Four Russian officers of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, GRU, are escorted to their flight after being expelled from the Netherlands on April 13, 2018.(Dutch Defense Ministry via AP)
Four Russian officers of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, GRU, are escorted to their flight after being expelled from the Netherlands on April 13, 2018.(Dutch Defense Ministry via AP)
Four Russian officers of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, GRU, are escorted to their flight after being expelled from the Netherlands on April 13, 2018.(Dutch Defense Ministry via AP)
Four Russian officers of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, GRU, are escorted to their flight after being expelled from the Netherlands on April 1

Russian agents hacked OPCW a week after Douma attack


Damien McElroy
  • English
  • Arabic

Russian agents were caught red-handed trying to hack the world’s chemical watchdog, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) as its officials were investigating the April chemical weapons attack in Syria.

More than 70 people were killed in the attack by the Kremlin-backed Damascus government on Douma on April 7 this year. Just a week later on April 13, a team from Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate, or GRU, was arrested during an attempt to breach the investigation.

In a coordinated set of announcements worldwide on Thursday, the Dutch government revealed how it had tracked the agents from the GRU headquarters to a rented car in a hotel car park next to the OPCW headquarters, America’s Justice Department indicted seven Russian operatives with hacking, while British and Australian officials presented evidence of “brazen” cyber intrusion by Russia’s espionage outfits.

The OPCW was not the only body investigating the Douma attack to be targeted, so was a Swiss laboratory in the town of Spiez that was verifying evidence from Syria plus the material taken from the scene in Salisbury, England, where Sergei Skirpal, the double agent, and his daughter Yulia, were made gravely ill by the use of the agent Novichok in an assassination plot.

“It’s not always clear why [the Russians] did the operation towards the OPCW because that does not show on their equipment,” said General Onno Eichelsheim, the head of Dutch military intelligence. “What I know is they were trying to target the OPCW networks in the period that they were investigating on the Skripals and on the Douma case.”

Hours later, the FBI said it was issuing wanted posters for seven men in a Russian hacking campaign that was launched in December 2014 and ran through May 2018 to target US and international companies and sporting bodies. Among the organisations targeted was the international anti-doping agencies after Russian athletes were exposed as drug cheats and ejected from the Olympics.

The Dutch revelations repeatedly tied the men, who were travelling on diplomatic passports and deported, to the GRU. One had a phone that was activated near its headquarters. Another had a taxi receipt for a trip from a GRU building to the airport. The men were named as Alexei Morenetz and Yevgeny Serebriakov, the main “cyber-operators”, as well as Oleg Sotnikov and Alexei Minin who were support staff. The three others named by the FBI, Ivan Yermakov, Dmitriy Badin and Artem Malyshev, had been identified by Robert Mueller's probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 US election earlier this year.

The team held by the Dutch allegedly traveled to the Netherlands on passports that were numbered sequentially arriving in the country on April 10.

"This attempt, to access the secure systems of an international organisation working to rid the world of chemical weapons, demonstrates again the GRU's disregard for the global values and rules that keep us all safe," British Prime Minister Theresa May and Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte said in a joint statement.

_______________

Read more:

EU to crack down on online terrorism and cyber threats

Iranian diplomat accused of running web of spies across Europe

German spooks: Iran's growing cyber capabilities poses danger

_______________

Some of the equipment seized exposed the global footprint of the hacking activities, which involved working in proximity to Wifi systems, including hotel networks.

Peter Wilson, the British ambassador to the OPCW, said the laptops seized by the Dutch had been used in a succession of countries, including Brazil, Switzerland and Malaysia.

“The GRU can only succeed in the shadows. We are all agreed that where we see their malign activities, we must expose it to the light together.”

The equipment was used in Malaysia to target the investigation into the targeting of a MH-17 over rebel-held territory in eastern Ukraine in 2014, an incident that killed the 298 people on board. A Dutch-led international investigation has since concluded that the missile that brought down the Malaysian flight was controlled by a Russian army brigade.

Other information presented by Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) implicated with a “high confidence” the GRU as “almost certainly” responsible for the 2017 attacks, as well as others including the infamous targeting of the US Democratic Party ahead of the 2016 presidential election, two Russian media outlets, a small UK-based TV station and the Kiev metro were also targeted.

The GRU used names including Fancy Bear, Pawnstorm and Tsar Team to carry out the attacks, with the Kremlin ultimately responsible, the NCSC said. Officials said the revelations could force Russia to abandon its aggressive attacks on systems around the world.

“One of the strongest weapons we have against cyber attacks should be transparency,” said Peter Ricketts, a former British national security adviser. “It helps all around the world for people to be aware that there is this Russian military intelligence agency out there working against our interests.”

Corroboration for the claims poured in from world leaders and governments. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Foreign Minister Marise Payne issued a joint statement that Australian intelligence agencies agreed that GRU "is responsible for this pattern of malicious cyber activity." Canada said the Montreal-based World Anti-Doping Agency had been hacked and assessed with a “high-degree of confidence” that Russia was behind the intrusions.

Russia however mocked the claims and retorted that the British spy agencies were carried away by “big fantasies”.

Jim Mattis, the US Defence Secretary, said America would extend cyber security cooperation with Nato countries to thwart the Russian threat. Jens Stoltenberg, the Nato Secretary General, said its members had agreed to back up those targeted by the Kremlin’s “blatant threat”.

"Russia must stop its reckless pattern of behaviour, including the use of force against its neighbours, attempted interference in election processes, and widespread disinformation campaigns," he said.

The Salisbury attack left Skripal and his daughter Yulia critically ill and resulted in the death of local woman Dawn Sturgess, who was exposed to contaminated bottle.

Russia denies any involvement in the Skripal attack, which led to a mass expulsion of diplomats from Europe and the US, but President Vladimir Putin denounced his former colleague as a “scumbag” and a “traitor”.

The Way It Was: My Life with Frank Sinatra by Eliot Weisman and Jennifer Valoppi
Hachette Books

8 traditional Jamaican dishes to try at Kingston 21

  1. Trench Town Rock: Jamaican-style curry goat served in a pastry basket with a carrot and potato garnish
  2. Rock Steady Jerk Chicken: chicken marinated for 24 hours and slow-cooked on the grill
  3. Mento Oxtail: flavoured oxtail stewed for five hours with herbs
  4. Ackee and salt fish: the national dish of Jamaica makes for a hearty breakfast
  5. Jamaican porridge: another breakfast favourite, can be made with peanut, cornmeal, banana and plantain
  6. Jamaican beef patty: a pastry with ground beef filling
  7. Hellshire Pon di Beach: Fresh fish with pickles
  8. Out of Many: traditional sweet potato pudding
Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
BELGIUM%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3EGoalkeepers%3A%20Thibaut%20Courtois%2C%20Simon%20Mignolet%2C%20Koen%20Casteels%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EDefenders%3A%20Jan%20Vertonghen%2C%20Toby%20Alderweireld%2C%20Leander%20Dendoncker%2C%20Zeno%20Debast%2C%20Arthur%20Theate%2C%20Wout%20Faes%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EMidfielders%3A%20Hans%20Vanaken%2C%20Axel%20Witsel%2C%20Youri%20Tielemans%2C%20Amadou%20Onana%2C%20Kevin%20De%20Bruyne%2C%20Yannick%20Carrasco%2C%20Thorgan%20Hazard%2C%20Timothy%20Castagne%2C%20Thomas%20Meunier%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EForwards%3A%20Romelu%20Lukaku%2C%20Michy%20Batshuayi%2C%20Lo%C3%AFs%20Openda%2C%20Charles%20De%20Ketelaere%2C%20Eden%20Hazard%2C%20Jeremy%20Doku%2C%20Dries%20Mertens%2C%20Leandro%20Trossard%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday (UAE kick-off times)

Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)

Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)

West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)

Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)

Sunday

Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)

Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)

Everton v Liverpool (10pm)

Monday

Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

ELIO

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Rating: 4/5

It’ll be summer in the city as car show tries to move with the times

If 2008 was the year that rocked Detroit, 2019 will be when Motor City gives its annual car extravaganza a revamp that aims to move with the times.

A major change is that this week's North American International Auto Show will be the last to be held in January, after which the event will switch to June.

The new date, organisers said, will allow exhibitors to move vehicles and activities outside the Cobo Center's halls and into other city venues, unencumbered by cold January weather, exemplified this week by snow and ice.

In a market in which trends can easily be outpaced beyond one event, the need to do so was probably exacerbated by the decision of Germany's big three carmakers – BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi – to skip the auto show this year.

The show has long allowed car enthusiasts to sit behind the wheel of the latest models at the start of the calendar year but a more fluid car market in an online world has made sales less seasonal.

Similarly, everyday technology seems to be catching up on those whose job it is to get behind microphones and try and tempt the visiting public into making a purchase.

Although sparkly announcers clasp iPads and outline the technical gadgetry hidden beneath bonnets, people's obsession with their own smartphones often appeared to offer a more tempting distraction.

“It's maddening,” said one such worker at Nissan's stand.

The absence of some pizzazz, as well as top marques, was also noted by patrons.

“It looks like there are a few less cars this year,” one annual attendee said of this year's exhibitors.

“I can't help but think it's easier to stay at home than to brave the snow and come here.”

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000

Engine 3.6L V6

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm

Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km

How to volunteer

The UAE volunteers campaign can be reached at www.volunteers.ae , or by calling 800-VOLAE (80086523), or emailing info@volunteers.ae.

PROFILE OF STARZPLAY

Date started: 2014

Founders: Maaz Sheikh, Danny Bates

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Entertainment/Streaming Video On Demand

Number of employees: 125

Investors/Investment amount: $125 million. Major investors include Starz/Lionsgate, State Street, SEQ and Delta Partners

MANDOOB
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Ali%20Kalthami%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Mohammed%20Dokhei%2C%20Sarah%20Taibah%2C%20Hajar%20Alshammari%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young