due to lack of good leadership in Pakistan," he said.

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A Pakistani journalist confessed to spying for the country’s intelligence agency ISI when he toured India in 2007 and 2010. He made this revelation during an interview, whose clip has gone viral on social media.

A Pakistani journalist confessed to spying for the country’s intelligence agency ISI when he toured India in 2007 and 2010. He made this revelation during an interview, whose clip has gone viral on social media. In the clip, Nusrat Mirza can be heard boasting on camera that he was invited by the then vice president of India Hamid Ansari and that he used to pass on information collected to the ISI chief during his visits to India. On July 11, Mirza said that he received various 'privileges' from the foreign affairs department of Pakistan during his visits to India. "I have visited India five times. I have visited Delhi, Banglore, Chennai, Patna and Kolkata as well. "I was invited to India at the time of Vice Presidentship of Mohammad Hamid Ansari," he claimed. In 2011, I also met with the Milli Gazette's publisher Zafarul Islam Khan." Zafarul-Islam Khan is a former Chairman of the Delhi Minorities Commission and Founder-Editor of the Milli Gazette, Indian Muslims' leading news source. He also expressed disappointment with the leadership in the Pakistan Army and said that they are not considerate of the situation and usually ignore the work of experts. "Khurshid [former Pakistan minister] asked me to hand over the information I had brought to [General Ashfaq Parvez] Kayani [former Army Chief]. I said I would not hand over the information to him, but if you want, I am giving you the information. He handed it over to Kayani," he said. EXPLOSIVE! Nusrat Mirza, a Pakistani columnist who has visited India many times during the Congress rule boasts on camera that he used to pass on information collected during his visits to the ISI, claims he was invited by Hamid Ansari and the Milli Gazette’s Zafarul Islam Khan. pic.twitter.com/6Rrn3xvRJu — Sonam Mahajan (@AsYouNotWish) July 10, 2022 × "Later they called me and asked if I could get more information like this. I asked them to work on the information I provided. They have a research wing. They have information. They know about the weaknesses in the leadership in India. But they do not use it," he added. He then blamed Pakistan's 'lackadaisical' approach to handling the intelligence received by him from India, saying, "Since FATF came, Pakistan has not done any activity. It has its hands tied up." Notably, Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) terror finance watchlist has been keeping a close eye on Pakistan for not fulfilling the parameters to counter terrorism in the country. He continued the interview by bragging about how he "fully understands" India and its outlook. He said that though he handed down the information to the Pakistani leadership, but no one seemed to pay any attention to it due to leadership issues. "Though I agree I am not an expert, I understand their (India's) culture. I know about their weaknesses. But the problem is the experience I gathered about India is not being used due to lack of good leadership in Pakistan," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Watch: Pak journalist claims he spied for ISI during his visit to India

WeChat has become China's beloved surveillance tool after authorities are using the app to justify arrests and issue veiled threats. Molly Gambhir tells you how Beijing is using the popular messaging app for spying.

WION Fineprint | WeChat used to spy on citizens in China

The head of the FBI and the leader of Britain’s domestic intelligence agency (MI5) raised fresh alarms about the security threats posed by the Chinese government. In a joint address on Wednesday, they warned business leaders that China is looking to steal technologies for competitive gain and that can lead to major security breaches. FBI Director Christopher Wray and his MI5 counterpart Ken McCallum said that the concerns of economic espionage commissioned by China continues to be a major problem and hacking operations by the country can be used to “stifle dissent abroad”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-prime-minister-boris-johnson-sacks-michael-gove-amid-leadership-crisis-495122" hreflang="en">UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson sacks Michael Gove amid leadership crisis</a>

“We consistently see that it’s the Chinese government that poses the biggest long-term threat to our economic and national security, and by ‘our’, I mean both of our nations, along with our allies in Europe and elsewhere,” Wray said in his address according to Associated Press.

Wray added that China is “set on stealing your technology, whatever it is that makes your industry tick, and using it to undercut your business and dominate your market”.

Ken McCallum said that China has been on their radar for quite some time when it comes to the “widespread attempts at inference” which applies to “so many aspects of our national life”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/highland-park-shooting-suspect-plotted-second-attack-in-wisconsin-prosecutor-says-495082">Highland Park: July 4 shooting suspect 'plotted second attack in Wisconsin'</a>

“Today is the first time the heads of the FBI and MI5 have shared a public platform,” McCallum said.

“We’re doing so to send the clearest signal we can on a massive, shared challenge: China.”

Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, denied all allegations and told Associated Press that they “firmly opposes and combats all forms of cyber-attacks”.

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The head of the FBI and the leader of Britain’s domestic intelligence agency (MI5) raised fresh alarms about the security threats posed by the Chinese government.

The head of the FBI and the leader of Britain’s domestic intelligence agency (MI5) raised fresh alarms about the security threats posed by the Chinese government. In a joint address on Wednesday, they warned business leaders that China is looking to steal technologies for competitive gain and that can lead to major security breaches. FBI Director Christopher Wray and his MI5 counterpart Ken McCallum said that the concerns of economic espionage commissioned by China continues to be a major problem and hacking operations by the country can be used to “stifle dissent abroad”. Also read | UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson sacks Michael Gove amid leadership crisis “We consistently see that it’s the Chinese government that poses the biggest long-term threat to our economic and national security, and by ‘our’, I mean both of our nations, along with our allies in Europe and elsewhere,” Wray said in his address according to Associated Press. Wray added that China is “set on stealing your technology, whatever it is that makes your industry tick, and using it to undercut your business and dominate your market”. Ken McCallum said that China has been on their radar for quite some time when it comes to the “widespread attempts at inference” which applies to “so many aspects of our national life”. Also read | Highland Park: July 4 shooting suspect 'plotted second attack in Wisconsin' “Today is the first time the heads of the FBI and MI5 have shared a public platform,” McCallum said. “We’re doing so to send the clearest signal we can on a massive, shared challenge: China.” Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, denied all allegations and told Associated Press that they “firmly opposes and combats all forms of cyber-attacks”. 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.

US and UK intelligence chiefs raise fresh alarm on China's industrial spies

Iran's state television and news agency have reported that the country's revolutionary guards have arrested several foreign diplomats including a British national. These diplomats have been accused of espionage however the British government was quick to deny these allegations claiming that none of their personnel had been detained.

Iran's revolutionary guard arrests diplomats accused of spying

According to a report, China may be using Internet of Things (IoT) software inside smart coffee makers to collect data.

American researcher Christopher Balding in a report said "coffee machine data may seem rather mundane but as with many aspects of data risks exist in how the data is used".

Balding said "even mundane data from coffee makers can prove risky in the hands of an adversarial state."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/chinese-national-in-us-steals-agricultural-tech-pleads-guilty-to-economic-espionage-442777" hreflang="en">Chinese national in US steals agricultural tech, pleads guilty to economic espionage</a>

The report explained payment data can be considered "sensitive information" including customer information such as time and location data which provides usage type and physical location.

The report said several machines from China integrated "voice recognition" allowing users to recognise a user's voice commands while cautioning that it could raise an "additional significant layer of security concerns if Chinese firms collected voice data from non-Chinese users".

Watch:&nbsp;US FCC revokes license for China Unicom over espionage fears

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Balding said IoT devices are not generally covered by "security patches" and internet connections in&nbsp;machines with information on "address, customer identification and organisation name provides the ability to locate coffee&nbsp;machines with high degrees of precision."

The report said due to a lack of clarity on data privacy, storage and processing of coffee machines it presents a major privacy risk.

"All evidence indicates their machines can and do collect data on users outside mainland China and store the data 
in China," it said&nbsp;while adding,"the data is collected at the point of operation from software embedded in the coffee maker."

(With inputs from Agencies)

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According to a report, China may be using Internet of Things (IoT) software inside smart coffee makers to collect data. American researcher Christopher Balding in a report said "coffee machine data may seem rather mundane but as with many aspects of data risks exist in how the data is used".

According to a report, China may be using Internet of Things (IoT) software inside smart coffee makers to collect data. American researcher Christopher Balding in a report said "coffee machine data may seem rather mundane but as with many aspects of data risks exist in how the data is used". Balding said "even mundane data from coffee makers can prove risky in the hands of an adversarial state." Also Read: Chinese national in US steals agricultural tech, pleads guilty to economic espionage The report explained payment data can be considered "sensitive information" including customer information such as time and location data which provides usage type and physical location. The report said several machines from China integrated "voice recognition" allowing users to recognise a user's voice commands while cautioning that it could raise an "additional significant layer of security concerns if Chinese firms collected voice data from non-Chinese users". Watch: US FCC revokes license for China Unicom over espionage fears Balding said IoT devices are not generally covered by "security patches" and internet connections in machines with information on "address, customer identification and organisation name provides the ability to locate coffee machines with high degrees of precision." The report said due to a lack of clarity on data privacy, storage and processing of coffee machines it presents a major privacy risk. "All evidence indicates their machines can and do collect data on users outside mainland China and store the data in China," it said while adding,"the data is collected at the point of operation from software embedded in the coffee maker." (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.

China may be spying through software embedded in coffee maker, warns expert

An Iranian court has sentenced French man to eight years in prison on spying charges. The 36-year-old Benjamin Briere is the only western detainee known to be currently held in Iran without an Iranian passport, Brier was arrested in may 2020 after taking pictures in a national park.

Iran jails French man Benjamin Briere for eight years on spying charges

Israel's justice minister on Wednesday said that a full investigation would be carried out into allegations that Pegasus spyware was used to spy on Israeli citizens, including those who protested against former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Pegasus, a surveillance product made by the Israeli firm NSO that can turn a mobile phone into a pocket spying device, has remained a source of global controversy following revelations last year it was used to spy on journalists and dissidents worldwide.&nbsp;

Business daily Cakcalist has alleged that Pegasus was also used by police in Israel to snoop on Israeli citizens who were at the forefront of anti-Netanyahu protests last year. The daily alleges that other Israeli citizens were also spied upon.

Israeli police have firmly denied the report.&nbsp;

Public Security Minister Omar Barlev, a Netanyahu critic who took office as part of a new government that ousted him in June, offered a more nuanced defence.&nbsp;

There was "no practice of wire-tapping or hacking devices by police without a judge's approval", he said.

Israeli security forces have wide leeway to conduct surveillance within Israel with judicial approval.&nbsp;

But Tehilla Shwartz Altshuler, an expert at the Israel Democracy Institute think-tank, told AFP "you can't really ask for a court order authorising&nbsp;Pegasus" because Israeli law does not currently permit such invasive surveillance of its citizens.

"It is now clear that the current Protection of Privacy Law is not equipped to cope with today’s reality," she said.&nbsp;

'Balance'?&nbsp;

The justice ministry and State Comptroller's office both said they were looking into the Calcalist reports.&nbsp;

The Privacy Protection Authority, a division of the ministry, said use of Pegasus to monitor Israeli citizens" would constitute a "serious violation of privacy", announcing its investigation.

State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman said Tuesday he would expand his ongoing investigation into law enforcement's use of surveillance technology to include the latest Pegasus allegations.&nbsp;

He would in particular probe "the balance" between the "usefulness" of surveillance tools in investigations and "violations of the right to privacy". 
Justice Minister Gideon Saar, another Netanyahu rival, told parliament Wednesday that he fully backed the probes.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's justice minister on Wednesday said that a full investigation would be carried out into allegations that Pegasus spyware was used to spy on Israeli citizens, including those who protested against former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel's justice minister on Wednesday said that a full investigation would be carried out into allegations that Pegasus spyware was used to spy on Israeli citizens, including those who protested against former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Pegasus, a surveillance product made by the Israeli firm NSO that can turn a mobile phone into a pocket spying device, has remained a source of global controversy following revelations last year it was used to spy on journalists and dissidents worldwide. Business daily Cakcalist has alleged that Pegasus was also used by police in Israel to snoop on Israeli citizens who were at the forefront of anti-Netanyahu protests last year. The daily alleges that other Israeli citizens were also spied upon. Israeli police have firmly denied the report. Public Security Minister Omar Barlev, a Netanyahu critic who took office as part of a new government that ousted him in June, offered a more nuanced defence. There was "no practice of wire-tapping or hacking devices by police without a judge's approval", he said. Israeli security forces have wide leeway to conduct surveillance within Israel with judicial approval. But Tehilla Shwartz Altshuler, an expert at the Israel Democracy Institute think-tank, told AFP "you can't really ask for a court order authorising Pegasus" because Israeli law does not currently permit such invasive surveillance of its citizens. "It is now clear that the current Protection of Privacy Law is not equipped to cope with today’s reality," she said. 'Balance'? The justice ministry and State Comptroller's office both said they were looking into the Calcalist reports. The Privacy Protection Authority, a division of the ministry, said use of Pegasus to monitor Israeli citizens" would constitute a "serious violation of privacy", announcing its investigation. State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman said Tuesday he would expand his ongoing investigation into law enforcement's use of surveillance technology to include the latest Pegasus allegations. He would in particular probe "the balance" between the "usefulness" of surveillance tools in investigations and "violations of the right to privacy". Justice Minister Gideon Saar, another Netanyahu rival, told parliament Wednesday that he fully backed the probes. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel to probe allegations of Pegasus spyware use against own citizens

For long china has been accused of using its tech companies for state surveillance. Now- a report has said that tech giant Huawei has been playing a major role in domestic spying

China uses tech giant Huawei for surveillance?

The&nbsp;German&nbsp;employee of a security company went&nbsp;on&nbsp;trial Wednesday for allegedly passing&nbsp;on&nbsp;floor plans of&nbsp;parliament&nbsp;buildings to Russian secret services, a case that has further frayed ties between Berlin and Moscow.

The suspect named only as Jens F., 56, is accused of handing over a CD-Rom with more than 300 files of floor plans of buildings used by the&nbsp;German&nbsp;Bundestag to the military attache of the Russian embassy in 2017.

&nbsp;

The military attache in post at that time is believed to be an employee of Russia's GRU military intelligence service. The suspect meanwhile worked for a security company contracted by the Bundestag.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/briton-arrested-in-germany-for-spying-for-russia-404738">Briton arrested in Germany for 'spying for Russia'</a>

Reading out the charge sheet before a court in Berlin, prosecutor Frank Stuppi accused the&nbsp;man&nbsp;of espionage.

The suspect did not make any statements at the opening of the trial.

The court revealed that a plea bargain had been offered with a jail term of between 20 months to two years, but that was not taken up by the suspect.

The defence had advised Jens F. not to plead guilty, arguing there was no proof that he had transmitted the information to the&nbsp;Russians.

According to defence lawyer Friedrich Humke, the prosecution's case is based&nbsp;on&nbsp;the life of his client -- who was once an army officer in former communist East Germany.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-merkel-us-uk-eu-urge-russia-to-release-putin-critic-navalny-357385">Germany's Merkel, US, UK, EU urge Russia to release Putin critic Navalny</a>

Prosecutor Stuppi acknowledged that other people could have had access to the floor plans, but argued that the indictment was based&nbsp;on&nbsp;the route that the files had taken.

Key indicators were when the files were saved and how they were stored, he said.

The court is expected to hear the case until the end of September.

Tensions&nbsp;

Without citing its sources, Spiegel magazine reported that the suspect was a former officer of the 9th tank division of the East&nbsp;German&nbsp;army.&nbsp;

Between 1984 and 1990, he also worked for the feared Stasi secret police informally, said Spiegel.

The case comes at a time of particularly rocky ties between Berlin and Moscow over a series of espionage cases, the poisoning and jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny as well as repeated cyberattacks against the West.

The West has accused the Russian government of poisoning Navalny with the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok in August 2020, which the Kremlin denies.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-hits-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-with-new-charge-that-could-add-to-jail-term-404725">Russia hits Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny with new charge that could add to jail term</a>

Navalny was treated in Berlin before he returned to Moscow several months later. Upon landing at the airport, Navalny was imprisoned, sparking demands from the West for his release.

In June,&nbsp;German&nbsp;police arrested a Russian scientist working at an unidentified university, accusing him of&nbsp;spying&nbsp;for Moscow.

Germany has also repeatedly accused Russia of cyberattacks&nbsp;on&nbsp;its soil.

The most high-profile incident blamed&nbsp;on&nbsp;Russian hackers to date was a cyberattack in 2015 that completely paralysed the computer network of the Bundestag lower house of&nbsp;parliament, forcing the entire institution offline for days while it was fixed.

In another high profile case before a&nbsp;German&nbsp;court, a Russian&nbsp;man&nbsp;is&nbsp;on&nbsp;trial over the assassination of a former Chechen commander in a Berlin park, allegedly&nbsp;on&nbsp;Russia's orders.

Moscow has denied being behind such actions.

The German employee of a security company went on trial Wednesday for allegedly passing on floor plans of parliament buildings to Russian secret services, a case that has further frayed ties between Berlin and Moscow.

The German employee of a security company went on trial Wednesday for allegedly passing on floor plans of parliament buildings to Russian secret services, a case that has further frayed ties between Berlin and Moscow. The suspect named only as Jens F., 56, is accused of handing over a CD-Rom with more than 300 files of floor plans of buildings used by the German Bundestag to the military attache of the Russian embassy in 2017. The military attache in post at that time is believed to be an employee of Russia's GRU military intelligence service. The suspect meanwhile worked for a security company contracted by the Bundestag. Also read | Briton arrested in Germany for 'spying for Russia' Reading out the charge sheet before a court in Berlin, prosecutor Frank Stuppi accused the man of espionage. The suspect did not make any statements at the opening of the trial. The court revealed that a plea bargain had been offered with a jail term of between 20 months to two years, but that was not taken up by the suspect. The defence had advised Jens F. not to plead guilty, arguing there was no proof that he had transmitted the information to the Russians. According to defence lawyer Friedrich Humke, the prosecution's case is based on the life of his client -- who was once an army officer in former communist East Germany. Also read | Germany's Merkel, US, UK, EU urge Russia to release Putin critic Navalny Prosecutor Stuppi acknowledged that other people could have had access to the floor plans, but argued that the indictment was based on the route that the files had taken. Key indicators were when the files were saved and how they were stored, he said. The court is expected to hear the case until the end of September. Tensions Without citing its sources, Spiegel magazine reported that the suspect was a former officer of the 9th tank division of the East German army. Between 1984 and 1990, he also worked for the feared Stasi secret police informally, said Spiegel. The case comes at a time of particularly rocky ties between Berlin and Moscow over a series of espionage cases, the poisoning and jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny as well as repeated cyberattacks against the West. The West has accused the Russian government of poisoning Navalny with the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok in August 2020, which the Kremlin denies. Also read | Russia hits Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny with new charge that could add to jail term Navalny was treated in Berlin before he returned to Moscow several months later. Upon landing at the airport, Navalny was imprisoned, sparking demands from the West for his release. In June, German police arrested a Russian scientist working at an unidentified university, accusing him of spying for Moscow. Germany has also repeatedly accused Russia of cyberattacks on its soil. The most high-profile incident blamed on Russian hackers to date was a cyberattack in 2015 that completely paralysed the computer network of the Bundestag lower house of parliament, forcing the entire institution offline for days while it was fixed. In another high profile case before a German court, a Russian man is on trial over the assassination of a former Chechen commander in a Berlin park, allegedly on Russia's orders. Moscow has denied being behind such actions.

German man on trial for allegedly spying on Bundestag for Russians

As the Pegasus nuke causes the international stir WION spoke to the NSO spokesperson after it was accused of using its Cyber spyware to surveil journalists globally. Watch the exclusive report.

Pegasus Spyware: NSO responds to allegations and says they are wrong

Israel's technology firm NSO has been accused of using its cyber spyware Pegasus to surveil journalists globally. The latest findings are part of a global investigation called the Pegasus project.

Israel's NSO accused of using Pegasus for spying

German federal prosecutors said Monday they had arrested a Russian scientist accused of passing sensitive information from a German university to Moscow in return for cash.

They said in a statement the suspect, identified only as Ilnur N, had been taken into custody on Friday on suspicion of "working for a Russian secret service since early October 2020 at the latest".

Ilnur N. was employed until the time of his arrest as a research assistant for a natural sciences and technology department at an unnamed German university.

Federal prosecutors believe he met at least three times with a member of Russian intelligence between October 2020 and June 2021. On two occasions he allegedly "passed on information from the university's dominion".

He is suspected of accepting cash payments in exchange for his services.

German authorities searched his home and workplace in the course of the arrest.

The suspect on Saturday appeared before a judge who remanded him in custody.

The case comes at a time of highly strained relations between Russia and Germany on a number of fronts including the ongoing detention of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who received treatment in Berlin after near-fatal poisoning.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has also worked to maintain a sanctions regime over Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula, the scene of ongoing fighting between pro-Russia separatists and local forces.

However, despite international criticism, Berlin has forged ahead with plans to finish the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, set to double natural gas supplies from Russia to Germany.

German federal prosecutors said Monday they had arrested a Russian scientist accused of passing sensitive information from a German university to Moscow in return for cash.

German federal prosecutors said Monday they had arrested a Russian scientist accused of passing sensitive information from a German university to Moscow in return for cash. They said in a statement the suspect, identified only as Ilnur N, had been taken into custody on Friday on suspicion of "working for a Russian secret service since early October 2020 at the latest". Ilnur N. was employed until the time of his arrest as a research assistant for a natural sciences and technology department at an unnamed German university. Federal prosecutors believe he met at least three times with a member of Russian intelligence between October 2020 and June 2021. On two occasions he allegedly "passed on information from the university's dominion". He is suspected of accepting cash payments in exchange for his services. German authorities searched his home and workplace in the course of the arrest. The suspect on Saturday appeared before a judge who remanded him in custody. The case comes at a time of highly strained relations between Russia and Germany on a number of fronts including the ongoing detention of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who received treatment in Berlin after near-fatal poisoning. Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has also worked to maintain a sanctions regime over Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula, the scene of ongoing fighting between pro-Russia separatists and local forces. However, despite international criticism, Berlin has forged ahead with plans to finish the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, set to double natural gas supplies from Russia to Germany.

Germany arrests Russian scientist over ‘spying’ for Moscow

The French subsidiary of the Swedish furniture store, Ikea, has been found guilty of illegally spying on its employees and aspiring candidates.

Ikea’s French unit has been fined with one million euros ($1.2 million) for illegally spying on hundreds of employees and also job applicants from 2009 to 2012.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ikea-buys-11000-acres-of-forest-in-georgia-to-protect-it-from-development-360430">Ikea buys 11,000 acres of forest in Georgia to protect it from development</a>

"What's at stake is the protection of our private lives against the threat of mass surveillance,"&nbsp;state prosecutor Pamela Tabardel said.

The information being collected involved any previous or current criminal investigations and also their personal lifestyle choices.

In addition to a million dollar fine, the former CEO Jean-Lousi Baillot has also been given a suspended two-year prison sentence. He was also fine 50,000 euros&nbsp; as he was found guilty of "receiving personal data by fraudulent means" while he served as the head between 1996 and 2002.

The prosecutors had accused the furniture store of "mass surveillance" and wanted stricter fines for the company. Baillot, however, was shocked by the sentence and is considering an appeal, his lawyer reported.

Several plaintiffs, in addition to the union representative, felt the punishment was too lenient for such a crime, but are satisfied the company was held guilty.

The French subsidiary of the Swedish furniture store, Ikea, has been found guilty of illegally spying on its employees and aspiring candidates. Ikea’s French unit has been fined with one million euros ($1.

The French subsidiary of the Swedish furniture store, Ikea, has been found guilty of illegally spying on its employees and aspiring candidates. Ikea’s French unit has been fined with one million euros ($1.2 million) for illegally spying on hundreds of employees and also job applicants from 2009 to 2012. Also read | Ikea buys 11,000 acres of forest in Georgia to protect it from development "What's at stake is the protection of our private lives against the threat of mass surveillance," state prosecutor Pamela Tabardel said. The information being collected involved any previous or current criminal investigations and also their personal lifestyle choices. In addition to a million dollar fine, the former CEO Jean-Lousi Baillot has also been given a suspended two-year prison sentence. He was also fine 50,000 euros as he was found guilty of "receiving personal data by fraudulent means" while he served as the head between 1996 and 2002. The prosecutors had accused the furniture store of "mass surveillance" and wanted stricter fines for the company. Baillot, however, was shocked by the sentence and is considering an appeal, his lawyer reported. Several plaintiffs, in addition to the union representative, felt the punishment was too lenient for such a crime, but are satisfied the company was held guilty.

Ikea's French store fined $1.2 million for illegally spying on employees

France, Germany and other European countries demanded answers following reports the US spied on its allies using Danish underwater cables. The report was published by Denmark's National broadcaster DR News in collaboration with other European media outlets.

Europe demands answers after US-Danish spying claims

The US&nbsp;National Security Agency (NSA) has used a partnership with Denmark's foreign intelligence unit to spy on senior officials of neighbouring countries, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, according to Danish state broadcaster DR. 
 
The findings are the result of an internal investigation in the Danish Defence Intelligence Service from 2015 into NSA's role in the partnership, DR said, citing nine unnamed sources with access to the investigation. 
 
According to the investigation which covered 2012 and 2014, the NSA used Danish information cables to spy on senior officials in Sweden, Norway, France and Germany, including former German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and former German opposition leader Peer Steinbrück. 
 
Asked for comment on the DR report, a spokesperson for the German chancellery said it only became aware of the allegations when asked about them by journalists, and declined to comment further. 
 
Denmark, a close ally of the United States, hosts several key landing stations for subsea internet cables to and from Sweden, Norway, Germany, Holland and the UK. 
 
The internal investigation in the Danish Defence Intelligence Service was launched in 2014 following concerns about Edward Snowden's leaks the previous year revealing how the NSA works, according to DR. 
 
In Washington, the NSA did not immediately reply to a request for comment and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) declined to comment. A spokesperson for the Danish Defence Intelligence Service declined to comment. 
 
"It is grotesque that friendly intelligence services are indeed intercepting and spying on top representatives of other countries," Steinbrueck told German broadcaster ARD. "Politically I consider it a scandal." 
 
Sweden's Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist told Swedish SVT broadcaster that he "demanded full information on these things." Norway's Defence Minister Frank Bakke-Jensen told broadcaster NRK that 'take the allegations seriously'. 
 
A decision in August last year to suspend the head of the Danish Defence Intelligence Service and three other officials from their posts following criticism and accusations of serious wrongdoings from an independent board overseeing the unit, centered around the 2015 investigation, according to DR. 
 
The Danish government said last year, it would initiate an investigation into the case based on information from a whistleblower report. That investigation is expected to be concluded later this year. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The US National Security Agency (NSA) has used a partnership with Denmark's foreign intelligence unit to spy on senior officials of neighbouring countries, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, according to Danish state broadcaster DR.

The US National Security Agency (NSA) has used a partnership with Denmark's foreign intelligence unit to spy on senior officials of neighbouring countries, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, according to Danish state broadcaster DR. The findings are the result of an internal investigation in the Danish Defence Intelligence Service from 2015 into NSA's role in the partnership, DR said, citing nine unnamed sources with access to the investigation. According to the investigation which covered 2012 and 2014, the NSA used Danish information cables to spy on senior officials in Sweden, Norway, France and Germany, including former German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and former German opposition leader Peer Steinbrück. Asked for comment on the DR report, a spokesperson for the German chancellery said it only became aware of the allegations when asked about them by journalists, and declined to comment further. Denmark, a close ally of the United States, hosts several key landing stations for subsea internet cables to and from Sweden, Norway, Germany, Holland and the UK. The internal investigation in the Danish Defence Intelligence Service was launched in 2014 following concerns about Edward Snowden's leaks the previous year revealing how the NSA works, according to DR. In Washington, the NSA did not immediately reply to a request for comment and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) declined to comment. A spokesperson for the Danish Defence Intelligence Service declined to comment. "It is grotesque that friendly intelligence services are indeed intercepting and spying on top representatives of other countries," Steinbrueck told German broadcaster ARD. "Politically I consider it a scandal." Sweden's Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist told Swedish SVT broadcaster that he "demanded full information on these things." Norway's Defence Minister Frank Bakke-Jensen told broadcaster NRK that 'take the allegations seriously'. A decision in August last year to suspend the head of the Danish Defence Intelligence Service and three other officials from their posts following criticism and accusations of serious wrongdoings from an independent board overseeing the unit, centered around the 2015 investigation, according to DR. The Danish government said last year, it would initiate an investigation into the case based on information from a whistleblower report. That investigation is expected to be concluded later this year. (With inputs from agencies)

US spied on Merkel, other top European officials through Danish cables: Report

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