Global Intelligence Year in Review for 2024

🎉 Welcome to the Global Intelligence 2024 Yearly Wrap-Up! 🎉

This special edition reflects on the most impactful stories from the world of intelligence, national security, and espionage in 2024. Neil Bisson, Director of the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network and a veteran with over 25 years of experience in intelligence and law enforcement, delivers unparalleled insights and analysis into the events that shaped this transformative year.

From transnational repression and espionage scandals to foreign interference in democratic systems and evolving threats of terrorism and sabotage, this episode underscores the growing complexities of global security.

🛡️ Why these issues matter:

• India’s Espionage Scandals: The bold and controversial assassination operations on foreign soil have strained diplomatic relations and raised critical concerns about accountability within intelligence agencies. These stories serve as a wake-up call for countries to bolster counterintelligence capabilities and address lapses in operational security.
• Foreign Interference in Canadian Politics: The revelation of foreign governments influencing elections and communities highlights the fragility of democratic systems. The episode explores how legislative responses and greater public awareness can protect democratic sovereignty.
• Russian Sabotage in Europe: The rise in sabotage operations targeting critical infrastructure sheds light on hybrid warfare tactics and the vulnerabilities of allied nations. Canada and other countries must take note of these risks to prevent similar attacks at home.
• Chinese Influence Operations and Espionage: The global expansion of influence campaigns and intellectual property theft demonstrates the relentless push by Beijing to infiltrate democracies and secure technological dominance. Democracies must respond with coordinated intelligence measures to counteract these efforts.
• Evolving Terrorism Threats: The stories of ISIS-inspired plots and lapses in immigration screening emphasize the urgent need for stronger border security, enhanced investigative capabilities, and community outreach programs to counter radicalization.

📌 Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:50 Welcome and Overview
02:20 India's Espionage and Assassination Scandals
05:05 Foreign Interference in Canadian Politics
07:25 Russian Sabotage Operations in Europe and Their Lessons for Canada
09:05 The Daniel Khalife Case and Counterterrorism in the UK
10:25 Chinese Influence Operations in the UK and the Philippines
12:00 Chinese Espionage in Canada
13:10 Terrorism and Homegrown Extremism in Canada
14:17 Outro

As we step into 2025, these stories highlight the importance of proactive intelligence measures to safeguard national security and counter the growing threats to global stability.

🌟 Your engagement matters!
If you found this episode insightful, don’t forget to like, comment, and share it with others who value staying informed about critical security issues.

Subscribe for more expert intelligence insights, and remember Neil’s mantra: Stay curious, stay informed, and stay safe. 🌎

Transcript

2024 Global Intelligence Yearly Wrap-Up


INTRO:
Welcome to the special year-end edition of the Global Intelligence Yearly Wrap-Up for 2024.

This year, the world of intelligence and national security has been marked by unprecedented challenges and revelations. 

From transnational repression and assassination plots to foreign interference in democratic systems, we’ve seen a whirlwind of activity that continues to reshape the global security landscape.

Today, Neil Bisson, with over 25 years of intelligence and law enforcement experience, brings you unparalleled insights and analysis on the stories that defined this year. 

Each of these cases offers lessons and warnings for the future of global intelligence.
Let’s dive in.

MUSIC

Hello everyone and welcome to the Global Intelligence “Yearly” Wrap-Up, where I provide insights and analysis on the most impactful developments in the world of national security, espionage, and intelligence for 2024.

The sheer volume of national security, intelligence, espionage, terrorism and sabotage stories to hit open media this year made it incredibly difficult to choose which stories to discuss. 

But hopefully you’ll agree on some, if not all of my choices for this year’s review. 

Ok. With that said, let’s take a closer look at my picks for the top intelligence thematic trends from 2024:

1 India’s Espionage and Assassination Scandals

We begin with India’s shadowy operations abroad, which have dominated headlines throughout 2024. 

The assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil and a foiled plot to eliminate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York revealed troubling operational practices within India’s Research and Analysis Wing or RAW. 

While India has deflected blame by attributing these actions to rogue agents, the repeated use of proxies and organized crime for covert operations abroad raises serious questions about oversight and accountability within its intelligence apparatus.

The implications are severe: strained diplomatic relations with Canada and the United States, public outcry among Sikh diaspora communities, and escalating demands for transparency and justice. 

In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused the Indian government of orchestrating Nijjar’s assassination, triggering a diplomatic standoff. 

Meanwhile, U.S. prosecutors indicted an Indian intelligence official, Vikash Yadav, linked to the attempted murder of Pannun. 

These actions underscore the increasing audacity and risks of transnational repression.

From an intelligence perspective, these cases expose significant OPSEC lapses, such as the use of traceable communications and unreliable intermediaries. 

For Western democracies, they highlight the urgent need for enhanced counterintelligence and investigative capabilities to monitor and respond to foreign interference effectively.

In 2025, the actions of the Indian Intelligence Operatives and their connections with criminal organizations will likely continue. 

However, Western intelligence agencies will be better placed to identify and hopefully disrupt future operations that threaten extrajudicial killings or assassinations of Indian dissidents. 


2 Foreign Interference in Canadian Politics

Canada’s national security landscape was heavily shaped by revelations of foreign interference in its democratic processes. 

Testimony from former CSIS Director David Vigneault revealed that the Chinese government funneled approximately $250,000 into Canadian elections in 2019 and 2021, supporting candidates and staffers from multiple political parties. 

This interference was executed through clandestine networks involving diaspora leaders, political operatives, and financial transactions designed to evade scrutiny.

India also emerged as a key player in Canada’s foreign interference challenges. 

Indian intelligence operatives allegedly targeted Sikh separatists and manipulated immigrant communities to advance New Delhi’s agenda. 

These actions exacerbated diplomatic tensions, with Canadian intelligence agencies collaborating with allies like the U.S. and Australia to counter these threats.

The introduction of Bill C-70, which proposes a foreign influence registry and enhanced investigative powers for CSIS, represents a significant legislative response. 

However, gaps remain, particularly in public awareness and resource allocation. 

Intelligence professionals stress the need for sustained investment in counterintelligence capabilities, public education, and diplomatic initiatives to mitigate these threats.

Early next year the Commission on Foreign Interference will provide their findings and recommendations. 

It is obvious that Canadian politics have been used as playground from foreign adversaries to attempt to achieve their own political agendas. 

Municipal and Provincial electoral offices will need to be more aware of the tactics used by foreign adversaries to prevent our democratic systems from being continually undermined. 

With a probable federal election in 2025, Canadian voters will need to ask if the candidates they are supporting are actually tools of foreign governments or non-state actors, simply trying to manipulate the system to obtain their own goals. 

3 Russian Sabotage Operations in Europe and Their Lessons for Canada

This year saw a surge in suspected Moscow-linked sabotage operations targeting critical infrastructure across Europe. 

Arson attacks, parcel bombs, and industrial disruptions were reported in Germany, Poland, and the UK. 

These incidents underscore Russia’s reliance on hybrid warfare tactics, blending physical sabotage, cyberattacks, and disinformation to destabilize NATO allies and weaken support for Ukraine.

One particularly alarming case involved incendiary devices disguised within packages, which ignited during transit in Germany and the UK. 

These attacks highlight the vulnerability of logistics networks to low-cost, high-impact sabotage methods. 

NATO’s response has included increased intelligence sharing and enhanced security protocols, but the incidents reveal significant gaps in preparedness.

For Canada, these developments serve as a cautionary tale. 

With critical infrastructure spanning vast, sparsely monitored regions, the potential for similar attacks on Canadian soil cannot be ignored. 

Strengthening cyber defenses, improving infrastructure security, and maintaining robust intelligence-sharing networks with allies are essential to mitigating these risks in 2025.

4 The Daniel Khalife Case and Counterterrorism in the UK

In the UK, the escape and subsequent recapture of former British soldier Daniel Khalife raised significant concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in counterterrorism cases. 

Khalife, who had been accused of gathering intelligence for Iran and planting fake explosive devices, escaped from Wandsworth Prison in a high-profile incident that shocked the public.

The details of his escape—hiding under a food delivery vehicle—highlight systemic lapses in prison security. His eventual capture after a nationwide manhunt brought attention to the broader issue of insider threats and the risks posed by radicalized individuals within military or government institutions.
From an intelligence perspective, the Khalife case underscored the importance of rigorous vetting processes, enhanced prison security, and continuous monitoring of individuals with access to sensitive information. 

This case serves as a reminder that even low-tech methods can be used to exploit security vulnerabilities, requiring constant vigilance and adaptability in counterintelligence efforts.

Iran has demonstrated that are willing and able to infiltrate aspects of the UK military apparatus. 

Canada’s military has likely been infiltrated as well, but to what degree and what efforts are being taken to identify and stop it, well that’s another concern and question. 

5 Chinese Influence Operations in the UK and the Philippines

China’s influence operations continued to expand globally in 2024, with notable cases emerging in the UK and the Philippines. 

In the UK, investigations revealed how Chinese operatives used financial donations, lobbying efforts, and covert networks to gain influence within political and academic circles. 

One prominent case involved Christine Lee, a lawyer accused of acting as an agent for the Chinese Communist Party’s United Front Work Department. 

While Prince Andrew was identified as being in a close personal and financial relationship with another Chinese agent of the CCP. 

Despite her denials, MI5 issued a public warning about her activities, highlighting the sophistication of China’s influence operations.

In the Philippines, Beijing’s strategy focused on economic and military influence, leveraging its Belt and Road Initiative to secure key infrastructure projects while simultaneously asserting dominance in the South China Sea. 

Chinese intelligence activities also targeted Filipino activists and journalists critical of Beijing’s policies, using tactics such as harassment, surveillance, and disinformation campaigns.

From an intelligence perspective, these cases demonstrate the multifaceted nature of Chinese influence operations, which blend legitimate activities with covert manipulation. 

They highlight the need for democratic nations to strengthen legislative and counterintelligence measures to protect sovereignty and counter foreign interference.

The sophistication and relentlessness with which China is pushing its influence operations on the world is staggering. 

There needs to be a larger coordinated effort on the part of the five eyes, and their allies, to continue to push back against China’s efforts. 

Coordinated efforts need to identify and embarrass China on the world stage by ensuring there are consequences for their continued and unabashed attempts at foreign influence and interference in Western democracies. 


6 Chinese Espionage in Canada

The reappearance of former Canadian scientists Xiangguo Qiu and Keding Cheng in China under pseudonyms has reignited concerns about intellectual property theft and espionage. 

The two had previously worked at Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory, where their unauthorized transfers of sensitive research to China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology raised alarms.

Records show that Dr. Qiu collaborated with researchers from the People’s Liberation Army and participated in Chinese talent programs aimed at acquiring cutting-edge technologies. 

Despite these red flags, gaps in Canada’s immigration and security screening processes allowed the pair to operate without detection for years.

This case underscores the urgent need for comprehensive counterespionage reforms, including stricter oversight of research collaborations, enhanced vetting for high-security positions, and greater coordination between intelligence and academic institutions.

Canada has for too long been soft on intellectual property being stolen from our research and technology industries. 

This not only leaves us vulnerable on the economic world stage but shows international partners that they risk losing out to competitors because we have not shorn up our defences against this type of espionage. 


7 Terrorism and Homegrown Extremism in Canada

2024 saw two high-profile terrorism cases that underscored vulnerabilities in Canada’s national security apparatus. 

The arrest of Ahmed Fouad Mostafa Eldidi and his son disrupted an imminent ISIS-inspired attack in Toronto, while Muhammad Shahzeb Khan’s plot to target a Jewish center in New York revealed the persistent threat of homegrown extremism.

Eldidi, linked to a gruesome 2015 ISIS execution, entered Canada despite his well-documented past, exposing significant flaws in immigration and security screening. 

Similarly, Khan’s use of encrypted communications to evade detection highlights the evolving challenges of counterterrorism in the digital age.

These cases emphasize the need for increased resources for CBSA, CSIS, and RCMP to enhance screening, monitoring, and investigative capabilities. 

They also call for stronger community outreach programs to address radicalization before it manifests into violence.

Canada can no longer wait to put resources and funding into ensuring that more stringent security screening efforts are taken. 

Terrorist elements are taking advantage of programs that were meant to improve Canada’s economy. 

Temporary student and work visas are being used as tools to gain access to and plan and execute acts of terrorism, violence and crime. 

Individuals without status in Canada need to be identified and if they are involved in illegal activities or national security threats, the government must take the appropriate actions to detain and deport them. 

If this does not happen, Canadians lives will continue to be at risk and Canada’s reputation as a responsible country will be seen as just a naïve concept. 

Closing Thoughts

2024 has been a transformative year in global intelligence, with stories of espionage, sabotage, and foreign interference dominating headlines. 

These events underscore the evolving complexity of modern threats and the critical importance of proactive intelligence measures to safeguard national security.

As we look ahead to 2025, the lessons of this year will undoubtedly shape the strategies and priorities of intelligence and law enforcement agencies worldwide. 

And as more stories from the shadowy world of espionage, sabotage, national security and international intelligence come to the forefront, I look forward to examining the information and providing you with the insights and intelligence you need to discern how this affects your country, your politics and your life. 

In less than one year, my YouTube channel has grown to over 26,000 subscribers.

The Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap Up, has been downloaded in over 62 countries and there have been almost 30,000 downloads across all platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Iheart Radio and more. 

I want to thank each and every listener for their support and interest in my content and I plan to provide even more in the coming year. 

My hope for everyone in 2025 is that you “Stay curious, Stay informed and stay safe”

Happy New Year everybody! 

OUTRO:

Thank you for joining us for this special edition of the Global Intelligence Yearly Wrap-Up.

This episode represents the culmination of a year’s worth of rigorous research and expert analysis, bringing you intelligence insights comparable to high-level government briefings.

From espionage scandals and foreign interference in democratic systems to the evolving threats of terrorism and sabotage, these stories highlight the complexities and stakes of the global security landscape.

If you found today’s episode insightful, we encourage you to like, comment, or share it with others who value staying informed about the critical issues shaping our world.

Be sure to visit the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network, where Neil Bisson, Director of the Network, offers deeper commentary, professional resources, and expanded insights into the stories you’ve heard today.

As we close the year, we want to thank all our listeners for your unwavering support. Your engagement helps us continue to provide vital intelligence and analysis to an informed and thoughtful audience.

As always, Neil reminds us: “Stay curious, stay informed, and stay safe.” Wishing you a prosperous and secure New Year. See you in 2025 for more essential intelligence analysis!