Honey traps: an old espionage tactic in the spotlight

Crime · First reported 9 Nov, 18:50 · Updated 19:25

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA/USGS · Public domain

A report on allegations involving Nvidia chief Jensen Huang and a woman accused by Washington of working for Chinese intelligence revisits how romantic relationships have been used in espionage. The coverage also points to historical cases and the varied ways intelligence services may seek access or leverage.

The central report says the allegations involving Jensen Huang have renewed attention to honey traps, in which intimacy can be used to obtain secrets or leverage.
The report recounts historical cases involving diplomats, government employees and other targets, including episodes dating from the Cold War.
The shorter Axios account connects the Huang controversy to past cases involving prominent Americans whose relationships raised national security concerns.

Summary written by Sumzly from 2 articles

Key facts

Person at the centre of the controversy: Nvidia chief Jensen Huang
Allegation described: Washington accused a woman involved with Huang of working for Chinese intelligence; Beijing denies the allegation.
Historical case: The report says Shi Pei Pu’s affair with French diplomat Bernard Boursicot lasted two decades.