EFTA Document EFTA01655293

From: FBI News Briefing To: "FBINewsBriefing" Subject: [EXTERNAL EMAIL] - FBI Daily News Briefing - August 1, 2025 Date: Fri, 01 Aug 2025 10:20:09 +0000 Importance: Normal View in Browser Federal Bureau of Investigation Seal August 01, 2025 Federal Bureau of Investigation Daily News Briefing (In coordination with the Office of Public Affairs) Email Public Affairs to subscribe to the Daily News Briefing. Mobile version and archive available here. Table of Contents IN THE NEWS • Declassified Report Fuels Dispute Over Origins of Trump-Russia Probe • Continued Reporting: amily Expresses Shock Over Trump Saying Epstein 'Stole' Her • Continued Reporting: FBI Opens New Zealand Office to 'Counter the CCP,' Says Director Patel COUNTERTERRORISM • Migrants Not Properly Screened for Terrorism at San Diego Border • Federal Law Enforcement Tells Senators Cartels Are Engaging in Sophisticated Terrorism • Federal Court Denies Boston Bomber's Request for New Judge to Oversee Death Sentence Appeal • Continued Reporting: Trump Pick for Counterterrorism Role Confirmed by Senate CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS • Texas Man Sentenced to 60 Years for Child Pornography After Being Identified by Tattoos • FBI Seeks New Tips in 40-Year-Old South Jersey Baby DOE Case • Texas Homicide Suspect Arrested in Kentucky After 20 Months on the Run • Florida Man Indicted in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme • Uzbek National Who Pleaded Guilty to Voter Fraud Sentenced to Time Served • Federal Grand Jury Opens Probe Of How Millions In Grants Were Distributed To Hartford Nonprofits • Prison Sentence Reduced For Bailey Boys Gang Leader In New York • West Virginia Man Sentenced to Over 12 Years for Child Exploitation Attempt • Eighty Years In Prison For Man Who Brought Girls To San Antonio To Film Pornography • California Target Bombing Suspect Arrested in $4M West Coast Robbery Spree CYBER DIVISION EFTA01655293 • Russia's FSB Targets Foreign Embassies in Moscow in Cyber Espionage Campaign, Microsoft Says • Continued Reporting: Feds Still Trying to Crack Volt Typhoon Hackers' Intentions, Goals • Continued Reporting: Industry Groups Urge Vigilance as Scattered Spider Evolves Tactics • Continued Reporting: St. Paul Cyber Attack Sparks Reflections, Calls to Action OTHER FBI NEWS • Unnoticed Whistle-Blower Document Alarms Justice Department Veterans • FBI's New Plea to Public Aims to Break Jimmy Hoffa Case Wide Open • DOJ Sets Up Compensation Fund For Backpage Sex Trafficking Victims • Director Patel's Girlfriend Fends Off 'Disheartening' Conspiracy Theories She's Honeypotting FBI Boss INTERNATIONAL NEWS • U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff to Visit Gaza as Trump, Under Pressure, Seeks Aid Plan • Myanmar Lifts State of Emergency, Paving the Way for Disputed Vote • Canada Follows France and UK With Plan to Recognise Palestinian State • U.S. Senator Wicker, Head of Senate Armed Services Panel, to Visit Taiwan • Ukraine's Parliament Approves Law Restoring Independence of Anti-graft Watchdogs Following Backlash • China Flooding Kills Dozens, Including 31 Trapped at Elderly Care Home • U.S. and NATO Allies Warn of Increasing Iranian Threats in Europe, North America • Kyiv Toll Rises to 16 as Wave of Russian Strikes Defies Trump Ceasefire Demand • China Uses "Dark Fleet" to Buy Oil From Iran and Evade U.S. Sanctions in International Waters • Islamist Terrorists Kill 49 Christians in African Church Massacre OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS • Navy Confirms F-35 Fighter Jet Went Down Near California Base, Pilot Safely Ejected • Trump Demands That Drugmakers Lower Some of Their U.S. Prices by September • Trump Extends Mexico Tariff Deadline for 90 Days • NYC Flooding Traps Semi-Truck, Gov. Hochul Declares State of Emergency • Trump to Build $200 Million 'Beautiful Ballroom' at the White House • Air Marshals Reassigned From Commerical Flights to Ice Deportation Flights • Trump Says Witkoff Will Travel to Russia, Affirms Plans for New Sanctions • Top Biden Aide Was Promised $8 Million for 2024 Win • Bipartisan Pair of Senators Seeks $54.6 Billion in New Aid for Ukraine • Tower Failed to Warn Plane of Black Hawk's Path Before D.C. Crash, FAA Says WASHINGTON SCHEDULE IN THE NEWS Declassified Report Fuels Dispute Over Origins of Trump-Russia Probe Fox News (07/31, Singman) reported that a newly declassified annex to Special Counsel John Durham's report revealed intelligence suggesting that in 2016, George Soros' Open Society Foundations were allegedly tied to a campaign to promote the Trump—Russia collusion narrative even before the FBI officially launched its Crossfire Hurricane investigation. According to the documents, foreign-sourced hacked emails from Soros Foundation official EFTA01655294 Leonard Benardo indicated that Democratic operatives, including members of Hillary Clinton's campaign, planned to "put more oil into the fire" by involving the FBI and media. Senator Chuck Grassley described the findings as exposing "one of the biggest political scandals and cover-ups in American history," while officials such as CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Director Patel emphasized the need for transparency and accountability. The Open Society Foundations firmly denied the accusations, calling them "malicious disinformation traced to Russian intelligence:' According to the Washington Post (07/31, Strobel), the declassified document included in the Durham report showed that while the FBI investigated claims that Hillary Clinton had approved a campaign plan to tie Donald Trump to Russia, the bureau ultimately could not verify the allegations. The annex detailed email exchanges among Clinton campaign aides about using Trump's alleged Russia ties for political advantage, but lacked evidence of any formal scheme involving senior Obama administration officials. The report noted that some of the intelligence was obtained through Russian hacking of U.S. think tanks, but Durham's team was unable to conclude whether the materials were genuine or fabrications. Former intelligence officials maintained that Russia had interfered in the 2016 election to help Trump, and Durham criticized the FBI's inconsistent investigative approach to Clinton versus Trump-related matters. The New York Post (07/31, Christenson) added that newly declassified intelligence revealed confidential 2016 conversations between Open Society officials Leonard Benardo and Jeffrey Goldstein and DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz about discrediting Trump and deflecting attention from Clinton's scandals. The memos, allegedly obtained via Russian cyber-espionage, portrayed a deliberate effort to involve intelligence agencies or use the Steele dossier to push a collusion narrative, with Clinton approving a plan to "demonize Putin and Trump." The Post noted that these files were reportedly shared with DOJ leadership but never fully investigated, despite internal FBI disagreements on their credibility. Statements from Soros Foundation representatives and others denied any coordination or authenticity of the emails, while Durham's annex concluded the Clinton campaign may have hoped the FBI would escalate the investigation for political effect. The New York Times (07/31, Savage, Goldman) concluded that the annex undermines claims of a Clinton-led conspiracy, revealing that the key emails cited as evidence were likely fabricated by Russian intelligence. According to the Times, Special Counsel Durham determined that emails purportedly written by Leonard Benardo of the Open Society Foundations were almost certainly forged composites based on legitimate documents hacked from liberal think tanks. While Durham criticized the FBI for not exercising more skepticism during the Crossfire Hurricane probe, the report also showed that Benardo and Clinton aide Julianne Smith denied any knowledge of the emails, and Durham ultimately buried exculpatory evidence in the annex. The Times emphasized that while Trump allies cited the declassified report to support claims of political targeting, Durham's findings offered no proof of a Clinton campaign conspiracy and instead pointed to Russian disinformation as the likely source of the so-called "Clinton Plan" intelligence. The article highlighted that Director Patel declared on social media that the annex revealed "evidence that the Clinton campaign plotted to frame President Trump and fabricate the Russia collusion hoax." The Washington Examiner (07/31, Schindler) reported that despite their initial promises to tackle corruption, Director Patel and Deputy Director Bongino have remained silent on the scandal surrounding Charles McGonigal, a disgraced top FBI agent who went rogue and worked for Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, raising troubling questions about FBI management and values. McGonigal's case is particularly significant, as he was involved in Operation Crossfire Hurricane in 2016 and may have played a role in collecting false information used to smear Trump and his campaign, and his guilty plea and prison sentence have not been fully explained by the FBI leadership. The author suggested that if the White House is serious about unraveling Russiagate, it should investigate McGonigal and his circle. The press release quoted a statement from Director Patel: "The American people deserve the full, unfiltered truth about the Russia collusion hoax and the political abuse of our justice system it exposed. Today's declassification and release of documents tied to the Durham report is another step toward that accountability. The FBI will continue working tirelessly with our federal partners at the DOJ, CIA, and more to uncover the facts that should have been brought to light years ago. I'm grateful to Chairman Grassley for his steadfast leadership on this issue, and I look forward to our continued partnership in exposing one of the most shameful frauds ever perpetrated on the American public." Additional reporting on the story was provided by Washington Examiner (07/31, Deese), The Center Square (07/31, Boudreaux), Daily Mail (07/31, Raasch), The Federalist (07/31, Lyman), Washington Times (07/31, Picket, Ferrechio), Daily Wire (07/31, Chaitin), National Review (07/31, Lynch), Fox News (07/31, Turley) (2). Continued Reporting: Family Expresses Shock Over Trump Saying Epstein 'Stole' Her The Associated Press (07/31, Catalini) and Fox News (07/31, Bonavita) reported that the family of a key accuser in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case who died by suicide earlier this year, expressed shock and frustration after President Donald Trump stated that Epstein had "stolen" from his Mar-a-Lago spa. Trump EFTA01655295 said he banned Epstein from the club after learning of the alleged poaching of young women, including The family criticized Trump's language as objectifying and questioned what he knew during that time, reiterating their demand that Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's convicted accomplice, receive no leniency. Their statement followed a recent interview of Maxwell by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, amid reports that she is seeking immunity in exchange for further testimony. The Independent Additional reporting on the story was provided by ABC News (07/31, Shalvey, Scott, Pereira), Newsweek (07/31, Rahman), The Hill (07/31, Fields), NBC News (07/31, Jackson, Cohen), New York Times (07/31, Feuer, Goldstein), CNN (07/31, lyer) (2), Al Jazeera (07/31, Staff Writer), BBC News (07/31, Matza), The Guardian (07/31, Gambino), Axios (07/31, Falconer), Daily Mail (07/31, Koenig), Rolling Stone (07/31, Ramirez, Bort), HuffPost (07/31, Vlachou), Time (07/31, Sutherland), Reuters (07/31, Cohen). New Questions Raised About Epstein Death After Video Reveals Mystery 'Orange Shape' Independent (07/31, Liddell) reported that a mysterious "orange shape" was seen on surveillance footage near Jeffrey Epstein's cell before his death, sparking debate over what or who it may be. Forensic experts argue that the shape could be a person wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, contradicting the DOJ's claim that it was a correctional officer carrying linen or clothing. The experts' analysis challenges the official narrative that Epstein died by suicide, with some questioning the authenticity of the released surveillance footage and the FBI's claim that no one could have entered Epstein's cell without being seen. Trump's Effort to Distract From Epstein Mess Creates a 'Ticking Time Bomb' The Rolling Stone (07/31, Suebsaeng) reported that the Trump administration's attempt to distract from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation by accusing former President Barack Obama of treason is not working, with many seeing it as a weak attempt at distraction. According to the article, the administration's efforts to promote a conspiracy theory about Obama and other former officials have been met with skepticism, and Trump's own base is not buying it, with some allies expressing frustration and disappointment. The article noted that the Epstein scandal continues to hurt Trump's poll numbers, with 61% of Americans believing the Epstein files contain embarrassing information about Trump, and the issue shows no signs of going away, remaining a major problem for the Trump administration. The article highlighted that FBI leadership helped push Epstein-related conspiracy theories when Trump was out of power. Continued Reporting: FBI Opens New Zealand Office to 'Counter the CCP, Says Director Patel The Epoch Times (07/31, Widerstrom) reported that the FBI has opened a new office in Wellington, New Zealand, expanding its presence in the Pacific to address growing security threats—including cybercrime, espionage, and influence from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Director Patel, who made a discreet visit to Wellington, said in a video released by the U.S. Embassy that countering the CCP in the Pacific region is "one of the most important global issues" facing the two countries. According to the article, Director Patel made no public appearance and did not speak to the media. However, the U.S. Embassy later released a video of a speech of his remarks, in which he said the FBI has collaborated closely with NZ counterparts for years. "Expanding the Wellington office demonstrates the strength and evolution of our partnership as we continue to work together to address our shared security objectives in the region," he said. The article noted that a formal statement from the U.S. Embassy confirmed the establishment of a "dedicated law enforcement attaché office" in New Zealand. "While the FBI has stationed personnel in New Zealand for several years, establishing a full Legat position in the country will strengthen and enhance the long-standing cooperation with a key Five Eyes partner in the southwestern Pacific region," the statement said. The article added that aside from the growing influence of the CCP in the region, Director Patel's speech cited narcotics and cybercrime as particular issues for the region. He underscored the importance of the Five Eyes group of nations—comprising the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom—describing its members as "our greatest partners." "We need all of them, in New Zealand here, in the Indo-Pacific Command region, to get after the fight and put the mission first," he said. "The FBI has had a strong relationship and collaborated closely with our counterparts in New Zealand for years," said Director Patel in the press release. "Expanding the Wellington office demonstrates the strength and evolution of our partnership as we continue to work together to address our shared security objectives in the region." Additional reporting on the story was provided by UPI (07/31, Moran), Newser (07/31, Gidman), NZ Herald (07/31, Staff Writer), ABC News (AU) (07/31, Dziedzic), News.com.au (08/01, Staff Writer). Beijing Denies It Is a Threat as FBI Opens New Office in New Zealand to 'Counter China' SCMP (08/01, Wang) reported that Beijing has described the claims made by Director Patel, regarding China being a EFTA01655296 threat to the Indo-Pacific, as groundless, indicating a disagreement between the two nations over the perceived level of threat posed by China. Back to Top COUNTERTERRORISM Migrants Not Properly Screened for Terrorism at San Diego Border KGTV (ABC-10) (07/31, Grabish) reported that an audit by the Office of the Inspector General found that San Diego Border Patrol agents failed to properly screen migrants for terrorism due to being overwhelmed by a large volume of "special interest aliens". According to the article, the audit revealed that agents did not consistently conduct and document interviews of flagged migrants, and a request from the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force to interview certain migrants was not fully implemented. The article noted that the Inspector General made three recommendations to improve processes for flagging high-risk migrants, citing disparities in migrant screening and an outdated list of countries with links to terrorism that has not been updated since 2016. The article highlighted that in July 2023, during a surge of migrants at the San Diego border, the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force asked Border Patrol agents to interview certain migrants. The FBI raised concerns that Central Asian smuggling networks might pose a national security threat to the United States. "Agents told us there were too many aliens in custody matching the task force's requests to interview before releasing them;' the Inspector General report says. Federal Law Enforcement Tells Senators Cartels Are Engaging in Sophisticated Terrorism FedAgent (07/31, Staff Writer) reported that the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on protecting law enforcement and Americans from international drug cartels, with witnesses including Matthew Allen from the DEA, Jason Stevens from HSI, and FBI Assistant Director of the criminal investigative division, Jose Perez. According to the article, the witnesses stated that cartels are engaging in sophisticated terrorism with a foothold on U.S. soil, using methods such as surveillance and targeting law enforcement. The article noted that the foreign terrorist organization designation has been a valuable tool, allowing for over S00 gang-related arrests, expansion of watchlisting capabilities, and disruption of cartel finances and logistics, according to Perez and Stevens. Federal Court Denies Boston Bomber's Request for New Judge to Oversee Death Sentence Appeal The Associated Press (07/31, Willingham) reported that a federal court denied Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's request to remove Judge George O'Toole from overseeing his death sentence appeal. According to the article, Tsarnaev's guilt in the deaths of those killed in the bombing was not at issue in the appeal. His lawyers have argued that Tsarnaev fell under the influence of his older brother, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, who was killed in a gun battle with police days after the bombing. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was convicted of all 30 charges against him. Prosecutors portrayed the brothers — ethnic Chechens who moved to the United States from Russia more than a decade ago — as full partners in a brutal and cold-blooded plan to punish the U.S. for its wars in Muslim countries. This investigation was conducted by the FBI's Boston Division. Continued Reporting: Trump Pick for Counterterrorism Role Confirmed by Senate CNN (07/31, Williams) reported that the Senate has confirmed Joe Kent to a top counterterrorism role, leading the National Counterterrorism Center, despite opposition from Democrats. According to the article, Kent's supporters have cited his long experience in counterterrorism and the military — he served 11 combat tours over a 20-year career in the Army before retiring to become a CIA officer — and his personal experience as a Gold Star spouse. His first wife, Shannon, was killed in a 2019 suicide bombing in Syria while serving as a Navy cryptologist. "Mr. Kent understands the grave threat that terrorism poses to the security and safety of Americans," said Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas during a floor speech on Wednesday. Conversely, Democrats expressed concerns over Kent's past associations with White nationalists and far-right extremists, as well as his promotion of conspiracy theories. The article highlighted that Kent defended his promotion of the conspiracy theory that the FBI and aspects of the intelligence community were involved in planning or directing the riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Kent has spoken in favor of insurrectionists charged with storming the U.S. Capitol, describing some January 6 defendants as "political prisoners" who were not being afforded due process, though he said he opposed those who attacked police officers. HuffPast (07/31, Bendery) and The Daily Beast (07/31, Palmer) also reported on the story. Back to Top EFTA01655297 CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS Texas Man Sentenced to 60 Years for Child Pornography After Being Identified by Tattoos KDFW (Fox-4) (07/31, Rowe) reported Christopher Lynn Driskill, 49, has been sentenced to 60 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of producing child sexual abuse material. Driskill admitted to coercing or enticing underage male victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct, which he recorded and distributed. His identification and arrest followed a referral to the FBI's Victim Identification Program from a foreign law enforcement partner, who flagged child sexual abuse material shared on the dark web. Investigators were able to identify Driskill through distinctive tattoos, including the word "DABBY" inked on his chest, visible in the illicit material. The case underscores continued international cooperation in combating the exploitation of children online. FBI Dallas Special Agent in charge R. Joseph Rothrock spoke on the seriousness of Driskell's crimes. "The sentence imposed in this case underscores the seriousness of the crime. The defendant created child sexual abuse material and distributed it through the dark web for others to view it. A tip from a foreign partner resulted in law enforcement arresting a dangerous predator and preventing future abuse," said Rothrock. "The FBI does not tolerate the exploitation of children and works with our law enforcement partners to identify and arrest individuals committing these criminal acts. We will continue to prioritize the safety of the most vulnerable in our communities, which are our children, and ask that the public report any crimes against children to law enforcement." The FBI's Dallas Field Office, with the help of the Bureau's Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) and the assistance of the Coleman Police Department, conducted the investigation. FBI Seeks New Tips in 40-Year-Old South Jersey Baby DOE Case Courier Post (7/31, McCormick) reported that the FBI is seeking the public's help in identifying a baby girl, known as Baby lane Doe, who was found deceased in a dumpster on December 4, 1986, in Washington Township, South Jersey. According to the article, the infant, described as a white female weighing approximately seven pounds with dark hair and brown eyes, was determined to have died by asphyxiation. Her death was ruled a homicide. Nearly four decades later, the case remains unsolved. The article noted that the FBI is urging anyone with information to come forward. Texas Homicide Suspect Arrested in Kentucky After 20 Months on the Run WDKY (Fox-56) (07/31, Goins) reported that Marco A. Martinez, 44, a fugitive wanted in connection with a 2023 homicide in Dallas, Texas, has been arrested in Mount Sterling after evading authorities for 20 months. Martinez was living in a residence in Mount Sterling, where he was apprehended through a coordinated effort between the Mount Sterling Police Department and the FBI. He is currently being held at the Montgomery County Regional Jail and will remain in custody pending extradition to Texas. The arrest highlighted the ongoing cooperation between local and federal law enforcement in locating and apprehending dangerous fugitives. Additional reporting on the story was provided by WKYT (CBS-27) (07/31, Staff Writer). Florida Man Indicted in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme WJAX (CBS-47) (07/31, Staff Writer) reported Eric Stone, a former employee of Fidelity Investments, has been formally indicted on multiple charges of fraud and money laundering. According to the indictment, Stone allegedly solicited loans from former clients under false pretenses, assuring them the funds would be repaid. Instead, he is accused of misappropriating the money for personal expenses. Authorities report that one victim was defrauded of more than $2 million. Stone allegedly used the funds for gambling, personal travel, and to pay off personal debts, the news release states. He also used fake email accounts and text messages to deceive his victims, the news release states. The article highlighted that the investigation is being conducted by the IRS and the FBI. Uzbek National Who Pleaded Guilty to Voter Fraud Sentenced to lime Served Florida Politics (07/31, Taylor) reported that Sanjar Jamilov, an Uzbek national, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit voter registration fraud and was sentenced to time served. Jamilov and co-defendant Dmitry Shushlebin, a Russian national, were accused of submitting 132 fraudulent voter registration applications in Pinellas County. The pair submitted applications in names other than their own, in envelopes with return address labels that were all identically formatted and that contained the same typographical errors. The case was investigated by the FBI. Federal Grand Jury Opens Probe Of How Millions In Grants Were Distributed To Hartford Nonprofits The Hartford Courant (07/31, Mahony) reported that a federal grand jury has opened an investigation into the distribution and spending of tens of millions of dollars in grants among non-profit social service organizations in EFTA01655298 Hartford. The investigation targets, among others, state Sen. Douglas McCrory and his associate Sonserae Cicero Hamlin, and is looking into the awarding of funds to certain non-profit agencies and potential conditions placed on grant awards. The probe is also examining the security of wire transfers after two breaches resulted in significant financial losses, including the loss of $300,000 and $500,000 in separate incidents. The article highlighted that FBI agents have also asked questions about the highly competitive and expensive application process for obtaining state licenses to operate legalized marijuana cultivation and retail sales businesses. Prison Sentence Reduced For Bailey Boys Gang Leader In New York The Buffalo News (07/31, Lakamp) reported that a federal judge on Wednesday cut in half the 40-year prison sentence previously given to the one-time leader of the Bailey Boys, a violent street gang that sold drugs and committed robberies in the Kensington-Bailey neighborhood. Kenneth PettwayJr., who has served nearly 8 years in prison, apologized for his crimes and expressed remorse, with Judge Skretny believing he is "worth taking a chance on" due to his efforts towards rehabilitation. The article highlighted that a jury convicted him of drug and gun charges in 2018, making him one of more than a dozen Bailey Boys to be convicted stemming from an FBI investigation into multiple shootings, murders, and armed robberies connected to the gang. West Virginia Man Sentenced to Over 12 Years for Child Exploitation Attempt WVNews (07/31, Staff Writer) reported that Joel Galen Patton, a 40-year-old Berkeley Springs man, has been sentenced to over 12 years in federal prison for child exploitation. According to the article, Patton pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor after engaging in explicit online conversations with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. The article noted that the case was handled by the FBI. Eighty Years In Prison For Man Who Brought Girls To San Antonio To Film Pornography The San Antonio Express-News (07/31, Zavala) reported that Carlos Julian Ruiz, 27, of Ozona, Texas, has been sentenced to 80 years in prison for the production of child pornography. According to the article, Ruiz admitted to bringing two girls, ages 2 and 3, to San Antonio, where he and co-defendant Trevor George Metterhauser sexually assaulted them and took videos and photographs. The article highlighted that Metterhauser told FBI agents that the men booked two hotel rooms on the Riverwalk, and Metterhauser said he traveled from New Jersey to San Antonio to meet with Ruiz and sexually assault one of the children. Ruiz pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography and was ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution to each of the victims. California Target Bombing Suspect Arrested in $4M West Coast Robbery Spree Patch (07/31, Wittner) reported that Diego Ananias Arellano Diaz, also known as Fabio Cristian Hernandez, was arrested for his alleged role in the bombing and burglary of a Target in San Ramon. According to the article, He is accused of being part of a Chilean ATM robbery crew that robbed banks and ATMs across California, Oregon, and Washington, stealing over $4 million in cash. The Los Angeles Times (07/31, Solis) reported that many of the named defendants were arrested in California, Florida, and Chile, and their equipment was seized at an Airbnb in Welches, Ore., that the FBI said was being used as the crew's base of operations. The article added that during a review of the items on April 29, FBI agents pulled clothing that could be tested for DNA. Agents also found a GoPro video camera with a memory card inside. After securing a warrant to search the camera's memory card in early May, FBI agents discovered several video files that included one of the named defendants in the case, Camilo Guzman Sepulveda. The article noted that agents also found an image of Arellano Diaz, who at that point was still unidentified. That photo underwent facial recognition analysis, and the following day, a match was made to Arellano Diaz. Back to Top CYBER DIVISION Russia's FSB Targets Foreign Embassies in Moscow in Cyber Espionage Campaign, Microsoft Says Reuters (07/31, Vicens) reported that Microsoft has revealed that one of the Russian government's premier cyber espionage units, the Federal Security Service (FSB), is targeting foreign embassies in Moscow with malware by leveraging local internet service providers, according to findings from Microsoft Threat Intelligence. According to the article, the hacking unit linked to the activity, known as "Secret Blizzard" or "Turla", has been hacking governments, journalists, and others for nearly 20 years, with the US government previously disrupting one of its long-running operations in May 2023. The article highlighted that it has been hacking governments, journalists, and EFTA01655299 others for nearly 20 years, the U.S. government said in May 2023 after the FBI disrupted one of its long-running operations. Continued Reporting: Feds Still Trying to Crack Volt Typhoon Hackers' Intentions, Goals CyberScoop (07/31, Nelson) reported that federal analysts are still trying to determine the intentions and goals of the Chinese hacking group known as Volt Typhoon, which has gained access to U.S. critical infrastructure. According to the article, the hackers' potential impact is a concern, with possibilities ranging from disrupting port operations to shutting down entire transportation systems. Officials are warning about the potential life-and-death consequences of Volt Typhoon's actions and are working to mitigate the threat. Continued Reporting: Industry Groups Urge Vigilance as Scattered Spider Evolves Tactics Cyber Security Dive (07/31, Jones) and Forbes (07/31, Winder) reported that industry groups, including information-sharing and analysis centers (ISACs), are warning their members to be vigilant as the cybercrime gang Scattered Spider continues to evolve its tactics. According to the articles, Scattered Spider has been using social- engineering attacks to trick IT help desks into handing over user credentials, and is expected to continue finding new ways to evade existing security measures. The group's targets have included companies in the insurance, retail, and airline industries, such as Hawaiian Airlines, Marks & Spencer, and Qantas, and it is advised that organizations develop multichannel verification methods and require multiple layers of approvals to prevent theft. The articles highlighted that the FBI and CISA previously warned that Scattered Spider had developed an evolving set of tactics to conduct social-engineering attacks on its targets. Continued Reporting: St. Paul Cyber Attack Sparks Reflections, Calls to Action GovTech (07/31, Rueter) reported that a recent cyber attack in St. Paul has sparked reflections and calls to action, with Gov. Tim Walz deploying the Minnesota National Guard's Cyber Protection Unit to help fix the damage. According to the article, the attack, which affected various city services including online bill payments and library computers, has been described as "serious" and "broad in scope" by Betsy Cooper, founding director of the Aspen Policy Academy. The article noted that the FBI was helping local investigators trace the attack's origins and reason. "In general, most cyber attacks like this are a result of unpatched or unimproved secured servers," said Andre McGregor, a former FBI agent who worked in cybersecurity. Back to Top OTHER FBI NEWS Unnoticed Whistle-Blower Document Alarms Justice Department Veterans The New York Times (07/31, Barrett) reported that the U.S. Justice Department's internal watchdog lost a crucial whistle-blower complaint for over two months, detailing wrongdoing by political appointees, including Emil Bove III. The complaint, submitted in early May, accused top officials of misleading judges and ignoring court orders, but the inspector general's office took no action until recently. The article noted that the incident has raised concerns among current and former Justice Department officials that the inspector general's office has become inactive and silent, failing to investigate allegations of misconduct and potentially intimidating whistle-blowers. The article highlighted that the incident has also raised serious concerns that the unit responsible for policing not just the department, but agencies like the FBI and DEA may have gone largely dormant. FBI's New Plea to Public Aims to Break Jimmy Hoffa Case Wide Open The New York Post (07/31, Fitz-Gibbon) reported that the FBI's Detroit field office is renewing its efforts to solve the notorious case of Jimmy Hoffa's disappearance, which occurred over 50 years ago, by asking the public for tips and information to help move the case forward. Calling it "one of the most well-known missing person investigations in FBI history," the federal agency's Detroit field office said in a press release Thursday that it remains committed to following all credible leads to assist in moving this case forward. "As the 50th anniversary of Mr. Hoffa's disappearance approaches, the FBI Detroit Field office remains steadfast in its commitment to pursuing all credible leads," Cheyvoryea Gibson, the special agent in charge of the office, said in a statement. Additional reporting on the story was provided by UPI (07/31, Heuer), Washington Examiner (07/31, Zimmermann), the Daily Mail (07/31, Bashinsky). DOJ Sets Up Compensation Fund For Backpage Sex Trafficking Victims EFTA01655300 Fox News (07/31, Williams) reported that the D0J has launched a compensation fund for survivors of sex trafficking facilitated through Backpage.com, with over $200 million in seized assets to be returned to victims. According to the article, Backpage operated from 2004 until its 2018 seizure by the U.S. government and was once considered one of the largest online platforms for sex-related advertising. Prosecutors say the company and its executives knowingly profited from ads linked to sex trafficking—including trafficking of minors—and laundered millions in illegal revenue through related businesses. The article highlighted that Backpage was seized by the federal government in April 2018 after years of mounting legal pressure. Investigators from the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service spent years tracing how the company enabled traffickers and laundered profits. Director Patel's Girlfriend Fends Off 'Disheartening' Conspiracy Theories She's Honeypotting FBI Boss The New York Post (07/31, King) reported that Alexis Wilkins, the 26-year-old country singer girlfriend of Director Patel, is denying conspiracy theories that she is a spy for a foreign government. According to the article, the theories emerged after a Justice Department and FBI memo about Jeffrey Epstein, with some speculating that Wilkins is a Mossad agent intended to compromise Patel. The article noted that Wilkins has explicitly stated that she is "definitely not" a spy for any foreign government, calling the accusations "insanely ridiculous" and "incredibly disheartening". Back to Top INTERNATIONAL NEWS U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff to Visit Gaza as Trump, Under Pressure, Seeks Aid Plan Wall Street Journal, CBS News, BBC, New York Times, The Guardian Myanmar Lifts State of Emergency, Paving the Way for Disputed Vote New York Times, The Guardian, Washington Post Canada Follows France and UK With Plan to Recognise Palestinian State BBC, CNN, The Guardian U.S. Senator Wicker, Head of Senate Armed Services Panel, to Visit Taiwan Reuters, Al Jazeera Ukraine's Parliament Approves Law Restoring Independence of Anti-graft Watchdogs Following Backlash Associated Press, New York Times China Flooding Kills Dozens, Including 31 Trapped at Elderly Care Home Al Jazeera, BBC U.S. and NATO Allies Warn of Increasing Iranian Threats in Europe, North America Associated Press Kyiv Toll Rises to 16 as Wave of Russian Strikes Defies Trump Ceasefire Demand BBC China Uses "Dark Fleet" to Buy Oil From Iran and Evade U.S. Sanctions in International Waters CBS News Islamist Terrorists Kill 49 Christians in African Church Massacre Fox News Back to Top OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS Navy Confirms F-35 Fighter Jet Went Down Near California Base, Pilot Safely Ejected Fox News, Associated Press, Los Angeles Times Trump Demands That Drugmakers Lower Some of Their U.S. Prices by September EFTA01655301 New York Times, Reuters, CNBC Trump Extends Mexico Tariff Deadline for 90 Days Politico, NPR, CNBC NYC Flooding Traps Semi-Truck, Gov. Hochul Declares State of Emergency New York Post, The Guardian, WABC (ABC-7) Trump to Build $200 Million 'Beautiful Ballroom' at the White House Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Reuters Air Marshals Reassigned From Commerical Flights to Ice Deportation Flights CNN, The Independent Trump Says Witkoff Will Travel to Russia, Affirms Plans for New Sanctions CNN Top Biden Aide Was Promised $8 Million for 2024 Win Axios Bipartisan Pair of Senators Seeks $54.6 Billion in New Aid for Ukraine New York Times Tower Failed to Warn Plane of Black Hawk's Path Before D.C. Crash, FAA Says Washington Post Back to Top WASHINGTON SCHEDULE White House President Trump • 9:00 AM: In-Town Pool Call Time • 11:00 AM: The President receives his Intelligence Briefing • 2:40 PM: Out-of-Town Travel Pool Call Time • 4:00 PM: The President departs The White House en route Bedminster, NJ • 5:40 PM: The President arrives Bedminster, NJ Vice President Vance • No official presidential schedule released or announced. US Senate • No events scheduled. US House of Representatives • No events scheduled. Cabinet Members • Secretary of State Rubio attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State. Visitors EFTA01655302 • No events scheduled. General Events • The Impossible State Live Podcast: U.S.- South Korea Trade Deal: What Do We Know? — Friday, August 1, 2025. Location: Online event, 2:00 PM. Please join The Impossible State podcast for a timely discussion on the U.S.—South Korea trade deal reached on July 30. The conversation will be moderated by Dr. Victor Cha and will feature Ms. Yoojin Kim, Washington Bureau Chief at Kyunghyang Daily News; Dr. Philip Luck, Director of the CSIS Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business; and Mr. William Alan Reinsch, Senior Adviser and Scholl Chair Emeritus with the CSIS Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business. • Hudson Institute: Peru's Strategic Moment — Friday, August 1, 2025. Location: Online event, 10:00 AM. Peru is undergoing one of the most volatile political periods in its democratic history. President Dina Boluarte's deeply unpopular administration faces compounding crises, from institutional paralysis to rising insecurity, that are testing the strength of Peru's democratic foundations. Email Public Affairs to subscribe to the Daily News Briefing. Mobile version and archive available here. EFTA01655303