spying

Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar speaks, as Sen. Rick Scott, left, and RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel look on, during a Get Out the Vote event for Florida Republicans in the 2022 U.S. midterm elections, hosted by the Republican National Committee at the RNC Hispanic Community Center in Doral, Fla., Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Rep. María Elvira Salazar to return campaign cash from suspected Cuba spy

Sergio R. Bustos

The Miami congresswoman, a vocal critic of President Joe Biden's policies toward Cuba, had received two donations totaling $750 last year from Manuel Rocha, the former U.S. ambassador in Latin America from Miami charged this week for being a covert agent for Cuba for decades.

This image provided by the Justice Department and contained in the affidavit in support of a criminal complaint, shows Manuel Rocha during a meeting with a FBI undercover employee. The Justice Department says Rocha, a former American diplomat who served as U.S. ambassador to Bolivia, has been charged with serving as a covert agent for Cuba's intelligence services since at least 1981. Newly unsealed court papers allege that Manuel Rocha engaged in "clandestine activity" on Cuba's behalf for decades, including by meeting with Cuban intelligence operatives.

Americas

Why did Rocha allegedly betray the U.S. to Cuba — and how much damage was done?

Tim Padgett

Former U.S. ambassador Manuel Rocha is charged with spying for Cuba. He may have been driven by resentments — and may have done great harm to national security.

Americas

Former career US diplomat charged with secretly spying for Cuban intelligence for decades

Joshua Goodman and Eric Tucker | The Associated Press

The Justice Department says Manuel Rocha, a former American diplomat who served as U.S. ambassador to Bolivia, was charged with serving as a covert agent for Cuba’s intelligence services since at least 1981. The FBI arrested him at his home in Miami.

FILE - The American and Chinese flags wave at Genting Snow Park ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Feb. 2, 2022, in Zhangjiakou, China.

Americas

U.S. confirms China has had a spy base in Cuba since at least 2019

Aamer Madhani | The Associated Press

China has been operating a spy base in Cuba since at least 2019, as part of a global effort by Beijing to upgrade its intelligence capabilities.

When investigators discovered the hack on Microsoft Exchange servers in January, they thought it was about stealing emails. Now they believe China vacuumed up reams of information in a bid to develop better artificial intelligence, or AI.

China's Microsoft Hack May Have Had A Bigger Purpose Than Just Spying

Dina Temple-Raston

China broke into tens of thousands of email accounts in January. Now officials fear the breach wasn't just about spying. It was to build the next generation of artificial intelligence.

The federal courthouse in Washington D.C. that houses the secret court overseeing U.S. surveillance. A scathing report has sparked discussion about potential reform.

Scathing Report Puts Secret FISA Court Into The Spotlight. Will Congress Act?

Ryan Lucas

Critics inside and outside officialdom are calling for, at very least, the FBI to validate its practices in requesting surveillance. Will congressional action follow?

A DJI Technology drone flies during a demonstration in Shenzhen, China, in 2014. DJI sells the majority of Chinese-made drones bought in the United States.

'We're Not Being Paranoid': U.S. Warns Of Spy Dangers Of Chinese-Made Drones

Brian Naylor

The Department of Homeland Security is warning about the dangers of using Chinese-made drones, while some lawmakers want to prevent transit systems from buying Chinese-made subway cars.

CIA Director Gina Haspel, speaking at the University of Louisville in September, says she wants to send more undercover officers overseas. Many in the intelligence world says this has become more challenging in an era of universal surveillance.

CIA Chief Pushes For More Spies Abroad; Surveillance Makes That Harder

Greg Myre

CIA Director Gina Haspel wants more undercover officers overseas. But in an age of universal surveillance, instant online searches and social media profiles, staying below the radar is a challenge.

The Department of Homeland Security detected "anomalous activity" consistent with cellular site simulators such as the StingRay II.

Feds Say They've Detected Apparent Rogue Spy Devices In D.C.

Merrit Kennedy

This is believed to be the first time the U.S. government has publicly acknowledged the apparent devices in the capital. The agency warned that they could be used by hackers, criminals and spies.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley gives a statement on Wednesday in Salisbury, England. Sergei Skripal, who was granted refuge in the U.K. following a prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia in 2010, and his daughter remain critically ill after being exposed to an unknown substance now believed to have been a nerve agent.

British Police Say Nerve Agent Was Used To Poison Russian Ex-Spy Sergei Skripal

Scott Neuman

Skripal and his daughter suddenly collapsed over the weekend near a shopping mall in southern England. Police have now confirmed that the illness resulted from exposure to a nerve agent.

Germany has banned the My Friend Cayla dolls, which are also the subject of a complaint by privacy groups in the U.S. who say the toys spy on children.

Banned In Germany: Kids' Doll Is Labeled An Espionage Device

Bill Chappell

The doll Cayla looks like an everyday toy and gives no notice that it collects and transmits everything it hears, German regulators say.

Radio

Government Surveillance, Corporate Power and Public Resistance

Joseph Cooper

09/09/13 - Monday’s Topical Currents is with Heidi Boghosian, the Executive Director of the National Lawyers Guild, a progressive Bar Association…