Using what the bureau calls a "False Flag" operation, F.B.I. agents posing as Russian intelligence officers contacted Mr. Pitts in August 1995, long after it believed he had ceased his spying activities, and feigned interest in reactivating him as a means of confirming his spying activities and determining how much information he may have provided to Moscow.

The US has made noncommittal statements so far. Meanwhile, many experts on Russia have raised the possibility that the strike could have been a false-flag operation from Moscow.

He instinctively false-flagged Arthur's information. There was no reason to expose the CIA or one of its deep-cover agents.

Some of its best agents have been Arabs false-flagged to believe that they were being paid by some other country or alliance.

We were false-flagged, sir. Obviously the Nationalists and the UDFC

"Are you sure your orders came from Hen?"
"You're suggesting I was false flagged?"
"That 'Stop Duck Hunting!' ad could have been placed by anyone with a passing knowledge of our simple letter-drop cipher."

Lil Jason said that they almost snagged them after he had false-flagged, using fraudulent hand signs. Centuries ago Blackbeard the pirate false-flagged to entice lootful vessels to draw closer.

Her family were Syrian Kurds from Aleppo, and Scale had false-flagged her by convincing her he was from the GSD, the Syrian internal security service.

False flag

Meaning

Noun

Verb

Synonyms