The U.S. Secret Service announced Tuesday that it had dismantled a sophisticated network of electronic devices capable of crippling New York’s telecommunications system in a potential attack timed ahead of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
While the agency did not directly name those behind the operation, it said the devices bore links to nation-state actors and individuals already known to federal law enforcement. A law enforcement source cited by ABC News suggested investigators believe the plot is tied to the Chinese government.
“The potential for disruption to our country’s telecommunications posed by this network of devices cannot be overstated,” warned Secret Service Director Sean Curran.
The network was discovered after anonymous threats were made against senior U.S. officials. According to the agency, the devices could have enabled telecommunications sabotage, including disabling cell towers, launching denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and providing secure, anonymous communication channels for criminal and hostile actors.
“This includes everything from facilitating encrypted communications for threat actors to supporting criminal enterprises,” the agency said in a statement released just before President Donald Trump addressed world leaders at the UN headquarters in New York.
Special Agent Matt McCool confirmed that while no arrests have been made, investigators are working to uncover the perpetrators’ identities and intent — including whether their ultimate goal was to disrupt the UN Assembly.
The investigation reportedly began in the spring, after authorities traced a series of fraudulent calls targeting senior officials.
Massive Infrastructure Seized
The Secret Service revealed that within a 35-mile radius of the UN, it seized an extensive infrastructure that included 300 computer servers and more than 100,000 SIM cards spread across multiple sites.
“Given the timing, location, and potential for significant disruption posed by these devices, the agency acted swiftly to dismantle the network,” it said.
Early analysis of the seized SIM cards pointed to links with at least one foreign government, as well as drug cartel operatives, according to the New York Times.
Investigators also discovered illegal firearms and 80 grams of cocaine at some of the raided locations.
The Secret Service stressed that investigations remain ongoing as it works to determine the full scope of the network, its operators, and their objectives.
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