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Threat Library - About
Threat Library - Contribute
Threat Library - Interface
Threat Library - Tutorial

Summary

Project website notrace.how
Instructions for translators

See this page.
Project maintainers1 User avatar ntp
08/23/2026

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Translated 100% 803 100% 47,879 100% 341,442
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Resource updated
The “threats/en.json” file was changed. 08/04/2026
User avatar ntp

String updated in the repository
[!collection-of-dna-sample.jpg|right|small-web-default-pdf|centerCaption!]
Collection of a DNA sample using a swab.

DNA forensics is the collection and analysis of DNA samples for the purpose of matching DNA samples to individuals.

DNA is the molecule that contains the genetic code of organisms. Every cell[^With the exception of red blood cells.] in a human body has DNA. Each individual's DNA is unique, with the exception of identical twins. An adversary can compare an individual's DNA with a DNA sample collected from an item or location and, if they match, conclude that the individual was likely in contact with that item or location.

# Transfer

Human body cells and the DNA they contain can directly transfer from the body to the environment. For example:

- When you sweat, urinate, defecate, or bleed, you leave sweat, urine, feces, or blood.
- When you breathe or speak, you emit respiratory droplets from your mouth and nose that contain saliva and mucus.
- When you touch a surface with your skin, skin cells transfer from your skin to the surface.
- Even when you're not doing anything, you are constantly shedding skin cells and hair.

Human body cells can also transfer indirectly. For example, if you touch the outside of a pair of gloves with your fingers, then put the gloves on and touch a door handle, your skin cells can transfer first from your fingers to the outside of the gloves and then from the outside of the gloves to the door handle.

See the "Transfer" section of the [No Trace Project DNA Literature Review](res://#dna-review) for more details on direct and indirect DNA transfer.

# Degradation

DNA is very robust and does not easily degrade, but it can degrade under certain conditions, such as when exposed to high temperatures or sodium hypochlorite.

See the "Degradation" section of the [No Trace Project DNA Literature Review](res://#dna-review) on the conditions under which DNA can degrade.

# Collection

An adversary can collect a DNA sample:

- From a surface known to contain DNA, such as a visible biological mark (e.g. saliva or blood).
- From a surface suspected of containing DNA, such as a door handle suspected to have been touched by a suspect at an action site.

An adversary can use techniques to facilitate DNA collection, such as:

- Soot removal techniques to collect DNA samples hidden beneath soot after a fire.
- Luminol to locate blood samples invisible to the naked eye.

# Analysis

An adversary can analyze a DNA sample to identify genetic markers of the DNA. Such an analysis is successful if:

- The sample contains enough DNA. For example, a drop of blood contains significantly more DNA than skin cells left through brief contact between skin and a surface.
- The DNA isn't too degraded.
- All or most of the DNA in the sample is from at most three individuals.

An adversary can compare *two* successfully analyzed DNA samples to:

- Determine whether they come from the same individual. For example, they can compare a DNA sample collected from the mouth of a suspect in custody to a DNA sample collected at an action site and, if they match, conclude that the suspect was likely present at the action site.
- Determine whether they come from individuals closely related genetically, such as parents and their children, siblings, or cousins.

An adversary can also use a *single* successfully analyzed DNA sample to:

- Determine the individual's genetic sex.
- Attempt to predict the individual's appearance using forensic DNA phenotyping. Currently, eye, hair, and skin color can be predicted with relatively high accuracy, and research is ongoing to attempt to predict other characteristics. This technique is not used in all contexts.

# DNA databases

In many countries, the State has DNA databases containing the DNA of many individuals, often obtained during arrests or as part of criminal convictions.

Countries can exchange DNA data with each other through:

- International DNA databases, such as the Interpol DNA database or the Europol Information System.
- Linked or networked national DNA databases. For example, European Union member states are required to maintain a DNA database that other member states can access.
- Request-based exchange of DNA data, typically in cases of serious crimes.

# See also

- [DNA You Say? Burn Everything to Burn Longer: A Guide to Leaving No Traces](res://#dna-you-say) for an overview of DNA forensics.
- The [No Trace Project DNA Literature Review](res://#dna-review) for a collection of useful details on DNA forensics, taken from academic literature.
- The ["DNA" topic](res://#topic=dna).
[!collection-of-dna-sample.jpg|right|small-web-default-pdf|centerCaption!]
Collection of a DNA sample using a swab.

DNA forensics is the collection and analysis of DNA samples for the purpose of matching DNA samples to individuals.

DNA is the molecule that contains the genetic code of organisms. Every cell[^With the exception of red blood cells.] in a human body has DNA. Each individual's DNA is unique, with the exception of identical twins. An adversary can compare an individual's DNA with a DNA sample collected from an item or location and, if they match, conclude that the individual was likely in contact with that item or location.

# Transfer

Human body cells and the DNA they contain can directly transfer from the body to the environment. For example:

- When you sweat, urinate, defecate, or bleed, you leave sweat, urine, feces, or blood.
- When you breathe or speak, you emit respiratory droplets from your mouth and nose that contain saliva and mucus.
- When you touch a surface with your skin, skin cells transfer from your skin to the surface.
- Even when you're not doing anything, you are constantly shedding skin cells and hair.

Human body cells can also transfer indirectly. For example, if you touch the outside of a pair of gloves with your fingers, then put the gloves on and touch a door handle, your skin cells can transfer first from your fingers to the outside of the gloves and then from the outside of the gloves to the door handle.

See the "Transfer" section of the [No Trace Project DNA Literature Review](res://#dna-review) for more details on direct and indirect DNA transfer.

# Degradation

DNA is very robust and does not easily degrade, but it can degrade under certain conditions, such as when exposed to high temperatures or sodium hypochlorite.

See the "Degradation" section of the [No Trace Project DNA Literature Review](res://#dna-review) on the conditions under which DNA can degrade.

# Collection

An adversary can collect a DNA sample:

- From a surface known to contain DNA, such as a visible biological mark (e.g. saliva or blood).
- From a surface suspected of containing DNA, such as a door handle suspected to have been touched by a suspect at an action site.

An adversary can use techniques to facilitate DNA collection, such as:

- Soot removal techniques to collect DNA samples hidden beneath soot after a fire.
- Luminol to locate blood samples invisible to the naked eye.

# Analysis

An adversary can analyze a DNA sample to identify genetic markers of the DNA. Such an analysis is successful if:

- The sample contains enough DNA. For example, a drop of blood contains significantly more DNA than skin cells left through brief contact between skin and a surface.
- The DNA isn't too degraded.
- All or most of the DNA in the sample is from at most three individuals.

An adversary can compare *two* successfully analyzed DNA samples to:

- Determine whether they come from the same individual. For example, they can compare a DNA sample collected from the mouth of a suspect in custody to a DNA sample collected at an action site and, if they match, conclude that the suspect was likely present at the action site.
- Determine whether they come from individuals closely related genetically, such as parents and their children, siblings, or cousins.

An adversary can also use a *single* successfully analyzed DNA sample to:

- Determine the individual's genetic sex.
- Attempt to predict the individual's appearance using forensic DNA phenotyping. Currently, eye, hair, and skin color can be predicted with relatively high accuracy, and research is ongoing to attempt to predict other characteristics. This technique is not used in all contexts.

# DNA databases

In many countries, the State has DNA databases containing the DNA of many individuals, often obtained during arrests or as part of criminal convictions.

Countries can exchange DNA data with each other through:

- International DNA databases, such as the Interpol DNA database or the Europol Information System.
- Linked or networked national DNA databases. For example, European Union member states are required to maintain a DNA database that other member states can access.
- Request-based exchange of DNA data, typically in cases of serious crimes.

# See also

- [DnaNA You Say? Burn Everything to Burn Longer: A Guide to Leaving No Traces](res://#dna-you-say) for an overview of DNA forensics.
- The [No Trace Project DNA Literature Review](res://#dna-review) for a collection of useful details on DNA forensics, taken from academic literature.
- The ["DNA" topic](res://#topic=dna).
techniques.forensics.dna.description
08/04/2026
User avatar ntp

String updated in the repository
Covert surveillance devices are electronic devices hidden by an adversary to collect data: audio, video, and location data.

# Where

An adversary can hide covert surveillance devices in buildings, in or on vehicles, or outdoors. Notable locations include:

- Microphones and cameras hidden inside the home of a target.
- Location trackers hidden in or on the vehicle of a target.
- Cameras hidden at the windows of a building close to the home of a target, such that the cameras can film the entrance to the home.

# When

An adversary can hide covert surveillance devices for long-term surveillance (e.g. weeks, months or years), or short-term surveillance of specific events. A covert surveillance device can disappear:

- Most often, when it is retrieved by its installers.
- In some cases, when it is inadvertently discovered and removed by the people under surveillance.
- In rare cases, when it is deliberately discovered (through a [bug search](tl://mitigations/bug-search.html)) and removed by the people under surveillance.

# Power supply

Covert surveillance devices require a power supply, which can be either a battery or the electrical system of the building or vehicle in which the device is hidden, or both. In rare cases, they may be powered by Power over Ethernet (PoE). To save battery power and make it harder to detect them, devices may not be powered on all the time.

# Data transmission

Covert surveillance devices often transmit the data they collect:

- Most often for low-cost modern devices, over the mobile phone network using a SIM card included in the device.
- In some cases over WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, or arbitrary radio frequencies.

Some devices never transmit the data they collect: to retrieve the data, the adversary needs to physically access them.

# See also

- [Ears and Eyes](eae://).
- The ["Hidden devices" topic](res://#topic=hidden-devices).
Covert surveillance devices are electronic devices hidden by an adversary to collect data: audio, video, and location data.

# Where

An adversary can hide covert surveillance devices in buildings, in or on vehicles, or outdoors. Notable locations include:

- Microphones and cameras hidden inside the home of a target.
- Location trackers hidden in or on the vehicle of a target.
- Cameras hidden at the windows of a building close to the home of a target, such that the cameras can film the entrance to the home.

# When

An adversary can hide covert surveillance devices for long-term surveillance (e.g. weeks, months or years), or short-term surveillance of specific events. A covert surveillance device can disappear:

- Most often, when it is retrieved by its installers.
- In some cases, when it is inadvertently discovered and removed by a third partythe people under surveillance.
- In rare cases, when it is deliberately discovered (through a [bug search](tl://mitigations/bug-search.html)) and removed by a third partythe people under surveillance.

# Power supply

Covert surveillance devices require a power supply, which can be either a battery or the electrical system of the building or vehicle in which the device is hidden, or both. In rare cases, they may be powered by Power over Ethernet (PoE). To save battery power and make it harder to detect them, devices may not be powered on all the time.

# Data transmission

Covert surveillance devices often transmit the data they collect:

- Most often for low-cost modern devices, over the mobile phone network using a SIM card included in the device.
- In some cases over WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, or arbitrary radio frequencies.

Some devices never transmit the data they collect: to retrieve the data, the adversary needs to physically access them.

# See also

- [Ears and Eyes](eae://).
- The ["Hidden devices" topic](res://#topic=hidden-devices).
techniques.covert-surveillance-devices.description
08/04/2026
User avatar ntp

String updated in the repository
A covert house visit is a discreet visit of a residence conducted by an adversary when the occupants are not present.

An adversary can conduct a covert house visit to:

- Gather information.
- Install [covert surveillance devices](tl://techniques/covert-surveillance-devices.html) in the residence.
- Install [malware](tl://techniques/targeted-digital-surveillance/malware.html) on digital devices.

Generally, when an adversary conducts a covert visit of a residence, they do not want the occupants to know that the operation has taken place. Therefore, in general:

- If the residence has locked doors, the adversary must bypass the doors without visibly breaking them. They can do this by picking the locks or asking the building owner for the keys.
- The adversary refrains from seizing items or moving things.

In addition to visiting the residence, the adversary can covertly seize garbage from outside the residence in the hope of finding valuable information (e.g., written notes, forensic evidence such as DNA traces).
A covert house visit is a discreet visit of a residence conducted by an adversary when the occupants are not present.

An adversary can conduct a covert house visit to:

- Gather information.
- Install [covert surveillance devices](tl://techniques/covert-surveillance-devices.html) in the residence.
- Install [malware](tl://techniques/targeted-digital-surveillance/malware.html) on digital devices.

Generally, when an adversary conducts a covert visit of a residence, they do not want the occupants to know that the operation has taken place. Therefore, in general:

- If the residence has locked doors, the adversary must bypass the doors without visibly breaking them. They can do this by picking the locks or asking the building owner for the keys.
- The adversary refrains from seizing items or moving things.

In addition to visiting the residence, the adversary can covertly seize garbage from outside the residence in the hope of finding valuable information (e.g., written notes, forensics evidence such as DNA traces).
techniques.covert-house-visit.description
08/04/2026
User avatar ntp

String updated in the repository
DNA samples matching Louna's DNA were collected from:[^Private source.]

- A garbage bag and a surgical mask, partially burned, seized near the burned excavator.
- A pair of shorts seized in her hospital room while she was hospitalized.
- A paper cup seized when she was taken into custody.
- A spoon and a napkin seized while she was in custody, after a meal.

DNA samples matching the DNA of a person seen asking after Louna in the corridors of the hospital were collected from:

- A pair of shorts seized in Louna's hospital room while she was hospitalized.
- A surgical mask found in the shorts.

Unusable DNA samples were collected from:

- A partially burned hammer found in the cab of the burned excavator, the window of which had been broken.
- A torch—a piece of wood tipped with a cloth soaked in flammable liquid—found near the burned excavator.
DNA samples matching Louna's DNA were collected from:[^Private source.]

- A garbage bag and a surgical mask, partially burned, seized near the burned excavator.
- A pair of shorts seized in her hospital room while she was hospitalized.
- A paper cup seized when she was taken into custody.
- A spoon and a napkin seized while she was in custody, after a meal.

DNA samples matching the DNA of a person seen asking after Louna in the corridors of the hospital were collected from:

- A pair of shorts seized in Louna's hospital room while she was hospitalized.
- A surgical mask found in the shorts.

Unusable DNA samples were collected from:

- A partially burned hammer found in the cab of the burned excavator, the window of which had been broken.
- A torch—a piece of wood tipped with a cloth soaked in flammable liquid—found near the burned excavator.
operations.case-against-louna.techniques.forensics.dna
08/04/2026
User avatar ntp

String updated in the repository
In June 2020, people were arrested in Spain and France, thanks to cooperation between Italian, Spanish, and French intelligence and police forces.[^https://malacoda.noblogs.org/anarchici-imprigionati]

During the investigation Italian cops tried to target a person living in Germany.[^https://attaque.noblogs.org/post/2022/02/20/italie-allemagne-de-rome-a-bialystok-en-passant-par-berlin] They sent several requests to German police to extradite the person or have their house searched but the requests were rejected.
In June 2020, people were arrested in Spain and France, thanks to cooperation between Italian, Spanish, and French intelligence and police forces.[^https://malacoda.noblogs.org/anarchici-imprigionati]

During the investigation Italian cops tried to target a person living in Germany.[^https://attaque.noblogs.org/post/2022/02/20/italie-allemagne-de-rome-a-bialystok-en-passant-par-berlin] They sent several requests to German police to extradite the person or have their house searched but the requests were rejected.
operations.bialystok.techniques.international-cooperation
08/04/2026
User avatar ntp

String updated in the repository
Stash spots and safe houses are two ways to store incriminating materials. If incriminating materials are stored in a stash spot or safe house instead of in your home, they won't be found by an adversary in the event of a [house raid](tl://techniques/house-raid.html) or a [covert visit](tl://techniques/covert-house-visit.html) of your residence. A stash spot is a hidden place, often outdoors, that is unlikely to be stumbled upon. A safe house is a house, apartment, or other space that an adversary doesn't know you're using.

Stash spots and safe houses each have advantages and disadvantages:

- It is easier to set up a stash spot.
- It is easier to [minimize DNA traces](tl://mitigations/dna-minimization-protocols.html) in a stash spot.
- It is easier to change the location of a stash spot.
- A safe house provides more storage space and can be used for purposes other than storage such as sleeping, preparing materials, etc.

Examples of stash spots include:

- A box buried in a wooded area far from a trail (so hikers don't risk stumbling upon it).
- A hidden place in an abandoned building tucked away somewhere.

Examples of safe houses include:

- A house, apartment, or other space rented with a [fake ID](tl://mitigations/fake-id.html) and cash.
- The home of someone you trust and who is willing to take the risk this complicity entails, but who is far enough away from networks that are under surveillance.

If an adversary finds out about a stash spot or safe house, they can start monitoring it in order to identify you when you access it, as has happened in Italy where motion-activated cameras were installed to monitor a forest stash spot.[^https://actforfree.noblogs.org/post/2022/06/24/italy-youll-find-us-in-our-place-as-we-cant-stay-in-yours-on-the-diamante-investigation] Because of this, when accessing a stash spot or safe house, you can:

- Practice [anti-surveillance](tl://mitigations/anti-surveillance.html) to counter the risk of physical surveillance.
- [Dress anonymously](tl://mitigations/anonymous-dress.html) to counter the risk of being observed or recorded.
- Practice [tamper-evident preparation](tl://mitigations/tamper-evident-preparation.html) to ensure that the stash spot or safe house hasn't been accessed by an adversary.

See also:

- "[Stash this text!](res://#stash-text)" for advice on using stash spots.
- "[Security Culture and Safe Houses: Sustaining the Network, Nurturing Continuity](res://#safe-houses)" for a historical perspective on the use of safe houses by anarchists.
Stash spots and safe houses are two ways to store incriminating materials. If incriminating materials are stored in a stash spot or safe house instead of in your home, they won't be found by an adversary in the event of a [house raid](tl://techniques/house-raid.html) or a [covert visit](tl://techniques/covert-house-visit.html) of your residence. A stash spot is a hidden place, often outdoors, that is unlikely to be stumbled upon. A safe house is a house, apartment, or other space that an adversary doesn't know you're using.

Stash spots and safe houses each have advantages and disadvantages:

- It is easier to set up a stash spot.
- It is easier to [minimize DNA traces](tl://mitigations/dna-minimization-protocols.html) in a stash spot.
- It is easier to change the location of a stash spot.
- A safe house provides more storage space and can be used for purposes other than storage such as sleeping, preparing materials, etc.

Examples of stash spots include:

- A box buried in a wooded area far from a trail (so hikers don't risk stumbling upon it).
- A hidden place in an abandoned building tucked away somewhere.

Examples of safe houses include:

- A house, apartment, or other space rented with a [fake ID](tl://mitigations/fake-id.html) and cash.
- The home of someone you trust and who is willing to take the risk this complicity entails, but who is far enough away from networks that are under surveillance.

If an adversary finds out about a stash spot or safe house, they can start monitoring it in order to identify you when you access it, as has happened in Italy where motion-activated cameras were installed to monitor a forest stash spot.[^https://actforfree.noblogs.org/post/2022/06/24/italy-youll-find-us-in-our-place-as-we-cant-stay-in-yours-on-the-diamante-investigation] Because of this, when accessing a stash spot or safe house, you can:

- Practice [anti-surveillance](tl://mitigations/anti-surveillance.html) to counter the risk of physical surveillance.
- [Dress anonymously](tl://mitigations/anonymous-dress.html) to counter the risk of being observed or recorded.
- Practice [tamper-evident preparation](tl://mitigations/tamper-evident-preparation.html) to ensure that the stash spot or safe house hasn't been accessed by an adversary.

See also:

- "[Stash this text!](res://#stash-text)" for advice on using stash spots.
- "[Security Culture and Safe Houses: Sustaining the Network, Nurturing Continuity](res://#safe-houses)" for a historical perspective on the use of safe houses by anarchists.
mitigations.stash-spot-or-safe-house.description
08/04/2026
User avatar ntp

String updated in the repository
DNA minimization protocols allow you to manipulate objects while minimizing the amount of [DNA](tl://techniques/forensics/dna.html) you leave on them. Some protocols focus on never leaving DNA traces on an object in the first place. Other protocols focus on removing DNA traces from an object by chemically destroying DNA molecules.

DNA minimization protocols may involve:

- Purchasing an object in individual plastic packaging so that you don't risk leaving DNA on it until you open the packaging.
- Manipulating an object while wearing a new pair of non-permeable gloves (e.g. dish washing gloves) so that there are no DNA traces on the outside of the gloves that could be transferred to the object.
- Storing an object in a new, non-permeable garbage bag so that DNA from the environment doesn't contaminate the object during storage.
- Destroying DNA molecules with sodium hypochlorite, which is present in adequate concentrations in some brands of bleach.

See "[DNA You Say? Burn Everything to Burn Longer: A Guide to Leaving No Traces](res://#dna-you-say)" for protocol suggestions, and the ["DNA" topic](res://#topic=dna).
DNA minimization protocols allow you to manipulate objects while minimizing the amount of [DNA](tl://techniques/forensics/dna.html) you leave on them. Some protocols focus on never leaving DNA traces on an object in the first place. Other protocols focus on removing DNA traces from an object by chemically destroying DNA molecules.

DNA minimization protocols may involve:

- Purchasing an object in individual plastic packaging so that you don't risk leaving DNA on it until you open the packaging.
- Manipulating an object while wearing a new pair of non-permeable gloves (e.g. dish washing gloves) so that there are no DNA traces on the outside of the gloves that could be transferred to the object.
- Storing an object in a new, non-permeable garbage bag so that DNA from the environment doesn't contaminate the object during storage.
- Destroying DNA molecules with sodium hypochlorite, which is present in adequate concentrations in some brands of bleach.

See "[DnaNA You Say? Burn Everything to Burn Longer: A Guide to Leaving No Traces](res://#dna-you-say)" for protocol suggestions, and the ["DNA" topic](res://#topic=dna).
mitigations.dna-minimization-protocols.description
08/04/2026
User avatar None

Resource updated
The “threats/en.json” file was changed. 01/18/2026
User avatar None

String updated in the repository
An infiltrator is someone who infiltrates a group or network by posing as someone they are not in order to gain information or destabilize the group or network. They may come from police, intelligence or military forces, from a private company or contractor, or they may act for ideological reasons or under duress (e.g., they are told they will be imprisoned if they don't work as an infiltrator).

[Stop Hunting Sheep](res://#stop-hunting) describes five basic types of infiltrators:

1. Hang Around: Less active, attends meetings, events, collects documents, observes and listens.
2. Sleeper: Low-key at first, more active later.
3. Novice: Low political analysis, "helper", builds trust and credibility over longer term.
4. Super Activist: Out of nowhere, now everywhere. Joins multiple groups or committees, organizer.
5. Ultra-Militant: Advocates militant actions and conflict.

Infiltration can be "shallow" or "deep". A shallow infiltrator may have a fake ID, but is more likely to return to their normal life over the weekend. Shallow infiltration generally occurs earlier in the intelligence gathering lifecycle than deep infiltration, when targets are still being identified. In contrast, a deep undercover lives the role 24 hours a day, for extended periods of time (with periodic breaks). They may have a job, an apartment, a partner, or even a family as part of their undercover role. They will have a fake government-issued ID, employment and rental history, etc.

See also:

- The [Infiltrators Database](inf://) for a list of long-term infiltrators employed by authorities in the 21st century.
- The ["Infiltrators and informants" topic](res://#topic=infiltrators-and-informants).
An infiltrator is someone who infiltrates a group or network by posing as someone they are not in order to gain information or destabilize the group or network. They may come from police, intelligence or military forces, from a private company or contractor, or they may act for ideological reasons or under duress (e.g., they are told they will be imprisoned if they don't work as an infiltrator).

[Stop Hunting Sheep](res://#stop-hunting) describes five basic types of infiltrators:

1. Hang Around: Less active, attends meetings, events, collects documents, observes and listens.
2. Sleeper: Low-key at first, more active later.
3. Novice: Low political analysis, "helper", builds trust and credibility over longer term.
4. Super Activist: Out of nowhere, now everywhere. Joins multiple groups or committees, organizer.
5. Ultra-Militant: Advocates militant actions and conflict.

Infiltration can be "shallow" or "deep". A shallow infiltrator may have a fake ID, but is more likely to return to their normal life over the weekend. Shallow infiltration generally occurs earlier in the intelligence gathering lifecycle than deep infiltration, when targets are still being identified. In contrast, a deep undercover lives the role 24 hours a day, for extended periods of time (with periodic breaks). They may have a job, an apartment, a partner, or even a family as part of their undercover role. They will have a fake government-issued ID, employment and rental history, etc.

See talso:

- The [Infiltrators Database](inf://) for a list of long-term infiltrators employed by authorities in the 21st century.
- The ["Infiltrators and informants" topic](res://#topic=infiltrators-and-informants).
01/18/2026
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