The FSB claimed it uncovered a cyber operation orchestrated by Western intelligence agencies and major tech companies to secretly compromise the smartphones of high-ranking Russian officials. According to the FSB, malware installed on the devices allowed foreign actors to steal personal data, wiretap calls, and remotely monitor and record audio and activity. The FSB stated that the operation leveraged technical infrastructures associated with major international IT and telecommunications providers to facilitate covert data collection. The FSB claimed the operation began unraveling in 2023 and that artificial intelligence has made this kind of mass surveillance cheaper and faster than traditional methods. The FSB did not identify any of the allegedly compromised Russian officials. According to europesays.com, an FSB officer claimed in a video that compromised Russian officials are systematically added to U.S. and EU sanctions lists after Western intelligence agents collect compromising materials to pressure them. The FSB's claims are detailed and notable regardless of verification status.