Transnational Repression
When foreign governments stalk, intimidate, or assault people in the United States, it is considered transnational repression. It is illegal, and you can get help to stop it.
Some countries’ governments harass and intimidate their own citizens living in the U.S. These governments may also target naturalized or U.S.-born citizens who have family overseas or other foreign connections. This violates U.S. law and individual rights and freedoms.
Transnational repression may take the following forms:
- Stalking
- Harassment
- Hacking
- Assaults
- Attempted kidnapping
- Forcing or coercing the victim to return to the home country
- Threatening or detaining family members in the home country
- Freezing financial assets
- Online disinformation campaigns
Governments use transnational repression tactics to silence the voices of their citizens (or non-citizens connected to the country), get information from them, or coerce them to return home.

If you are in the U.S., including a U.S. territory, your freedom of speech is protected, regardless of your citizenship.
How to Report
- Contact the FBI online at tips.fbi.gov.
- Call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
Threat Intimidation Guide
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03.28.2023 National Counterintelligence and Security Center: Don’t Be a Pawn of Repressive Foreign Governments
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03.21.2022 U.S. State Department Statement Regarding Transnational Repression
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07.13.2021 Iranian Intelligence Officials Indicted on Kidnapping Conspiracy Charges
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10.28.2020 Eight Individuals Charged with Conspiring to Act as Illegal Agents of the People’s Republic of China
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01.15.2020 Two Individuals Sentenced in Connection with Work on Behalf of Iran