#FBI #ODNI #Counterintelligence
PERFORMANCE CRIME AS A MESSAGE
x.com/mikenov/status/2073026…Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) #PerformanceCrime As A #Message in the sabotage and the special hostile #IntelligenceOperationsPerformance crime as a message in intelligence operations refers to the deliberate use of high-visibility, disruptive, or criminal acts by state-sponsored proxies to broadcast threats, intimidate adversaries, and achieve geopolitical goals without triggering a conventional military response. This tactic relies on the shock value of crime to bypass traditional statecraft. [1, 2, 3]
By outsourcing sabotage and hostile intelligence operations to localized criminal proxies, state actors achieve distinct strategic effects:Plausible Deniability: State sponsors evade direct accountability. By using local mercenaries, gangs, or cybercriminals, they mask the true origin of the attack and complicate attribution.
Asymmetric Intimidation: Highly publicized attacks (e.g., targeted arson on logistical hubs or infrastructure damage) serve as psychological warfare, broadcasting threats to policymakers and citizens.
Subversion of Law Enforcement: Intelligence agencies are forced to expend immense resources managing criminal syndicates rather than focusing solely on traditional counterintelligence. [2, 5, 8, 9]This methodology frequently blurs the lines between irregular warfare, covert action, and organized crime. [4, 10, 11]
Real-World Implications and Responses
Hostile state actors, notably Russian intelligence agencies, have integrated proxies to conduct “shadow warfare” and sabotage. According to intelligence and security research, this includes employing local criminal networks for acts of arson, GPS jamming, and logistical disruptions across Europe. [1, 2, 12, 13]
These trends highlight the changing nature of the threat landscape:Hybrid Threat Adaptation: State adversaries utilize cyber attacks and proxy violence to degrade critical infrastructure while remaining safely below the threshold of declared war.
Western Countermeasures: Intelligence and security agencies have expanded their mandates to address the intersection of state threats and criminal activity. For instance, the UK’s National Protective Security Authority and global cybersecurity agencies like CISA have developed targeted guidelines to help secure critical infrastructure against these unconventional, performative disruption tactics. [4, 16]AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] cepa.org/comprehensive-repor…
[2] irregularwarfare.org/sabotag…
[3] brookings.edu/articles/how-t…
[4] bankinfosecurity.com/blogs/h…
[5] deft9.com/news-and-analysis/…
[6] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabota…
[7] coloradotech.edu/degrees/stu…
[8] apu.apus.edu/area-of-study/i…
[9] smallwarsjournal.com/2026/02…
[10] irregularwarfare.org/ordinar…
[11] tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.…
[12] longbrief.com/russian-sabota…
[13] theguardian.com/technology/2…
[14] theconversation.com/explaine…
[15] npsa.gov.uk/national-securit…
[16] facebook.com/deutschland.de/…– Google Search google.com/search?q=Performa…— https://x.com/mikenov/status/2073026466883780657
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Jul 3, 2026
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