Espionage Unveiled: UC Global's Ties to CIA and Spanish Intelligence in Assange Case
In a startling exposé, Spanish daily El País has shed light on the intricate web of espionage surrounding Julian Assange, revealing the connections between David Morales, director of UC Global SL, and intelligence agencies in both the United States and Spain. Morales, who operated at the behest of the CIA while Assange sought refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, also allegedly collaborated with Spain's CNI (Centro Nacional de Inteligencia).
The report, published on Friday, detailed emails intercepted by Spanish authorities after Morales's arrest in September 2019. These communications highlighted not only Morales’s espionage tasks directed at the WikiLeaks founder but also his ties to Spanish intelligence services. A particular email noted that Morales communicated with a close associate, saying, 'Don't worry I am with God, the one from here and the one from there,' suggesting a familiarity and confidence in his dealings with both U.S. and Spanish intelligence.
El País corroborated these findings with documentary evidence and statements from three sources connected to the Spanish intelligence community, yet the CNI has remained tight-lipped, choosing not to comment on the allegations.
Further raising eyebrows, the report revealed that Morales admitted to taking classified information home on several occasions between 2021 and 2022, suggesting significant lapses in security and protocol.
In a revealing email dated June 27, 2016, Morales informed his employees of the CNI's interest in monitoring UC Global's actions, emphasizing the attention from Spanish intelligence units. He indicated that the CNI sought collaboration and requested the sharing of operational information concerning Morales’s work, which at the time ensured security for the Ecuadorian diplomatic mission in the UK.
Morales recognized the implications of this interest, noting that their activities could be easily monitored. He proposed a controlled communication channel, emphasizing that all correspondence regarding their operations should filter through him. He warned that failure to comply could lead to significant personnel changes, stating, 'It will be hard for me to have to let go of any of you due to trust issues.'
This revelation unfolds against the backdrop of the ongoing legal battles faced by Assange, currently ensnared in a high-profile case that could shape international relations and freedom of the press. Morales’s admissions raise pressing questions about the ethical boundaries of security firms, government surveillance, and the protection of individuals seeking asylum.
Moreover, amid the complexities of Assange's case, the Biden administration faced immense scrutiny, as the outcome of his trial bore consequential implications. Pressure from various quarters, including the Australian government, where Assange holds citizenship, played a crucial role in shaping discussions around his potential extradition and the quest for justice in his long-standing fight against U.S. prosecution.
These developments underscore a chilling narrative of surveillance that not only threatens the very fabric of journalism but also highlights the political machinations behind the scenes involving powerful nations and their intelligence apparatuses. As investigations into Morales's activities deepen, the global community remains vigilant, pondering the future of press freedom and the ethics of intelligence operations against whistleblowers and activists.
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