The operative allegedly hired a private investigator to dig up any potential scandals, such as extramarital affairs or tax issues, that could potentially derail the candidate's campaign. The operative was quoted saying, "In the end, violence would be fine too."
Simultaneously, an Iranian journalist and activist, Masih Alinejad, who currently resides in the United States, has been under the watchful eye of Tehran. Alinejad has been vocal about Iran's human rights abuses, which has reportedly led to a murder-for-hire plot against her, orchestrated by an Eastern European organized crime gang. The Justice Department claims to have thwarted the plan and has brought criminal charges against the perpetrators.
WATCH: THE FASCINATING STORY OF BRIDGETTE GABRIEL
These incidents highlight the lengths to which countries like China and Iran will go to intimidate, harass, and even plot against political opponents and activists residing in the U.S. This is a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by ordinary citizens due to geopolitical tensions, as governments intolerant of dissent within their borders extend their threatening surveillance to those who voice opposition from afar.
WATCH: JIMMY FALLON MOCKS UPCOMING PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
Alinejad stated in an interview, "We’re not living in fear, we’re not living in paranoia, but the reality is very clear — that the Islamic Republic wants us dead, and we have to look over our shoulder every day."
May 07, 2024
The Justice Department has taken note of these incidents and has built cases against several suspects. Senior FBI officials have observed that these tactics have become more sophisticated, with countries increasingly willing to cross "serious red lines" from harassment to violence in their attempts to exert power abroad.
FROM COAST TO COAST: DO YOU LIVE IN ONE OF AMERICA'S FASTEST-GROWING CITIES?
Matthew Olsen, the Justice Department's top national security official, stated, "This is a huge priority for us." The situation is particularly concerning given the deteriorating relationship with Iran and ongoing tensions with China over issues ranging from trade and intellectual property theft to election interference.
TRUMP STAGES HUGE RETURN TO NEW YORK, SEE WHERE, WHEN AND HOW!
China has been identified as a primary offender by officials and advocates. However, the Chinese Embassy in Washington has denied these allegations, stating that the government "strictly abides by international law" and "resolutely opposes ‘long-arm jurisdiction.'"
TULIPS AND HIGH HOPES: THE BIZARRE BOTANICAL MIX-UP AT WISCONSIN'S CAPITOL!
Despite these denials, U.S. officials claim that China has initiated "Operation Fox Hunt," a program designed to track Chinese expatriates wanted by Beijing and coerce them into returning to face charges.
The Justice Department has charged several individuals in connection with these transnational repression plots. However, most defendants are based in their home countries, making arrests and prosecutions rare.
DIVIDE IN TRUMP LAND? A THIRD OF HIS OWN VOTERS BREAK RANKS OVER NYC LEGAL DRAMA
The victims of these harassment campaigns include a diverse range of individuals, from political refugees to figure skaters. These incidents have led to increased scrutiny of the Chinese government's actions.
Alinejad, the Iranian journalist, continues to work as a journalist and activist and remains determined to speak out, despite the chilling details of the plot against her. She has moved residences following advice from the FBI, but the impact of the threat remains. "They didn't kill me physically, but they killed my relationship with my garden, with my neighbors," she said.
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
