National

Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom
TAG International helps UK grow influence in Saudi national security

TAG International is operating a major training contract with the Saudi security forces under a secretive British government programme.

China, Italy
China's United Front tests influence method in Italy

The Chinese Communist Party is experimenting with new strategies to promote trade with Italy after the latter's exit from the New Silk Roads that, if successful, could be deployed elsewhere in Europe.

United States
Pentagon brings its geospatial intelligence operators back in line

The leading Earth observation company Maxar Intelligence, whose satellite launches have been repeatedly delayed, has tightened its focus to keep in line with the Pentagon. The company's shift mirrors changes in the US Defense Department's entire strategy, which is driving consolidation in the sector.

The Agencies' Gazette
Russian contraband, Xi Jinping delays Paris trip, FATF worries Monaco

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community.

Russia/Iran/Azerbaijan FSB foils contraband of Tor missile components

China Xi puts Paris visit on ice after third plenum delay

Monaco Financial market holds breath over FATF report

Russia
Russia's NAIIS, dormant cyber think-tank and sinecure for ex-spies

In partial hibernation since its creation in 2018, the National Association for International Information Security (NAIIS) hosts retirees from the KGB and FSB as well as experts close to the national security council.

United States
In legal fight between FTI and fired executive, both sides keen to conceal confidential information

FTI is suing Jonathan Orszag, who headed an in-house economic advisory unit until he was forced out for allegedly violating his contract. Orszag denies this but has not been able to get the case dismissed thus far.

Bahrain, UAE
Emirati cyber makes push into Bahrain

Bahrain's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is getting closer to Abu Dhabi's cyber security firm Beacon Red.

United States
Corporate intelligence firm Arcanum hires lobbyist for defence issues

The former Chief of Staff for Texas Representative Michael McCaul will lobby for the intelligence company.

United States
Strange foreign lobbying registration exposes FARA vulnerabilities

Jonathan Scott registered to represent the Rwanda National Police, submitting as evidence a Twitter exchange with a police officer using the handle @SongaF. FARA posted the filing, which remains active on its website even though the Rwandan National Police says it has no contract with Scott or know who he is.

Bahrain
Bahrain's cybersecurity agency seeks new training partners

With more cash at its disposal, Bahrain's National Cyber Security Center is looking for a new cyber training supplier in the wake of IronNet Cybersecurity's Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

France, Saudi Arabia
French arms export body ODAS still sidelined in Saudi Arabia despite reshuffle

ODAS wasn't invited to take part in the recent talks between Dassault and Riyadh, despite having recently appointed a new board administrator with experience of managing major contracts in the region, including a Rafale megadeal.