World
Army Counterintelligence Poised for Espionage Arrest Surge in 2026

New legal powers are set to enhance the capabilities of Army counterintelligence agents, paving the way for an expected increase in espionage arrests starting in 2026. According to Lt. Gen. Anthony Hale, the Army’s deputy chief of staff for intelligence, these authorities are anticipated to be granted by the Attorney General by the end of this year. Hale made these comments during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2025 conference, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Since its formation in December 2021, evolving from the 902nd Military Intelligence Group, the Army Counter Intelligence Command (ACIC) has conducted over 650 national security investigations. However, the command has only made 25 arrests during its nearly four years of operation, a figure that Hale and Col. Richard Dempsey, the deputy commander, regard as insufficient.
The limited number of arrests stems primarily from the fact that ACIC directly oversees only a small fraction of the Army’s 3,000 counterintelligence agents. More significantly, most of these agents currently lack the legal authority to make arrests or conduct searches off military installations, which severely hampers their ability to gather evidence and collaborate with other law enforcement agencies.
Hale explained, “Since most soldiers and Army civilian personnel live off base, Army CI has to rely on external agencies for support. Without the power to conduct searches off base, it’s challenging to acquire enough evidence to engage these agencies.” This Catch-22 situation has hindered the command’s effectiveness in apprehending potential threats.
The reforms are particularly critical as the Army faces heightened risks from sophisticated nation-state actors. Hale noted that countries such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are collaborating in unprecedented ways to target U.S. military personnel. “The threat is among us,” he asserted during the AUSA panel, highlighting the need for robust counterintelligence measures.
The nature of espionage has evolved, with foreign entities targeting soldiers through digital platforms where many are active. Scott Grovatt, a special agent with 31 years of service in Army counterintelligence, pointed out that adversaries are increasingly using social media and job platforms to lure soldiers into compromising positions, often without their awareness.
One prevalent tactic involves enemy agents posing as researchers and offering cash-strapped soldiers payment for writing reports on new military technologies, which can lead to unintentional espionage. “We can’t make an arrest off post, so we would have to work with another law enforcement agency — usually the FBI or the Army Criminal Investigation Division,” Hale explained.
The legal constraints limiting ACIC’s authority are about to change. The recent passage of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2025 includes provisions that grant Army counterintelligence agents the ability to conduct searches, execute warrants, and make arrests outside military installations. Hale confirmed that the implementation process is nearing completion, having passed through the necessary channels, including the Army Secretary and the Attorney General.
Once these new powers take effect, they are expected to help clear a significant backlog of ongoing investigations. Hale noted, “The number of investigations currently open across the continental United States is substantial and will lead to an increase in arrests once we have the necessary information for indictments.”
At AUSA, Hale highlighted recent arrests made at Fort Bliss and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, indicating that the potential for increased enforcement is imminent. He reiterated the importance of these reforms in safeguarding military secrets and enhancing the effectiveness of counterintelligence operations.
With the evolving landscape of threats, these enhancements will not only improve the Army’s response capabilities but also serve as a crucial step in protecting national security interests. As the Army prepares for this new chapter in counterintelligence, the implications for operational security and the safeguarding of sensitive information are profound.
-
Business4 days ago
UK to Finalize Stablecoin Regulations by 2026, Boosting Crypto Sector
-
Business5 days ago
U.S. and U.K. Target Cybercriminal Networks, Seize $15 Billion
-
World4 days ago
Military Artillery Plan Sparks Safety Concerns Along California Highway
-
Lifestyle5 days ago
KISS OF LIFE’s Natty Dazzles in Micro-Shorts at Seoul Event
-
World5 days ago
Trump Signals Reluctance to Sell Tomahawk Missiles to Ukraine
-
Business5 days ago
California to Eliminate All Plastic Bags from Stores by 2026
-
Sports5 days ago
Domenico Doran’s Stellar Performance Leads Bishop Amat to Victory
-
Entertainment5 days ago
Louisiana Senate Raises Concerns Over Medicaid Cuts Amid New Bill
-
Entertainment5 days ago
Utah Communities Rally as Government Shutdown Strains Resources
-
Sports5 days ago
Trade Low, Trade High: Key NHL Players to Consider Now
-
Science2 days ago
Ancient Dinosaur Discovery in Argentina Reveals Evolutionary Insights
-
Health2 days ago
Uncovering the Hidden Link Between Knee Pain and Hip Issues