ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - June 6, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - June 6, 2024

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• ZeroFox Intelligence Brief - EU Parliamentary Elections Present Cyber and Physical Threats
• Moldovan Chief of the General Staff Reportedly Russian Informant
• South Korea Suspends Military Pact with North Korea

ZeroFox Intelligence Brief - EU Parliamentary Elections Present Cyber and Physical Threats

The European Union (EU) will hold a transnational parliamentary election from June 6 to 9, with results expected by the end of the last day of voting. The EU parliament writes legislation and oversees the bloc’s annual budget, which totaled EUR 185.6 billion in 2023. It also approves candidates for some of the top positions within the wider EU bureaucracy, such as the President of the European Commission. Due to sluggish post-pandemic economic growth and concerns over security, Eurosceptic parties are expected to make significant electoral gains. At the same time, the main center-right alliance is very likely to win the largest number of seats and maintain its historical dominance of parliament. In the cyber realm, the EU election represents a key target for state-backed threat actors, particularly Russian-linked groups. The campaign season has already been impacted by several online influence campaigns, and there could be digital disruptions on the days of voting. In terms of physical security, attacks by lone actors constitute the main threat.

Moldovan Chief of the General Staff Reportedly Russian Informant

The former chief of the Moldovan General Staff Igor Gorgan was reportedly an informant for Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) for several years. According to sources, Gorgan regularly reported to his Russian handlers about internal political and military developments. Although Gorgon was dismissed from the Moldovan military in 2021, he remains a key informant for the GRU due to his remaining connections in Moldova's Ministry of Defense. This news underscores Russia's attempts to infiltrate the highest level of Moldova's government and wider efforts to destabilize the country.

South Korea Suspends Military Pact with North Korea

On June 4, South Korea broadcast through loudspeakers aimed at North Korea that it was suspending a key 2018 military agreement after North Korea sent trash filled balloons over the border. In the past, South Korea has installed loudspeakers near the border during periods of heightened tensions to broadcast anti-North Korea messages, K-pop, and propaganda promoting South Korea's democratic and economic systems. Additionally, South Korea plans to continue military exercises near the border as a show of force and response to North Korean actions.