FBI investigation details former CIA operative’s efforts to help Qatar’s World Cup bid, influence US policy

source: wfin.com | image: pexels.com

An FBI investigation into alleged unlawful activity to help Qatar obtain World Cup 2022 hosting privileges may have extended further to help improve Qatar’s image in the U.S. and influence U.S. policy, according to an Associated Press report.

The initial investigation focused on former CIA officer Kevin Chalker’s work to help Qatar through alleged foreign lobbying, surveillance and exporting sensitive information to undermine the country’s rivals in bidding for the World Cup, according to individuals with knowledge of the investigation.

Chalker’s company Global Risk Advisors employed a number of methods, such as a Facebook “honeypot” trap, in which an attractive woman connected with a target, or someone posed as a photojournalist to keep tabs on one nation’s bid.

Purdue honored for counterintelligence contributions

source: purdue.edu | image: purdue.edu

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — In an on-campus ceremony on Tuesday (Aug. 16), the U.S. Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) recognized Purdue University as one of four recipients of its Excellence in Counterintelligence (CI) Award for fiscal year 2020. Those chosen were among more than 10,000 contractors considered.

The honor places Purdue among the top universities in protecting sensitive national information from foreign adversaries and makes Purdue one of only two universities singled out twice to receive the award. Texas A&M University was also so honored.

Purdue was named as a recipient of the award in 2020, but the ceremony conferring the award was delayed by COVID.

Senior DCSA leaders selected the award winners based on the organizations’ CI/insider threat reports.

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