United Nations headquarters in New York on Sept. 17, the opening day of the 80th U.N. General Assembly’s high-level debate.
Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images
In the lead-up to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the U.S. Secret Service uncovered an extensive network of electronic equipment in New York capable of disrupting cellular communications.
While the agency responsible for safeguarding the president and vice president did not disclose any direct threats targeting global leaders attending the summit, the potential risks posed by these devices were described as substantial.
Sean Curran, Director of the U.S. Secret Service, emphasized that the discovered technology could disable local cell towers, enable illicit communication channels for criminals and foreign operatives, and possibly facilitate espionage activities.
Authorities reported seizing more than 300 SIM card servers, approximately 100,000 SIM cards, and other unauthorized equipment from several locations across the New York metropolitan area. The Secret Service is collaborating with the New York Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations to perform detailed forensic examinations of the seized materials.
Matt McCool, the special agent leading the Washington field office of the Secret Service, revealed that preliminary forensic work has already linked the operation to at least one foreign government and several individuals previously identified by law enforcement.
McCool noted that the investigation remains active and that the decision to publicly disclose the findings early was made to protect vital infrastructure.
This probe coincides with ongoing efforts by U.S. national security agencies and private sector cybersecurity experts to monitor breaches targeting telecommunications firms. These breaches aim to intercept confidential communications of high-ranking U.S. officials, including the president. The hacking group known as Salt Typhoon, believed to be connected to the Chinese government, was first exposed last year.
The Secret Service has not confirmed any direct link between the devices found in New York and the Salt Typhoon campaign. However, McCool stated that the investigation was initiated after detecting specific telecommunications threats earlier this year.
“After multiple imminent telecommunications threats aimed at senior U.S. officials this spring, the Secret Service launched a protective intelligence inquiry to assess the scope and potential impact on security operations,” McCool explained.
If these devices were intended to interfere with or surveil the U.N. General Assembly, it would not be unprecedented. Former intelligence experts often refer to the event as the “World Cup of espionage” due to the high concentration of international dignitaries and their teams. Yet, if the equipment was used to disable cellular networks and hinder emergency communications, it would represent a more aggressive threat than typical surveillance.
At this time, it remains uncertain how long this network operated in the New York area or whether its purpose was to disrupt the diplomatic event specifically, or to support espionage or criminal enterprises in the region.
