Espionage

In the harsh neon glow of a Kansas hotel room, a 28-year-old Guardsman inked a “covert relationship” with ghosts he thought were Russian agents, pocketed cash, snapped pics of Fort Riley, and tried to mail an American helicopter radio to Russia—only to learn later the feds were the ones writing the script.

Batman made it look cool, but the real Skyhook riders were the kind of men who trusted a steel wire, a balloon, and a pilot’s nerve more than luck or legend.

Dive into SOFREP’s most compelling articles on covert operations, unveiling tales of intrigue, espionage, and sacrifice that shaped history.

A 22-year-old tank crewman with a top-secret clearance allegedly tried to trade America’s most guarded armor secrets for a Russian passport, proving the deadliest threats can come from within.

Kick off your Friday with SOFREP’s Morning Brief – the latest on defense and global affairs, August 8, 2025.

The arrests of Jian Zhao, Li Tian, and Ruoyu Duan serve as a sobering example of the ever-present threat posed by foreign espionage, reinforcing the need for relentless vigilance and unwavering loyalty within the U.S. military ranks.

The arrest of Yinpiao Zhou for flying a hacked drone over Vandenberg Space Force Base is more than a security breach. It is another wake up call that we are being watched and that even small, off-the-shelf tech can punch disturbing holes in our nation’s defenses.

The US Treasury Department wants to tighten its grip on foreign land deals near military sites due to national security concerns.

US Army warns personnel: Beware of online job offers on platforms like LinkedIn, used by foreign agents to gather sensitive info.

US military bases are facing a growing number of attempted infiltrations and unauthorized drone sightings, raising concerns about espionage.

In a covert operation shrouded in secrecy, a CIA operative closely observed the Soviet’s new weaponry, including the formidable AK-47 and the lesser-known but equally significant SKS semi-automatic carbine, noting their revolutionary designs and potential impact on modern warfare.

Amid British-occupied NYC, the Culper Spy Ring emerged—patriots weaving secrets in plain sight. Their covert web changed history’s course.