Son of Hamas Leader Spies for Israel: The Green Prince [HD] | Saturday Extra, ABC RN

Nov 19, 2014 | Israel’s surveillance relies almost entirely on human intelligence, primarily Palestinians living in the occupied territories, that are recruited by Israel’s secret security service Shin Bet.

One of the most notorious cases involves the son of a Hamas’ founder, 17 year old Mosab Hassan Yousef, who was recruited in the late 1990s to spy on his own people for over a decade.

He was given the code name ‘The Green Prince’. And his relationship with his Israeli handler Gonen Itzhak was unconventional to say the least. The Green Prince is also the title of a documentary which brings Mosab Yousef’s story to the screen for the first time. It was released nationally in Australia on December 4, 2014.


WIKIPEDIA : The Green Prince (film) »

Three Bulgarians Suspected of Spying for Russia Charged in UK

THE GUARDIAN: Trio detained in February after counter-terrorism investigation are accused of working for Moscow’s security services, BBC reports

(From left) Orlin Roussev, Katrin Ivanova and Bizer Dzhambazov. Composite: BBC/Facebook/LinkedIn
Three Bulgarian nationals suspected of spying for Russia while living in the UK have been arrested and charged, police have said.

The defendants were among five people detained in February following a long-running counter-terrorism investigation. Three of those were then charged with possession of false identity documents with improper intention, the Metropolitan police – which is responsible for espionage cases – said in a statement.

The BBC reported that they are accused of working for Russia’s security services, as part of what appears to be an undercover cell. They reportedly held passports and identity cards from Bulgaria, France, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Slovenia, Greece and the Czech Republic.

The defendants – arrested under the Official Secrets Act by counter-terrorism police – knew the documents were forged and had them with “improper intention”, it is alleged.

The three alleged spies are Orlin Roussev, 45, from Great Yarmouth, Norfolk; Bizer Dzhambazov, 41, of Harrow, north-west London, and Katrin Ivanova, 31, of the same Harrow address.

The trio had lived in the UK for years, working in a variety of jobs, and living in a series of suburban properties, the BBC reported. » | Luke Harding and Matthew Weaver | Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Three suspected Russian spies arrested by counter-terror police: The trio, all Bulgarian nationals and said to have lived in the UK for years, have been charged with identity offences »

German Russia Spy Accessed Highly Sensitive Data — Reports | DW News

Aug 11, 2023 | A German man arrested earlier this week for allegedly spying for Moscow had access to highly sensitive information, German media reported on Friday. The man was arrested in the city of Koblenz in the western state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Prosecutors said that the suspect approached the Russian consulate in the city of Bonn in the neighboring state of North Rhine-Westphalia, and also the Russian embassy in Berlin.

Suspected Russian Spy Arrested in German Intelligence Agency | DW News

Dec 23, 2022 | An employee of the German intelligence agency the BND has been arrested after being suspected of sending classified information to Russia. Federal prosecutors on Wednesday arrested an employee of Germany's foreign intelligence agency, the BND, on suspicion of treason after an internal BND investigation revealed that he had allegedly been leaking classified information to Russia. …

When Five Cambridge University Students Became Soviet Spies | Secrets Of War | Timeline

Oct 25, 2020 • They were five disillusioned young men studying at Cambridge University in the 1930's when they were secretly recruited by Soviet agents. They went on to become the most successful spies of the 20th century, penetrating both American and British governments at the highest levels.

History Hit.

German Police Arrest Briton on Suspicion of Spying for Russia

THE GUARDIAN: Employee at British embassy in Berlin suspected of passing on documents in exchange for cash

German police have arrested a British man who worked at the British embassy in Berlin on suspicion of spying for Russian intelligence in exchange for cash, according to prosecutors.

Germany’s highest public prosecutor said the man, identified only as David S, was arrested at his Potsdam apartment at 2.20pm on Tuesday, and his home and embassy workplace were searched.

The 57-year-old, who does not hold diplomatic immunity, is suspected of having worked for a Russian intelligence agency at least since November 2020, passing on documents he had acquired through his work to a handler.

He is alleged to have received cash payments of an as yet unspecified sum in exchange for information. » | Philip Oltermann in Berlin | Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Macron and Merkel Demand Explanations over US-Denmark Spy Claim

"This is not acceptable between allies, even less so between European allies and partners," Macron said

New Report Says Denmark Helped US NSA Spy on German Politicians | DW News

New details have come to light in the scandal over the US National Security Agency's surveillance of top European politicians.

Revelations that emerged in 2013 showed that the US intelligence agency had tapped the phones of several leaders – including Germany's Angela Merkel.

Now, a new multi-national media investigation says a Danish military intelligence unit supported the US wiretapping operation. Danish intelligence reportedly worked with the US National Security Agency from here - to eavesdrop on European politicians.

A joint investigation by several European media outlets shows former German chancellor candidate, Peer Steinbrück, was among the espionage targets.

A major problem is that the Danish government didn't inform their German neighbors, though they apparently knew about the eavesdropping as early as 2015. The German government said it only found out about the spying after press inquiries.

Spying on Chancellor Angela Merkel and former Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier was revealed by NSA leaker Edward Snowden and a parliamentary inquiry. It did not reveal that a close European ally was involved.

The NSA, the Danish intelligence service and the Danish government refused to comment on the latest revelations.

Saudi Twitter Spying – Interview with Saudi Political Affairs Expert Ali al Ahmed

US Prosecutors say the Saudi government used two twitter employees to spy on their critics through the platform. The employees were recruited to give private data of thousands of Twitter accounts including that of a prominent social media journalist and several government critics.

A former media partnership manager and an engineer with Twitter have been charged. Investigations revealed that data of over 6,000 users was accessed in return of tens of thousands of dollars into secret bank accounts. Saudi Arabia had also requested emergency disclosure of at least 33 usernames from twitter.

For more on this, Saudi political affairs expert Ali al Ahmed, from Institute for Gulf Affairs, and joins us from Washington DC

US: Saudi Arabia Recruited Twitter Employees Charged for Spying

Prosecutors in the United States say that Saudi Arabia's government allegedly recruited two Twitter employees to gather private information on thousands of accounts critical of its leadership.

The prosecutors say that Saudi Arabia was growing increasingly frustrated with being criticised online.

The two Saudis who worked at Twitter were tasked with gathering the email addresses linked to the Twitter accounts and internet protocol addresses that indicate the user's location.

Al Jazeera's Rob Reynolds reports.

US Accuses Israel of Spying on Nuclear Talks with Iran

THE GUARDIAN: Israel denies Wall Street Journal reports that it shared confidential information from talks with members of the US Congress in attempt to derail any deal

The US has accused Israel of spying on international negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme and using the intelligence gathered to persuade Congress to undermine the talks, according to a report on Tuesday.

The Wall Street Journal cited senior administration officials as saying the Israeli espionage operation began soon after the US opened up a secret channel of communications with Tehran in 2012, aimed at resolving the decade-long standoff over Iran’s nuclear aspirations.

The apparent decision by the White House to leak the allegations is the latest symptom of the growing gulf between Barack Obama’s administration and Binyamin Netanyahu’s government over the Iran talks, in which the Israeli leader suspects US officials of being ready to make too many concessions at the expense of Israeli security. Intelligence analysts suggested that the leak reflects the degree of anger in Washington at Netanyahu’s actions, and could mark a more serious blow to the already tottering relationship. » | Julian Borger Diplomatic editor, and Mairav Zonszein in Tel Aviv | Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Edward Snowden: I Was a Trained Spy, Not Just a Computer Analyst

In an exclusive interview with NBC News, former NSA Contractor Edward Snowden says he was much more than a low-level systems administrator

Read the short Telegraph article here
NBC News Releases Clip From Brian Williams’ Interview With Edward Snowden »

NBC NEWS: EXCLUSIVE: Edward Snowden Tells Brian Williams: ‘I Was Trained as a Spy’ » | Erin McClam

Watchful Friends: Latest Revelation Shows GCHQ Has Listening Post in Berlin

Among the frustrations in the Million-Mask March are the goings on by the NSA, exposed by Edward Snowden. The latest revelation is that the UK has had its very own listening post in the heart of Berlin to keep a watch on Germany's leadership. Let's get the details now from Peter Oliver.

Related »

Germany Calls In British Ambassador Over Berlin Spying Claim

Simon McDonald, UK Ambassador to Germany

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Germany's foreign ministry calls in the British ambassador to explain reports that the UK was operating a covert spying station from its Berlin embassy

Germany called in the British ambassador to hear a formal protest on Tuesday after reports suggested that British intelligence runs an eavesdropping centre in Berlin.

The facility, allegedly sited on the roof of the British Embassy in Berlin, is supposedly operated by the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), the UK’s largest intelligence agency.

Germany took the unusual step of requesting Simon McDonald, the British ambassador, to attend a meeting at the foreign ministry. The German diplomat responsible for relations with European countries “asked for an explanation of current reports in British media and indicated that tapping communications from a diplomatic mission would be a violation of international law”. Read on and comment » | David Blair | Tuesday, November 05, 2013

My comment:

We Brits never did quite grasp the concept of being communautaire, did we? It's as if we never really joined the EU, and it's as if WWII never ended. Shame on us! – © Mark

This comment appears here too.

Anger Grows Over British Spying in Berlin »

Et Tu, UK? Anger Grows over British Spying in Berlin

SPIEGEL ONLINE INTERNATIONAL: First it was the US -- and now it turns out the UK might have been spying from its embassy in Berlin, too. German politicians say they feel doubly betrayed.

Germany has been rocked by the revelation that yet another close ally might be spying on its leaders from an embassy in Berlin. The London-based newspaper The Independent revealed Monday that British intelligence had established a "secret listening post" in the British Embassy like the one recently revealed by SPIEGEL to be in the US Embassy on the same large block. The British post, like the American one, is located near the German parliament, the Reichstag, and was disclosed in the trove of data leaked by American intelligence whistleblower Edward Snowden. » | tmr | Tuesday, November 05, 2013

Terrorist & Spy? Greenwald's Partner Accused by UK for Carrying Snowden Docs

British authorities say the partner of a newspaper reporter who's been publishing Edward Snowden's leaks, was involved in espionage and terrorism. The accusation was made in a Scotland Yard document which is being used as evidence in a London court hearing. A hearing for David Miranda's legal challenge is scheduled for next week. Jim Killock, executive director of the Open Rights Group, joins RT to talk about how it may play out.

THE OBSERVER: Metropolitan police detained David Miranda for promoting 'political' causes: Justification for airport detention of partner of Guardian journalist Glenn Greenwald alarms human rights groups and Tory MP » | Jamie Doward | Saturday, November 02, 2013

How Do World Leaders Cope with Being Bugged?

Angela Merkel, German Chancellor

BBC: The most common reaction to news that German Chancellor Angela Merkel's phone was bugged by the US National Security Agency appears to be world-weary resignation.

Followed by a sly suggestion that someone of her experience and stature should have known better.

Kurt Volker, former US ambassador to Nato 2008-2009, told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme "every country spies" and he could not believe that the revelations were a surprise to anyone.

Lord West, a security minister under Gordon Brown, said he had "always worked on the assumption" that people were listening to his phone calls.

"I know they jolly well were," he told Today.

"I don't think it's surprising that people try and listen. If you are a head of state there are lots of people, not just other states, who are listening.

"There are companies, all sorts of people, who want to hear what you are saying and I think you have to be extremely careful." » | Friday, October 25, 2013

EU Leaders Warn US 'Spying' Could Harm Fight Against Terror

Angela Merkel with François Hollande

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Germany and France demand US signs up to new international “code of conduct” on intelligence gathering after EU leaders warn revelations over 'snooping’ damaged trust and hampered the fight against terrorism

In an unprecedented statement, breaking the taboo that European leaders should not discuss national security or secret service operations, the German Chancellor and French President called for a new transatlantic pact to prevent American intelligence services spying on Europe.

“We need a code of good conduct to be adopted by the Europeans and we ourselves have to be clear that we should not do what we don’t want others to do,” said François Hollande, the French leader.

“France and Germany will take an initiative. We will start discussing the matter with the Americans in order to agree a common framework that will be done by the end of the year, and the other Europeans who would like to join us will be welcome.”

Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, said new international agreements were needed to hold spy agencies in check, after it emerged on Thursday that her mobile phone may have been bugged by an American listening post in Berlin.

“The US has every reason for wanting to have friends in the world of today. Trust needs to be rebuilt. That implies trust has been severely shaken,” she said. “Words will not be sufficient. True change will be needed.” » | Bruno Waterfield, and Christopher Hope in Brussels and Peter Foster | Friday, October 25, 2013

US Spying: Britain Forced to Sign EU Statement Expressing 'Deep Concern'

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Britain signs EU statement that is critical of US spying on European governments

Britain has been forced to sign a European Union statement expressing "deep concern" over American, or any other country's, intelligence activities that undermine trust between Europe's governments.

Following tense talks on the conduct of intelligence operations, including accusations that Britain was spying on Italy, David Cameron was forced by 27 other European leaders to sign the common EU statement in the early hours of this morning.

"Heads of state or government discussed recent developments concerning possible intelligence issues and the deep concerns that these events have raised among European citizens," the statement said.

"This applies to relations between European countries as well as to relations with the USA. A lack of trust could prejudice the necessary cooperation in the field of intelligence gathering."

The reference to "relations between European countries" is said by EU diplomats to be a criticism of Britain and GCHQ's widespread intelligence gathering in Europe. » | Bruno Waterfield, and Christopher Hope in Brussels | Friday, October 25, 2013

My comment:

Britain forced to sign EU statement expressing 'deep concern'

Rightly so! Britain is in the EU, isn't it? Why should special rules apply for the UK? You either play by the rules, or get out.

US espionage is totally and utterly unacceptable. And so is ours. Is privacy now to be consigned to the dustbin of history? Obama is p****** off just about all his allies with his spying. And so will we if we follow America's lead. It's shameful. – © Mark

This comment appears here too.

Spying Row: Merkel Urges US to Restore Trust at EU Summit

BBC: Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel has said it is "really not on" for friends to spy on each other, referring to alleged US snooping on her phone calls.

On arrival at an EU summit in Brussels Mrs Merkel said "we need trust between allies and partners, and such trust needs to be restored".

She said she had given that message to US President Barack Obama when they spoke on Wednesday.

Other EU leaders also voiced concern about the scale of US surveillance.

The spying row threatens to overshadow EU talks on economic growth and migration to the EU. Mrs Merkel has demanded a "complete explanation" of the claims, which came out in the German media.

She grew up in former communist East Germany, where secret police surveillance was pervasive.

Her delegation in Brussels confirmed she had met briefly to discuss the issue with France's President Francois Hollande, who has expressed alarm at reports that millions of French calls have been monitored by the US.

There is concern that the furore could jeopardise EU-US talks on reaching a major free trade deal. The head of Germany's Social Democrats (SPD), Sigmar Gabriel, said such a deal was hard to imagine if the US had infringed citizens' privacy. The SPD is in coalition talks with Chancellor Merkel. (+ video) » | Thursday, October 24, 2013