[rdouglass]

I don't think its a bug. Since you can trade for a "Comm Link" from an empire you know for one you dont know, it makes perfect sense to be able to acomplish the Fake.

Try intel'ing 'em back (using counter intel or espionage) to get the neutrals comm link or prevent further Fakes. If this doesn't work, take over the neutral before the AI does - they make good slaves...