--- Page 1 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 Tab 1 e Electronic media reviewed ¢ People identified for an interview e Relevant personnel link chart e IIR dissemination flow chart (generic) e IIR recall decision tree SY e IPPG relevant sections e FBI Albany IIR#1 dissemination flow chart” e FBI Albany IIR #1 recall flow chart ¢ Pertinent electronic communications on 09/25/2020 ¢ Log of direct electronic communication between DAD Floris and DAD Ugoretz e Recalled IIR fab 3 a ¢ Emails from Albany discussing the I[R and Director Wray’s testimony Tab 4 e FBI Albany IIR #2 flow chart e Pertinent electronic communications from 09/26/2020 — 10/08/2020 ¢ DAD Floris IM with OGA Tab 5 e FITF lead to FBI Chicago flow chart Tab 6 ““— e IIR recall statistics from 2019-June 2025 --- Page 2 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 14 Count of SCINET Accounts Total Items Reviewed ——“ FBINET i { UNET [a 21456 24289 10351 692 Total FBINET Emails Reviewed Total Skype Messages Reviewed Total UNET Emails Reviewed Total Text Messages Reviewed 27 23 23 16 Count of FBINET Accounts Count of Skype Accounts Count of UNET Accounts Count of Phones —_———————. SCINET a HL) Totals 1432 Total FBINET Emails Reviewed 58220 1 03 Total Accounts Reviewed DRAFT --- Page 3 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 ( Contacted Scheduled Date Reinterview Time Interview #1 ew Interview #3 Interview #4 Status Sa SG Se a as eS SE ee de --- Page 4 --- ITF China CD a APPROVED FOR PUBLIC Counterintelligence Division a second - FITFCD ai RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT Criminal Investigative Division A/DAD Brian Cohen ciD sc |_| Fomby cD comm Global @ cD / \ / \ \ WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 Albany Field Office SAC Thomas Relford Albany ASA Albany Albany Albany Ga ri | i CRO Albany Albany SA/CHS Handler Albany A/CRO Albany Cyber Division Directorate of Intelligence AD Ryan Young AD Frankland Gorham cyD am Byron | « ~ DAD Tonva Ugoretz oe cyD a SC Kethe Hardiman IMS Dt ] ASC! — RICU DI cYD --- Page 5 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TOE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY IIR Dissemination Flow Chart Handling Agent Meets with Source Handling Agent Drafts FD-1023 Source Report in Delta SSA Approves FD-1023 in Delta The Report Duplicates to Sentinel The Analyst Assigns an Intel Review (RMS) in Sentinel Does Not Meet DRAIN: The Analyst Cl s the Intel Review in Sentinel The Analyst Tags the Report and Ass DRAIN Crite Does Meet DRAIN: eer tases Deconfliction/Coordination Requested From Ops, Intel, and y Intel j The IIR is Sent to the CRO : Approval Requested From Legal, Executive Management, and HQ By Intel eeded) The IIR is Disseminated by the CRO DRAIN Criteria - (Per RIRM, 2019) Detailed — Each IIR must contain intelligence sufficiently detailed to be of operational, investigative, and/or analytic value Respects the Rights of USPERs - liRs must respect the rights of USPERs to participate in constitutionally protected activities, such as speech and assembly. Authoritative - IR authors, reviewers, and releasers must ensure that the source of the information in the IIR could credibly have had access to the information provided. Of Interest - IRs must address a valid intelligence requirement to be considered “of interest.” New - IRs should contain information that the USIC does not already have or cannot obtain through open sources. UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY DRAFT --- Page 6 --- UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) DECISION TREE (U//FOUO) What is the action needed in relation to the original IIR? Change It Add to It Cancel It ‘ ‘ Haiti pris Does Not Affect Affects Significant (Non Significant Concerns Substance ee Substantive) re: Accuracy of Technical, Legal, or FISA- information or Policy Issue(s) Compliance Integrity of the Source Adminstrative Substantive Revision Revision Adminstrative Substantive Recall Recall y FISA- Compliance Recall UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICAL USE ONLY 2 --- Page 7 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 UNCLASSIFIED//FOUO (U) Intelligence Program Policy Guide ia (U//FOUO) BLG reports must be written by IAs. (For more information, see the Bureau Control System BLUEGEM Policy Guide [1012PG] [links to a SECRET//NOFORN policy document]). 9.2. (U) Thresholds for Raw Intelligence Product Types (U//FOUO) All raw intelligence product types must meet the “DRAIN” threshold to be suitable for release as FBI raw intelligence reports. Additional threshold requirements exist for each type of raw reporting as well. 9.2.1. (U) DRAIN Threshold (U//FOUO) All four raw intelligence product types must meet the DRAIN threshold. DRAIN stands for: 1. (U) Detailed 2. (U) Respectful of the rights of USPERs 3. (U) Authoritative 4. (U) Of Interest 5. (U) New (U) For additional guidance on meeting the DRAIN threshold, see the FBI Raw Intelligence Reports Manual. 9.2.1.1. (U//FOUO) Detailed (U//FOUO) All raw intelligence reports must contain actionable intelligence and must be - sufficiently detailed to be of operational, investigative, or analytical value to recipients. 9.2.1.2. (U//FOUO) Respectful of the Rights of United States Persons (U//FOUO) All raw intelligence reports must be respectful of the rights of USPERs to participate in constitutionally protected activities, such as freedom of speech and the right to assemble. A raw report cannot solely describe activities and the expression of thoughts that are protected by the U.S. Constitution. Raw reports may include USPER information only if (1) the USPER’s identity is necessary to understand the report or to assess its importance, (2) dissemination is limited to entities that have the subject matter of the report as part of their authorized functions, and (3) the identification of the USPER does not compromise any operation or investigation. The IPM (or designee) must determine that these requirements have been met in order to identify an USPER. The authoring FBIHQ division or FO does not need to obtain legal review to name the USPER unless the raw report meets another legal review trigger, as articulated in subsections 9.2.2.3. and 9.4.4. of this PG. 9.2.1.3. (U//FOUO) Authoritative (U//FOUO) All raw intelligence report authors, reviewers, and approvers must determine that the source of the information in the raw report could credibly have had access to the information provided. The credibility of the source’s placement and access is specific to each report, the report author must make an assessment for each report based on the information provided by the source, as well as any information provided by subsources. 40 UNCLASSIFIED//FOUO --- Page 8 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 UNCLASSIFIED//FOUO (U) Intelligence Program Policy Guide = 9.6.3. (U) Public Corruption Information Report Documentation (U//FOUO) Disseminated PCIRs must be stored in Sentinel. PCIRs must be serialized to the INTELPRODS subfiles of the investigative Assessments or case files from which their information was derived. All PCIRs must be serialized to file 804B-HQ-C3043777 in Sentinel. 9.6.4, (U) BLUEGEM Report Documentation (U) BLG reports must be documented according to the procedures outlined in subsection 4.6. of the Bureau Control System BLUEGEM Policy Guide (1012PG) [links to a SECRET//NOFORN document]. 9.7. (U) Dissemination, Revision, or Recall of Raw Intelligence Product Types 9.7.1, (U) Dissemination, Revision, or Recall Process for Intelligence Information Reports 9.7.1.1. (U) Limited Distribution of Intelligence Information Reports (U//FOUO) A limited-distribution IIR must be held to the same dissemination thresholds as a standard-dissemination IIR. Limited-distribution IRs may only be used for circumstances in which the reported intelligence is exceptionally sensitive in nature. When drafting a limited-distribution IIR, the distribution list may not be so limited that the IIR is released to a single agency or solely within the FBI. (U//FOUO) For more information and guidance on limited-distribution TIRs, see the Raw Intelligence Reports Manual. 9.7.1.2. (U) Intelligence Information Report Revisions and Recalls (U//FOUO) A revision is a correction resulting in the reissuance of an IIR with the same serial number. A recall uses the same serial number to announce the cancellation of an IIR. An IIR may be revised or recalled for either administrative or substantive reasons. If a report needs to be revised or recalled for both administrative and substantive reasons, the report must be labeled a substantive revision or a substantive recall. (U//FOUO) ODNI guidelines do not allow for the modification of a subject line or the administrative page. If either change is necessary, the entire IIR must be recalled and reissued with a new serial number. Report authors must not cite the original report or the administrative recall in the reissued report. (U//FOUO) For more guidance on recalling or revising IIRs, see the Raw Intelligence Reports Manual. 9.7.2. (U) Dissemination, Revision, and Recall Procedures for Situational Information Reports and Public Corruption Information Reports (U//FOUO) FBIHQ divisions/FOs authoring SIRs must ensure that the approved SIRs are disseminated to the appropriate state, local, and tribal LE partners. Revision and recall procedures for SIRs and PCIRs must follow the same processes mandated for IIRs in subsection 9.7.1. of this PG. 48 UNCLASSIFIED//FOUO --- Page 9 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL 70. THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 AFT UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY FBI Albany IIR #1 Dissemination Flow Chart Meets With Walk-in Walk-In Collects Reporting 1023 Report in Delta SSA Kpproves FD- 1023 in Delta The Report Duplicates to Assigns an Intel Sentinel (RMS) eview in Sentinel Begins Drafting IIR from CRO in Sentinel 8 ction is Requested From SSA and SA via Sentinel RO Provides IIR Edits to lA via Email 1A RetUirns !IR to CRO via Sentinel Requested From Legat The IIR is Disseminated Beijing by CRO by CRO via Email The IIR is Recalled by CRO UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY DRAFT --- Page 10 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 DRAFT UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY FBI Albany IIR #1 Recall Flow Chart Friday, 25 September 2020 Ris Disseminated by CRO Key - Albany and HQ ASC Emails SIA to Ask if Consider Related Intelligence 9/25/2 4:53 PM Cyber and CD DADs are “directly req Gone Out and Recommends Recall to Indicate 9/25 M) Albany is Not Planning SIA Emails ASC ware . iterview of Source de Will Pr Update “This report was recalled in order to re- interview the source” Ugortez UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY DRAFT --- Page 11 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 UNCLASSIFIED//FOUO September 25, 2025 approximate) 23 a.m. FBI Albany disseminates IIR 4 212 7305 20. 10:19 a.m. Foreign Influence Task Force (FITF)-China personnel receive IIR via email. | 10:27 a.m. FITF-China i RINE sacs out via Skype to FBI Albany SIA, | pak regarding IIR. 10:57 a.m. SIA mails IIR to FITF SC Bradley Benavides (Benavides) and FITF ASC EE | 11:59 a.m. SIA| mails FBI Albany team, “I spoke with Hilfe artier in case he receives inquires from operation components at HQ, but to make sure others involved in this IIR are also in the loop, | received a call from two SIAs at FBIHQ/CD who indicated this IIR was getting | highlighted within CD and they had a few questions....” | 12:34 p.m. CD DAD Nikki Floris receives IIR via email from SC Benavides. [4:43 p.m. FBI Albany SA,iilemailed FBI Albany team, “..earlier today |had a conversation with FBIHQ IA about his IIR...” 4:18 p.m. DAD Floris sends email to A/DAD CID Brian Cohen (Cohen), CID cc’ing CyD DAD Tonya Ugoretz (Ugoretz), CyD ASC; and SC Benavides, “Hi team CID, Are you guys tracking this IIR? Given the topic, this is obviously going to get quite a bit of attention. Thoughts on CID adding in some additional analysts comments on this to put this reporting into context?” 4:24 p.m. | DAD Ugoretz replies to DAD Floris’ email, “Thanks. This is fun.” 4:35 p.m. DI SC Kellie Hardiman (Hardiman) emails DI Raw Intelligence Coordination Unit (RICU) UC HE “0 2cidition to the IIR we discussed this morning, another election related IIR went out today that is creating a stir. DAD Floris wants us to work with the FITF to push out guidance....” | 4:52 p.m. SC Benavides emails SC Hardiman, “Thanks for helping us out...the NY and Albany FOs have pushed two IIRs in the past two days, neither of which should have gone out in my opinion...that said, I’ve asked the FITF to craft language that FOs can use directing them to coordinate with FITF/HQ on election related intelligence prior to its dissemination...” and | forwards this email to DAD Floris at 5:08 p.m. 4:53 p.m. ASC mails DAD Floris and states “[i]t’s first contact with a source. They were trying to get in front of the source a second time. It never should have gone out and we recommend an admin recall.” DAD Ugoretz was included on the email distribution list. | | 4:55 p.m. DAD Floris responds “Awesome, thanks So is AL going to recall this? Just FYI, I’ve hit up } the DI about ALL election related IIRs having to come through HQ for review. More to followon | that!” ae | 5:06 p.m. ASC[emails S!A RM “An IIR AL sent out today is getting a lot of attention from all HQ divisions. We know that the source is first contact and hasn’t been reinterviewed. Are you considering recalling the IIR until you can track the source down and re-interview? Everything election is getting scrutiny and we just want to be sure we have reliable sourcing.” | 5:08 p.m. ASC Hi csponcs to DAD Floris, “I shot the SIA a message explaining the situation and } asking them to recall, at least, until they re-interview the guy. Seems like everyone was caught off guard by it.” DAD Ugoretz was included on the email distribution list. UNCLASSIFIED//FOUO --- Page 12 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 UNCLASSIFIED//FOUO 5:09 p.m. | DAD Floris responds, “Good deal, thanks again Let us know if you need anything from us on this. Totally concur to pull this back til we get back in front of this guy. TGIF right @” ~ 5:15 p.m. SIA [Be maits ASCII “.... we have no reason to recall at this point fihas been | Pies oirie __| trying to recontact the CHS this afternoon.” a | 5:17 p.m. ASCP maits yt “Hey, right after | got off the phone with you, | was contacted by —_ Cyber DAD and CD DAD. They are directly requesting it be recalled until he is re-interviewed...” 5:20 p.m. ASC [iiemails DAD Floris, “I talked to the S They aren’t looking to recall | it, they believe it meets DRAIN. | warned them this may get elevated and they said their SAC and ASAC are aware of the interest...” | 5:21 p.m. ASCE mails DAD Floris, “[t]his is moving fast. He just notified me they will recall it. Boom mic drop.” |5:22p.m. __| DAD Floris responds, “AAAAAAAH SNAPSI!!!! Well donefTHANK YOU for handling!!!” 5:24 p.m. _ SIAR maits ASC “Can who give me the names of the DADs so we can cite that?” 5:24 p.m. DAD Floris responds to SC Benavides with others CC’d (including DAD Ugoretz) email | | regarding FOs coordination with FITF/HQ on election related intelligence, “FYI ...we’ll get this _ | rs back in a box!” “5:24 p.m. ~ | DAD Floris separately responds to SC Benavides regarding FOs coordination with FITF/HQ on election related intelligence to only FITF SC, “TY! AL going to recall their IIR.” [5:25 p.m. ASC] mails SL. “Yup. Nikki Floris (CD) and Tonya Ugoretz (Cyber). They are over | | the Intel shops.” | 5:28 p.m. aa SC Benavides responds via email to DAD Floris, “Fact or suggestion for them to recall?” | 5:32 p.m. | DAD Floris responds to SC Benavides via email, “Fact. Boom.” 6:14 p.m. SIA emails ASC | “The IIR has been submitted for recall...” + 6:31 p.m. AS emails group including DAD Floris and DAD Ugoretz, “All, the IIR has been recalled. Crisis averted! We will stay engaged for when they track the source down again.” 6:35 p.m. DAD Floris replies to ASCIroup email, “Outstanding, thanks all!” | DAD Ugoretz was included on the email distribution list. UNCLASSIFIED//FOUO --- Page 13 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 EGED DOCUMEN STRATEGIC REVIEW ALBANY IIR 07/08/2025 — 07/20/2025 DAD Nikki Floris and DAD Tonya Ugoretz 9/25/2020 Conversations Time: Account: From: To: Summary (Skype thr UTC) 12:32 Local Skype Floris Ugoretz another fucking IIR went out re election security 16:32:00 (UTC) 12:34 Local Skype Floris Ugoretz 4212 7305 20 16:34:09 (UTC) 16:06 Local Skype Ugoretz Floris oh crap 20:06:26 (UTC) 16:06 Local Skype Ugoretz, Floris how's the sourcing on the new IIR? 20:07:31(UTC) 16:18 Local FBINET Floris COHEN. Hi team CID, Are you guys tracking this IIR? Given the topic, this is obv jously 20:18 (UTC) going to get quite a bit of attention. Thoughts on CID adding in some additional analysts comments on this to put this reporting into context? Thanks! Nikki z| DLEY 16:24 Local FBINET Ugoretz Floris Thanks. This is fun. 20:24 (UTC) 16:27 Local Skype Floris Ugoretz i don't even know what to say anymore 20:27:48 (UTC) 17:22 Local Skype Floris Ugoretz you all have the montly fitf stuff on yellow 21:22:21 (UTC) __+7:21 Local Skype Floris Ugoretz let's rally up monday and make sure we're all good 21:22:27 (UTC) 17:22 Local Skype Floris Ugoretz im out of energy and brain power at this poitn 21:22:33 (UTC) 17:48 Local Skype Ugoretz Floris It’s a plan(d) 21:48:18 (UTC) Page | of | DELIBERATIVE PROCESS PRIVILEGED DOCUMENT --- Page 14 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 DTG: 2009252204z PRECEDENCE: ROUTINE INFO PRECEDENCE: ROUTINE FM DIRECTOR FBI TO ALL FBI FIELD OFFICES/ROUTINE INFO 24AF LACKLAND AFB TX/ROUTINE/ 543 ISR GP LACKLAND AFB TX/ROUTINE/ AMEMBASSY BEIJING/ROUTINE/ CDR USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE/ROUTINE/ CDR USEUCOM INTEL VAIHINGEN GE/ROUTINE/ CDR USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//J2///ROUTINE/ CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI/ROUTINE/ CDR USPACOM JECG HONOLULU HI/ROUTINE/ CDR USPACOM LO WASHINGTON DC/ROUTINE/ CDR USSTRATCOM ABNCP OFFUTT AFB NE/ROUTINE/ CDR USSTRATCOM OFFUTT AFB NE/ROUTINE/ CDR USSTRATCOM OFFUTT AFB NE//J2/ROUTINE/ CDR USTRANSCOM INTEL CELL SCOTT AFB IL/ROUTINE/ CDR USTRANSCOM SCOTT AFB IL/ROUTINE/ Y CDR USTRANSCOM TCJ2 SCOTT AFB IL/ROUTINE/ CDRINSCOM FT BELVOIR VA /ROUTINE/ CDRNGIC CHARLOTTESVILLE VA/ROUTINE/ CIA WASHINGTON DC/ROUTINE/ COGARD INTELCOORDCEN WASHINGTON DC/ROUTINE/ DA AMHS WASHINGTON DC/ROUTINE/ DA WASHINGTON DC/ROUTINE/ DCIS WASHINGTON DC/ROUTINE/ DEPT OF ENERGY WASHINGTON DC/ROUTINE/ DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY WASHINGTON DC/ROUTINE/ DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHINGTON DC/ROUTINE/ DEPT OF STATE WASHINGTON DC/ROUTINE/ DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC//INTEL///ROUTINE/ DIA WASHINGTON DC/ROUTINE/ DIRACIC FT GEORGE G MEADE MD/ROUTINE/ DIRMSIC REDSTONE ARSENAL AL/ROUTINE/ DIRNAVCRIMINVSERV WASHINGTON DC/ROUTINE/ DIRNSA FT GEORGE G MEADE MD/ROUTINE/ DNI WASHINGTON DC/ROUTINE/ DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMIN HQ WASHINGTON DC/ROUTINE/ DTRA OPSCENTER WASHINGTON DC/ROUTINE/ --- Page 15 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 DATE OF INFORMATION: (U) 00 AUG 2020 SUMMARY: (U) None. SOURCE: (U) A collaborative source with indirect access, none of whose reporting has been corroborated for less than one year. CONTEXT: (U//FOUO) The source obtained the information from an identified sub-source, who claimed they obtained the information from unidentified PRC government officials. WARNING: (U) SUBSTANTIVE RECALL: This is an information report, not finally evaluated intelligence. It is being shared. for informational purposes but has not been fully evaluated, integrated with other information, interpreted or analyzed. Receiving agencies are requested not to take action based,on this raw reporting without prior coordination with the FBI. Unless a conviction in a criminal proceeding occurs, a presumption of innocence exists for any person being reported on in this IIR. TEXT: (U//FOUO) NOTICE: This is a SUBSTANTIVE RECALL of an intelligence information report which was originally issued as FBI IIR 4 212 7305 20, original DTG 2009251123Z. Reason for SUBSTANTIVE RECALL: This report was recalled in order to re-interview the source. Recipients should destroy all copies of the original report and remove the original report from all computer holdings. Recipients should also ensure that any citation of the information in finished intelligence products draws on the SUBSTANTIVE RECALL of this report rather than the previous version. TOPIC: (U//FOUO) FINT FUNCTIONAL CODE: (U) IFC2637 REQUIREMENT: (U//FOUO) CHN2019A.1.B.7.3; CHN2019A.1.A.3.1; CHN2019A.I.A.3.2; RUS-ANARCHIST_EXT-CD-SR-0978-20.1.C.4; RUS-ANARCHIST_EXT-CD-SR-0978-20.1.C.2; . --- Page 16 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 —— BT SENSITIVE - FOR OFFICIAL FBI INTERNAL USE ONLY ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES: (U) Please remove the Administrative (Tickler) we Page of this communication when sharing the contents of this Intelligence Information Report with any non-FBI employees as the Administrative (Tickler) Page may contain sensitive information regarding Intelligence sources and methods, FBI investigative activity, and or US Person Information. (U//FOUO) A determination has been made by the Intelligence Program Manager that the identification of USPER(s) in this IIR is reasonably believed to be necessary to understand the IIR, convey intelligence information (e.g., imminent threat), or assess its importance. The Intelligence Program Manager further certifies that the PLA of this IIR has been narrowly tailored to include’ only those agencies reasonably believed to need this information in the performance of their authorized functions. (U//FOUO) The counterintelligence and foreign intelligence PLAs with LEGAT/AMEMBASSY Beijing was utilized for this report. (U//FOUO) DRAIN was conducted by 2 i --- Page 17 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 late August 2020 ORIGINATING OFFICE: (U) ALBANY SOURCE DOCUMENT SQUAD: (U) AL-3 CI COUNTRY: (U) People’s Republic of China; United States of America ---- SOURCE INFORMATION - PROTECT IDENTITY ---- (U//FOUO) This section contains sensitive source) information that cannot be released in whole or in part to FBI personnel without a need-to-know or persons or agencies outside the FBI. source: (//:000) 1. MOTIVATION: (U//FOUO) The source was motivated by a sense of indebtedness towards the United States after being granted asylum, and did not approve of the manner with which the PRC was governed. 2. ACCESS TO SOURCE INFORMATION: [MJ The source obtained the information from an identified sub-source in China who claimed contact with unidentified PRC government officials. 3. TIMELINESS TO SOURCE OF INFORMATION: (U//FOUO) The source obtained the information on an unspecified date prior to or on 23 August 2020. The FBI acquired the information on 24 August 2020. The date of information was masked for source protection. 4. CORROBORATION OF INFORMATION: (U) None. 5. HISTORY OF ASSOCIATION WITH FBI: (U//FOUO) The FBI opened the source on 14 August 2020. THREAT: (U) No. OPERATIONAL AGENT: (U//FOUO) PF COLLECTING AGENT/TFO: (U//FOUO) Po GROUP: (U) None. SERIAL NUMBER: (U) IIR 4 212 7305 20 LIAISON: FIELD: (U) None. DRAFTED BY: (U//FOUO) IPHONE NUMBER: RECEIVED BY: (U//FOUO) PHONE NUMBER: --- Page 18 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 (U//FOUO) Please conduct legal review for naming a USPER in this report. Thanks. (Requested review from D9-NSLB-IIR (UC) ) 2020-09-23T15:39:19.299-04:00 (U)_ For NSCLB review and approval. (Forwarded request for review to 2020-09-24T08:17:01.676-04:00 (U//FOUO) NSCLB reviewed and has no objections/comments. Thanks. FILE UPLOAD: (U) 802I-AL-49205-INTELPRODS Serial 207 and 800A-HQ-C1591622 Serial 175047 END OF MESSAGE Nw --- Page 19 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 AL) 2 nai st Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2020 10:20 AM Ter EE) 2) Subject: a Classification: ay TRANSITORY RECORD Based on the conflict of this information to that of the wider USIC, the fact that it contradicts Director Wray’s testimony to Congress, and the importance to the current administration, | think we should be ready to back up the IIR with a minimum of the following information and treat it like it will be going in front of tl ident. Personally, | am highly skeptical of this reporting based on the portions regarding COVID that veer into conspiracy theories. Regarding| © How was source found? e What is Source’s Access and Placement? e Source’s Reliability: o Howtrustworthy is source? o Howcompetent/knowledgeable? Scale of 1-10, how confident is the source in the reliability of the subsource’s information? © Is this subsource the same one who said that the Chinese Government had underground bases in Republican states to disperse Coronavirus? © Does the Source believe this? Regarding the Subsource: © What are the subsource’s age and identifiers? (not for sentinel, but to check on bona fides) © What position and agency does subsource work for? (doesn’t need to be in the IIR, but should be in Sentinel and the MATCH) e What Access and Placement does subsource have to this information? (as detailed as possible) --- Page 20 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 / y y/ Sent: ber 29, 2020 11: Subject: RE: IIR oe for the info. | would like to send to SSA Hire below. Let me know what you think, and I'll send it to SS nd Thanks. Based on the conflict of this information to that of the wider USIC, the fact that it contradicts Director Wray’s testimony to Congress, and the importance to the current administration, | think we should be ready to back up the IIR with a minimum of the following information and treat it like it will be going in front of the President. We're skeptical of this reporting based on the portions regarding COVID that veer into conspiracy theories. Regarding © How was source found? © What is Source’s Access and Placement? © Source’s Reliability: o How trustworthy is source? o Howcompetent/knowledgeable? © Scale of 1-10, how confident is the source in the reliability of the subsource’s information? © Is this subsource the same one who said that the Chinese Government had underground bases in Republican states to disperse Coronavirus? © Does the Source believe this? © Was the Coronavirus reporting received from the same identified subsource, or was it from multiple subsources? Regarding the Subsource: © What are the subsource’s age and identifiers? (not for sentinel, but to check on bona fides) © What position and agency does subsource work for? (doesn’t need to be in the IIR, but should be in Sentinel and the MATCH) © What Access and Placement does subsource have to this information? (as detailed as possible) © The first IIR had a source context statement that contained - The source obtained the information from an identified sub-source, who claimed they obtained the information from unidentified PRC government officials. © Does the subsource have access to PRC government officials? Or was the intelligence from one official? --- Page 21 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 on _ Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2020 10: "subj Classification: TRANSITORY RECORD Based on the conflict of this information to that of the wider USIC, the fact that it contradicts Director Wray’s testimony to Congress, and the importance to the current administration, | think we should be ready to back up the IIR with a minimum of the following information and treat it-like it will be going in front of the President. Personally, | am highly skeptical of this reporting based on the portions regarding COVID that veer into conspiracy theories. Regarding [i e How was source found? ¢ What is Source’s Access and Placement? — e Source’s Reliability: o How trustworthy is source? o Howcompetent/knowledgeable? e Scale of 1-10, how confident is the source.in the reliability of the subsource’s information? e Is this subsource the same one who said that the Chinese Government had underground bases in Republican states to disperse Coronavirus? o Does the Source believe this? Regarding the Subsource: « What are the subsource’s age and identifiers? (not for sentinel, but to check on bona fides) © What position and agency does subsource work for? (doesn’t need to be in the IIR, but should be in Sentinel and the MATCH) © What Access and Placement does subsource have to this information? (as detailed as possible) --- Page 22 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 SS) ::) Tuesday, September 29, 2020 11:29 AM ~ From: Sent: To: Ce: Subject: Classification: Po Based on the conflict of this information to that of the wider USIC, the fact that it contradicts Director Wray's testimony to Congress, and the importance to the current administration, | think we should be ready to back up the IIR with a minimum of the following information and treat it like it will be going in front of the President. We're skeptical of this reporting based on the portions regarding COVID that veer into conspiracy theories. Regarding ¢ How was source found? What is Source’s Access and Placement? © Source’s Reliability: o Howtrustworthy is source? Ne o Howcompetent/knowledgeable? © Scale of 1-10, how confident is the source in the reliability of the subsource’s information? e Is this subsource the same one who said that the Chinese Government had underground bases in Republican states to disperse Coronavirus? © Does the Source believe this? o Was the Coronavirus reporting received from the same identified subsource, or was it from multiple subsources? Regarding the Subsource: © What are the subsource’s age and identifiers? (not for sentinel, but to check on bona fides) What position and agency does subsource work for? (doesn’t need to be in the IIR, but should be in Sentinel and the MATCH) ¢ What Access and Placement does subsource have to this information? (as detailed as possible) The first IIR had a source context statement that contained - The source obtained the information from an identified sub-source, who claimed they obtained the information from unidentified PRC government officials. © Does the subsource have access to PRC government officials? Or was the intelligence from one official? ssa Can you also please send us the V file information that you and SIAM discussed earlier. Thank. _- ee --- Page 23 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 Classification: FP --- Page 24 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 ——— - on From: ) : Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2020 11:56 AM To: ‘AL) (FBI) Ce: (AL) (FBI AL) (FBI) Subject: RE: Additional Questions for Source Classification: s\Z- A new 1023 will be needed, that will have updated date of acquisition and contact, with an updated source context statement. AND it will have to run the gamut at HQ for review/approval. Again, the reporting will contradict Director Wray’s testimony. Thanks = co. Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2020 11:37 AM To (AL) (FBI) Cec AL) (FB1)} Subject: RE: Additional Questions foi ure = No re-issue of the same IIR either? If not, what is our reason for not releasing it again? 1) 2 Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2020 11:24 AM To AL) (FBI) Cc (AL) (FBI Subject: FW: Additional Questions for] --- Page 25 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 Jummersheimer, MalipAegeeS IGN _ From: ewrcreerer tte —— Sent: Frida _——s a ipo 8:28 Subject: RE: Additional Questions for Source a Classification: a’ Thanks for your feedback an speaking with ete yesterday, we are planning to release the IIR once we receive a new 1023, assuming our current understanding of all the info remains the same. We are now required to coordinate the new IIR with FBIHQ, so that’s non-negotiable. The reason for the new 1023 is to show we attempted to obtain new information from the CHS after recalling the original version. If we sent out a new IIR, from the same original 1023 that was the source document for a recalled IIR, it would appear to the consumer and FBIHQ that we didn’t attempt to gain new information, and to FBIHQ we might look pretty foolish because they have all the background now. A new 1023 will also give us a new date of info, but that’s a very minor detail and not the primary reason we're requesting a new 1023. Fomment about the Director's testimony was not to suggest we refrain from disseminating the IIR, rather to ensure everyone is aware of the attention this is likely to receive. From: Au) (Fs! Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2020 2:16 PM (U) Good Afternoon Everyone, (U) I’m not trying to be a pain on this, but after taking some time thinking this over | just want to voice my opinion and concerns on this issue and make it clear | do not agree with the reasoning for not putting this out. Regarding the below, I’m not satisfied with the reasoning of needing a new 1023 and HQ review as these things are everyday operational and administrative requirements. Most concerning to me, is stating the reporting would contradict Director Wray’s testimony. | found this troubling because it implied to me that one of the reasons we aren’t putting this out is for a political reason, which goes directly against our organizations mission to remain apolitical and simply state what we know. Likewise, at the field operational level, | do not feel it is our job to assess whether or not our 1 --- Page 26 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 intelligence aligns with the Director, rather we provide intelligence for people way above our paygrade (like the director) to make the call of what the FBI is seeing as a whole. |g do agree that we have an obligation to not put out reckless information where we know something to be false or will cause undue harm. However, we are also not in a sole position to determine a reporting’s validity, as we only make up one USIC agency, and an incredibly small fraction of all USIC, and other FBI Sources that could report on this matter. While it’s entirely possible that our CHS’s sub-source did not get this information from a PRC government source, it’s also entirely possible that he did- (as just like in our own government) it is plausible that a journalist would have a source within the government. HB Recognizing the unidentified PRCG officials and plausibility of the information and that recipients would not have access to the MATCH section, | elected to include the following context statement: _ The acquisition of the source's information passed through a sub-source who claimed contact with unidentified PRC government officials, leaving the veracity of information questionable but is being reported due to the nature of the threat being discussed.” (U//FOUO) Per the IIR PIG, “The dissemination threshold is lower for threat reporting. Concerns regarding the source’s reliability should be articulated in the source byline, source context statement, and motivation, access, timeliness, corroboration, and history (MATCH) questions. This allows each recipient to independently determine whether to take action on a given threat. Sample context statements include the following: ‘(U//FOUO) The veracity of this source’s information is seriously doubted but is being reported here because of the nature of the threat discussed.’ (U//FOUO) | believe this allowed us to release the potentially important intelligence, while also highlighting our lower confidence in the information. However this statement was requested to be reworded prior to release, to “The source obtained the information from an identified sub-source who claimed contact with unidentified PRC government Officials.” (U//FOUO) Overall, if we want to have a disagreement about meeting the elements of DRAIN, I’m completely okay with that. My concern is that | think it gets dangerous if we cite potential political implications as reasons for not putting out our information. Further, | think we are starting to drift too far into being the sole decider for the USIC regarding when information we gather is, or is not valid, or of interest to the intelligence community because it takes away the crucial Opportunity from the rest of the USIC to potentially corroborate or discredit our intelligence. | think that we should at least draft and submit the IIR to FBIHQ to review, and if they decide that they want to cancel it, let that be their burden. (U) Again, | obviously don’t make the decisions, and I’m not sure if FBIHQ has provided you all with additional reasoning of why they told us to recall the IIR, but | just wanted to express my concerns. Happy to talk about this anytime. Subject: RE: Additional Questions fo Classification: ay --- Page 27 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TOR PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 FT UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY FBI Albany IIR #2 Flow Chart Provide Additional Questions to SSA Regarding Source and Sub via Email Key- Albany Information on Source and Sub-Source via Email to FBI Albany team Requests New FD-1023 via Email ‘press Concerns Recall and Second Dissemination via Email he SIA Responds via Email tolA Concerns Completes IIR Draft in UC Emails FBI Sentinel Albany that FITF has not is ah / _ norsestiabapniget ee — is Rela arant e a Fe eT elated — aintine (per Email) notAUthortative = == Emails SAC Relford Agreeing with FITF to A/CRO Sends Draft knowledges pride Li IIR to FITF-CHINA via Email Rec via Ema Sentinel Record: Skype Call Between FITF and 1A __ Deleted Draft IIR Due - AvtOD , to “Internal Coordination UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY DRAFT --- Page 28 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 Date/Time (approximate) 09/26/2020 12:43 p.m. sends CID ASC an | email, “I’ve been talking with our IPM throughout the IIR process. Our current plan = ' | is to release an IIR again if the SA Confirms the info from the CHS...” 9/28/2020 11:46 a.m. SIABemaits Albany team, “ ...got a call from an SIA and UC at CD. Not surprisingly, all raw reporting concerning the election will now require HQ Coordination, which was not required as of last week.” 9/28/2020 11:49.m. | SIA Bkype messages FBI Albany CRO regarding | | IIR, “Regarding the election IIR - if it comes throu again and we look to re-release the info, do we have any concern about the authoritative nature of the eee -figuring this is going to get even more scrutiny if we try to release the info a; 9/28/2020 11:52 a.m. CRO kype message replies to SIA yes it will get A LOT more | ee ___|_ scrutin , but the source doc has China Government... -not the fraudulent licenses.” | 9/28/2020 11:53 a.m. SIA] kype message replies to CRO! “right but wondering if that info, from the same sub-source, calls into question the authoritative nature of the | reporting. Trying to get ahead of the scrutiny.” 9/28/2020 12:13 p.m. FBI Albany IA\ emails Albany team about CHS reporting, “Given the lack of specifics we received in the initial reporting, my first opinion was that the CHS wants to help and is probably supplementing his reporting via open sources which is what| jand | were working to get through follow on RFCs and meets.” mails Albany team about CHS reporting, “..advised that her/his most recent reporting-specifically regarding the fraudulent use of drivers’ licenses-was obtained from an individual in China. | asked if s/he had read about the aforementioned fraudulent use of drivers’ licenses in a ‘ | newspaper and [EEEEBaid no.” 9/28/2020 4:06 p.m. Raw Intelligence Coordination Unit (RICU) sends email to CROs and CRAs providing RICU guidance to threats to U.S. Elections IIR reporting. “CROs, handing agents, and ElAs should coordinate with the appropriate HQ Division, notably FITF, Cyber, and/or CID’s election teams, using the following email addresses, Prior to disseminating lIRs on any information related to the 2020 elections.” 9/28/2020 6:13 p.m. | Foreign Influence Task Force (FITF) issues lead to FBI Chicago, “In order to determine if any of the fraudulent driver's licenses seized by CBP were used to register to vote, the Foreign Influence Task Force-China (FITF-C) respectfully requests the local field office coordinate with CBP regarding the seizure of | fraudulent driver's licenses.” 9/29/2020 10:20 a.m. | \CrO ie: CRO [EE Based on the conflict of this information to that of the wider USIC, the fact that it contradicts Director Wray’s testimony to Congress, and the importance to the current administration, | think we should be ready to back up the IIR with a minimum of the following information and treat it like it will be going in front of the President. We’re skeptical of this reporting based on the portions regrading COVID that veer into conspiracy theories.” 9/29/202011:07 a.m. _| FITF issues second lead to FBI Chicago, | informing of FBI Albany IIR recall and | asking for FBI = ~ reach out to CBP, “The ita Influence Task Force- 9/28/2020 3:58p.m. --- Page 29 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 9/29/2020 11:29 a.m. 9/29/2020 11:57 a.m. 9/30/2020 11:24 a.m. 9/30/2020 11:37 a.m. | 9/30/2020 11:56 a.m. | 9/30/2020 1:14 p.m. 09/28/2020 in 2001-HQ-3164550 Serial 5 where 802I-AL-5645455-INTELPRODS serial 30(IIR 4 212 7305 20) was referenced. For Chicago's awareness, the aforementioned IIR was recalled late 09/28/2020; however, the intelligence gaps outlined by FITF-C still stand regarding the seized licenses.” _ CRO ses A/CRO is email and copies into an email to FBI Albany SSA| ccing SIA stating, “Based on the conflict of this information to that of the wider USIC, the fact that it contradicts Director Wray’s testimony to Congress, and the importance to the current administration, | think we should be ready to back up the IIR with a minimum of the following information and treat it like it will be going in front of the President....” And asks additional question regarding CHS. emails CRO JE SIABEEEEend A/CROS additional information regarding CHS including new CHS reporting serialized 9/29/2020 with | sub-source information. CRORE ils Si “CRORE anc 4 BE“ sia and I just spoke and agree with DMC]Ethat there’s nothing new to report regarding the threat to election. We will await S. subsequent contact with the CHS.” | | | SIA ipmails CRo CRO MEE anc 1A “No re-issue of the | same IIR either? If not, what is our reason for not releasing it again?” CROMEEEE emails Sia » (064) 2:00 am: #funneverends FLORIS, NIKKI L. (CD) (FBI) 8:01 AM: seriously we're pushing out a note today to all FOs that all election related IIRs must come through FITF/HQ BREED 000) 001 ane that's good FLORIS, NIKKI L. (CD) (FBI) 8:02 AM: i'm basically running a shadow government across the FBI at this point --- Page 33 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 you do what you have to do ) hang in there i told you just need to get thru dec and there are a couple of weeks in nov/dec where it is a ghost town FLORIS, NIKKI L. (CD) (FBI) 8:03 AM: no joke, i wnat to take like a two week vacay in january (D1) (OGA) 8:05 AM: my goal is to take a month off - July 2021 am sked to finish here June 2021 then | plan to take julyu off that's my goal FLORIS, NIKKI L. (CD) (FBI) 8:09 AM: don't leave :( FLORIS, NIKKI L. (CD) (FBI) 8:23 AM: since alan can't sit in on the PDB brief, can you let me know how the convo goes about the IIRs?? HR (01) (0A) 8:23 am: yes will le tyou know for sure FLORIS, NIKKI L. (CD) (FBI) 8:23 AM: razie! RI 00 (060) 0:23 am: if your bosses have an 0930, suspect the meeting will be short we are only up toffJend it is almost 0830 :) FLORIS, NIKKI L. (CD) (FBI) 8:24 AM: ood lord BI (09 (068) 024 a0: yeah i had a few things but i'll just pass this always happens when i actually have a few things that might be useful to the group - lol --- Page 34 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 DRAFT FITF Lead to Chicago Flow Chart Prior to 9/25/2020 Key- Cc 20 and HQ 9/25/2020 i FITFSS ormed UC about CBP seizures across multiple AORs; discussed with CID PCU SSA and CG SSA recommending a lead to CG and for any other potential future leads to other FBI fields offices. 43 ssued lead to CG, 'WC-2), and IA 9/ 020 issued second lead to CG, recall, but still asking for CG to get information from CBP. FITF UC followed up with CG via email about the leads. CBP TFO to address the FITF-issued lead, which identified the a China-based sender names and addresses for the shipment packages, and noted CBP does not maintain a list of names and addresses for the fraudulent drivers licenses, as the majority of these documents are used by teens between the ages of 18 and 20 to circumvent alcohol laws. Sent FITF SS an emall containing the CBP- formation to address the FITF-issued lead. V an email containing updated CGSA _sentFITFSSA. information that CBP does not maintain a list of names and addresses found on the fraudulent drivers licenses. CBP, which was previously provided to FITF SSA ia email from CG SA covered the first --- Page 35 --- APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT WARRINGTON on 10 July 2026 (U//FOUO) According to Sentinel, the FBI has published approximately 1,130 Recalls from 01/01/2019 to the present. Calendar | #of Substantive # of Administrative # of FISA- Total # of Year Recalls Recalls Compliance Recalls/ Recalls Year 2019 112 97 N/A* 209 2020 64 90 0 154 2021 46 120 2 168 2022 116 87 1 204 2023 105 66 1 172 2024 57 82 1 140 2025 19 51 13 83 (to date) TOTAL 519 593 18 1,130 * (U//FOUO) The FISA-Compliance Recall was introduced in February 2020 as a separate product type for recalls related to FISA-compliance. Albany Field Office 2020 IIR Total Albany Field Office 2020 Recall Total The only recall is: 802!-AL-49205-INTELPRODS 207 HEB vu sstantive RECALL - Chinese Government Production and Export of Fraudulent US Drivers Licenses to Chinese Sympathizers in the United States, in Order to Create Tens of Thousands of Fraudulent Mail-in Votes for US Presidential Candidate Joe Biden, in late August 2020