Washington — The FBI’s counterintelligence operation has recorded a 53% increase in espionage‑related arrests over the past 21 months, a trend that the Trump administration says demonstrates a tougher, more effective response to growing foreign threats.
Arrest numbers rise under President Trump
According to bureau data, 167 counterintelligence and espionage arrests have been made since President Trump returned to office in January 2025, up from 109 arrests in the preceding 21‑month period. FBI Director Kash Patel told Congress that the agency disrupted roughly 400 counterintelligence operations in the last 18 months and removed more than 80 foreign intelligence operatives during fiscal year 2026 – a 125% increase from fiscal year 2025.
Breakdown of foreign‑linked arrests
China remains the largest source of identified arrests, with 60 China‑related cases in the past 18 months, an 88% increase from the prior period. Russia accounted for 29 arrests (up 26%) and Iran for 17 arrests (up 55%). An additional 25 arrests involved operatives from other nations, marking a 25% rise.
Administration’s response
President Trump and his national security team have praised the FBI’s heightened activity, emphasizing that aggressive enforcement protects American military secrets, advanced technology and critical infrastructure. The administration argues that the surge in arrests reflects both increased foreign espionage activity and a more vigilant U.S. response.
Expert commentary
Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, senior director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, noted that technological advances are enabling the United States to detect more cases, though he warned that “the adversary is still winning this game.” Tulane University professor Matt Williams, a former federal intelligence official, highlighted China’s broader access to U.S. people and technology, giving it an edge over Russia and North Korea.
High‑profile cases
Recent headlines include the arrest of former Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s alleged Chinese associate and the detention of U.S. Army Lt. Col. Brandon Tyner in Britain on suspicion of passing NATO intelligence to Russia. Additional cases involve Chinese nationals charged with hacking COVID‑19 research and recruiting U.S. Navy personnel as spies.
Looking ahead
Experts say the rise in arrests is only a fraction of the overall espionage threat. They recommend expanding counterintelligence resources, tightening export controls, enhancing investment screening, and using tools such as the Foreign Agents Registration Act, sanctions and deportations to close loopholes.
The FBI declined to comment on whether the arrest figures include deactivated operatives who were sent home before formal charges.
Original reporting: WMAL (Washington DC) — read the source article.
