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European authorities are investigating the suspected sabotage of two major undersea internet cables in the Baltic Sea. The Chinese cargo ship Yi Peng 3 is the focus of the investigation, with evidence suggesting its anchor may have been dragged for over 100 miles, severing cables connecting Sweden and Lithuania, and Finland and Germany. Investigators believe this was a deliberate act, citing the highly unusual length of time the anchor was dragged and the subsequent damage to critical infrastructure.

The incident caused significant disruption to internet connectivity in the region, highlighting the vulnerability of undersea infrastructure to sabotage. While Western law enforcement and intelligence sources believe Russia is most likely behind the incident, they don't suspect direct Chinese government involvement. However, the Yi Peng 3 was carrying Russian fertilizer when the incident occurred, leading to speculation about potential Russian coercion of the ship's crew.

NATO warships from Denmark, Germany, and Sweden have surrounded the Yi Peng 3 in international waters. Due to international maritime law, forcing the ship into port for a thorough investigation is complicated. Swedish and German authorities are currently in talks with the ship's owner to gain full access to the vessel and crew for further examination. The investigation into this incident underscores the growing threat to critical undersea infrastructure and the potential for international conflict to spill over into the digital realm.

ImgSrc: images.wsj.net

References:

• Techmeme - Techmeme reports on the investigation suggesting that a Chinese ship deliberately severed two Baltic internet cables, potentially acting on Russia's behalf. - 27d
• TechCrunch - Investigators think a Chinese ship purposefully cut critical data cables - 27d
• Business Insider - See the Chinese cargo ship suspected of sabotaging critical undersea cables between 4 NATO countries - 27d
• Techopedia - Techopedia discusses accusations against a Chinese ship for the sabotage of undersea data cables. - 27d
• TechCrunch - TechCrunch article about the investigation into the intentional cutting of undersea data cables. - 27d
• DMR News - European authorities are investigating allegations that a Chinese-owned commercial vessel, the Yi Peng 3, intentionally dragged its anchor across the Baltic seabed, severing two critical undersea tele - 27d
• Techmeme - Sources: investigators suspect Chinese ship Yi Peng 3 dragged its anchor for 100+ miles to sever two Baltic internet cables, possibly at the behest of Russia - 27d
• All Content from Business Insider - See the Chinese cargo ship suspected of sabotaging critical undersea cables between 4 NATO countries - 26d
• www.scmp.com - News report about the suspected sabotage of undersea data cables by a Chinese cargo ship. - 26d
• @LukaszOlejnik - Chinese vessel Yi Peng 3 is under investigation for allegedly severing Baltic Sea data cables while dragging its anchor over 100 miles. - 25d
• PCMag.com - Chinese ship surrounded over alleged undersea internet cable sabotage - 23d

Classification:

• HashTags: UnderseaCables Sabotage CyberWarfare
• Company: Multiple
• Target: Undersea Cables
• Attacker: Likely Russia (Orchestrated)
• Product: Undersea Cables
• Feature: Undersea Cable Severing
• Type: Sabotage
• Severity: Major