
Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap up
Welcome to the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network Podcast, where real-world intelligence expertise meets insightful analysis. Join your host, Neil Bisson, a former Intelligence Officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, for a weekly deep dive into the world of espionage, national security, foreign interference, terrorism, and all matters spy and intelligence related.
With over 25 years of experience in intelligence and law enforcement, both domestically and internationally, Neil Bisson brings a unique perspective to the table. From hunting spies and terrorists to recruiting and managing human sources, he's seen it all.
Each episode, Neil Bisson, Director of Global Intelligence Knowledge Network as he provides a comprehensive summary of the most intriguing international intelligence stories, dissecting the hottest media topics with professional analysis and insider knowledge. Whether you're a seasoned intelligence professional or simply fascinated by the world of spies, this podcast is your go-to source for accurate, insightful, and engaging content.
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Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap up
CIA Insider Threat. Foreign Interference threatens Liberal Leadership Race
đ¨ This Week on Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up đ¨
Join Neil Bisson, retired intelligence officer with over 25 years of experience, for raw intelligence thatâs unbiased, unfiltered, and unapologetic. This podcast is for individuals who demand insights beyond watered-down government narratives or politically biased agendas. If you want the truth, not the spin, youâve come to the right place.
đ Episode Highlights â Questions Youâll Want Answers To:
- A CIA analyst pleads guilty to leaking classified info about Israel: How do insider threats like this compromise national security and strain allied relationships?
- Canada: A safe haven for Iranian regime officials? Why is Canada accused of sheltering human rights violators, and what should be done to close the gaps in its immigration system?
- MP Chandra Aryaâs leadership bid and ties to India: Could foreign interference be influencing Canadian politics more than we realize?
- ISIS-inspired terror plot linked to Canadaâs immigration system: How are legitimate immigration pathways being exploited, and what can we learn from this and the Millennium Bomber case?
- Chinese espionage in the Philippines: What do these arrests tell us about China's global intelligence operations, and how should Canada prepare?
- Swiss Iranian national dies in Iranian custody: Are espionage allegations just a cover for Iranâs political leverage, and what does this mean for Western nations?
- Southport violence sparks a debate on terrorism definitions: Should non-ideological violent acts be labeled as terrorism, or would that stretch national security resources too thin?
- Russian spy ships near UK undersea infrastructure: Is hybrid warfare the new normal, and how vulnerable is Western infrastructure to sabotage?
This is intelligence analysis like youâve never heard beforeâhonest, insightful, and completely devoid of spin. đ
âąď¸ Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:30 Story 1: CIA Analyst Pleads Guilty to Leaking Info About Israel
04:30 Story 2: Canada as a Safe Haven for Iranian Regime Officials
07:45 Story 3: MP Chandra Aryaâs Leadership Bid Sparks Foreign Interference Concerns
11:00 Story 4: ISIS-Inspired Terror Plot Linked to Canadaâs Immigration System
14:30 Story 5: Arrest of Chinese National in the Philippines for Espionage
17:30 Story 6: Swiss Iranian National Dies in Iranian Custody
20:30 Story 7: Debating the Definition of Terrorism Post-Southport Attack
23:00 Story 8: Russian Spy Ships in UK Waters Threaten Undersea Infrastructure
24:30 Outro
đ˘ Support Us
Help Neil continue providing top-tier analysis and insights!
â Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/neilbisson/posts
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đ Donât forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode!
Stay curious. Stay informed. Stay safe. đ
2025 01 24 Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap Up
Intro:
Welcome to this weekâs episode of Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up for the week ending January 24, 2025.
This week, we analyze critical stories reshaping the world of global intelligence and national security.
First, we examine how a former CIA analystâs guilty plea for mishandling classified information about Israel raises serious concerns about insider threats.
Next, we turn to Canada, where troubling reports of the country becoming a safe haven for former Iranian regime officials spark calls for stricter immigration scrutiny.
We also tackle the issue of foreign interference in Canadian politics, as an MP with reported ties to India announces his candidacy for leadership of the Liberal Party.
From there, we delve into an ISIS-inspired terror plot linked to Canadaâs immigration system, explore Chinese espionage targeting the Philippines, and discuss the death of a Swiss Iranian national in Iranian custody.
Finally, we analyze the implications of Russian spy ships near critical undersea infrastructureâa stark reminder of the evolving nature of hybrid warfare.
With over 25 years of experience in intelligence and law enforcement, Neil Bisson brings you professional analysis that rivals top-tier briefings, keeping you informed on the stories shaping our world.
Letâs get started, shall we?
MUSIC
Hello everyone, and welcome back to another episode of the Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap Up.
Iâm your host, Neil Bisson, a retired Intelligence Officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, and the Director of the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network.
Itâs been another busy week in the world of international espionage and national security.
From Canadian Liberal party members with links to foreign enemy states to Chinese nationals spying on Police and military institutions in the Philippines.
By analysing the open-source information provided in the media, I provide the intelligence you need to navigate a dangerous world.
So, sit back and let me give you some insight into the world spies, terrorist and global security threats.
For our first story, weâre diving into a troubling issue out of the United States.
A former CIA analyst has pleaded guilty to mishandling classified information and sharing sensitive materials regarding Israel's intelligence operations.
Asif William Rahman, a 34-year-old CIA analyst from Vienna, Virginia, pleaded guilty to leaking classified information about Israeli plans to strike Iran.
Rahman admitted to willfully retaining and transmitting national defense information, including documents marked as secret and top secret, which he unlawfully took home, reproduced, altered, and distributed to unauthorized individuals.
This case highlights the dangers of internal security breaches and raises serious questions about safeguarding national secrets.
Such actions jeopardize not only national security but also the trust and cooperation between allied intelligence agencies.
This case underscores the perpetual risks of insider threats.
Even in secure environments, the human element remains a vulnerability.
Analysts and operatives are entrusted with sensitive information that, in the wrong hands, can endanger lives, compromise operations, and strain diplomatic relations.
Breaches like this are not unprecedented.
Consider the cases of Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manningâthough differing in scope and motivation, both involved the mishandling of sensitive information with lasting global consequences.
The recent case also brings into focus the relationship between the United States and Israel, which has long been characterized by close intelligence-sharing agreements.
Incidents like these can create friction, as trust between allies is difficult to rebuild once itâs broken.
Experts quoted in the article suggest this case could lead to stricter internal controls within the CIA and other U.S. intelligence agencies.
It also reignites debates around accountability and oversight in classified environments.
Looking at this case through the lens of 20 years or intelligence experience, I can tell you that breaches like this donât just âhappen.â
Theyâre often the result of systemic failuresâwhether through lax oversight, poor vetting, or inadequate security protocols.
Addressing these gaps is not just a matter of policy but of survival in the intelligence world.
This case serves as a yet another reminder of the importance of operational security and the dangers posed by insider threats.
Intelligence professionals must remain vigilant, ensuring that trust, accountability, and proper safeguards are always prioritized.
Looking ahead, expect tighter restrictions around intelligence access and perhaps even a shift in how the current intelligence-sharing agreement between Israel and the United States is structured.
MUSIC
In our next story we turn our attention to Canada, where Iranian Canadian advocacy groups are raising alarm bells about the countryâs role as a potential safe haven for former Iranian regime officials.
The accusations highlight critical issues around immigration policies, accountability for human rights violations, and foreign interference.
The article reports that advocacy groups are calling on Ottawa to take decisive action against individuals linked to Iranâs authoritarian regime who may be using Canada as a refuge.
These calls stem from long-standing concerns that the nationâs immigration and legal systems are being exploited by individuals fleeing accountability for human rights abuses in Iran.
From an intelligence perspective, this issue intersects with several key themes: foreign interference, national security vulnerabilities, and the integrity of immigration systems.
Canadaâs reputation as a safe and welcoming nation could inadvertently be leveraged by individuals connected to oppressive regimes.
This creates potential risks not only to the Iranian diaspora in Canada but also to broader societal cohesion and public trust in the governmentâs ability to vet immigrants effectively.
This concern is not unique to Iranian officials.
Canada has faced similar accusations in the past of being a refuge for individuals linked to other regimes, including those from Rwanda and China.
The lack of an effective mechanism to vet individuals with potential ties to oppressive governments or human rights abuses is a long-standing gap.
Iranian Canadians have been vocal about this issue, especially given the protests and unrest in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022.
This case brought renewed attention to the Iranian regime's oppressive practices and sparked global outrage.
Many diaspora members in Canada fear retaliation or surveillance from individuals with ties to Tehranâs government.
Experts quoted in the article emphasize that Canadaâs existing measures, such as sanctions and designations against regime-affiliated entities, are not sufficient to address the problem.
Advocacy groups are urging the federal government to implement stricter immigration controls and pursue investigations into individuals suspected of involvement in human rights violations.
Drawing from my own experience, this situation highlights a larger challenge for intelligence and national security agencies worldwide: balancing the need for openness and inclusivity with the imperative of protecting national security.
Ensuring that Canada remains a safe haven for those in needâwhile preventing it from becoming a haven for those fleeing accountabilityâis a delicate but critical task.
Law enforcement and Intelligence agencies in Canada, along with Canada Border Services Agency work to identify, investigate, and bring to trial individuals who pose a threat to Canada due to their links to oppressive regimes.
The fact that the court systems are either reluctant to deport these individuals or unable to enforce the deportations show a clear and frightening gap between what has been spelled out by politicians and what is being done by the courts.
The calls from Iranian Canadian advocacy groups reflect growing concerns over Canadaâs immigration system and its potential exploitation by individuals linked to oppressive regimes.
This case serves as a reminder of the complex intersection between immigration, foreign interference, and national security.
Moving forward, policymakers will need to strike a balance between humanitarian values and national security imperatives.
MUSIC
Sticking with national security concerns in Canada, in our next story weâre unpacking a concerning issue making waves in Canadian politics.
Chandra Arya, a sitting MP, has announced his candidacy for the leadership of the Liberal Party.
But with his reported ties to the Indian government and his vocal opposition to the Sikh separatist movement, questions about foreign influence in Canadaâs political system are front and center.
Aryaâs campaign comes with some bold proposals, including transforming Canada into a republic and recognizing Palestinian statehood.
However, itâs his ties to India that demand closer examination.
As noted in the Times of India article, Arya has previously met with Indian President Narendra Modi and openly opposed the Khalistani movementâa move that aligns with Indian government priorities.
From an intelligence standpoint, Aryaâs actions raise red flags about potential foreign interference.
Canadaâs intelligence and national security framework has repeatedly identified foreign interference as a significant threat, particularly from actors seeking to exploit diaspora communities.
When a politician with reported connections to a foreign government runs for leadership, it creates an uncomfortable intersection of international and domestic politics.
This isnât the first time foreign influence has surfaced in Canadian politics.
Recent reports have highlighted concerns over Chinese interference in elections and the pressure placed on diaspora communities to support foreign agendas.
India, too, has been flagged for its efforts to counter Sikh separatist movements abroad, including here in Canada.
Politicians like Arya, who actively engage with foreign officials while holding office, must be subject to rigorous scrutinyânot only by intelligence agencies but also by the public.
Canadaâs democratic institutions are only as strong as the mechanisms in place to protect them from undue influence.
While the article doesnât cite specific experts, this scenario fits into a broader pattern intelligence professionals have observed worldwide.
Politicians with dual loyaltiesâwhether perceived or realâcan undermine public confidence in government institutions.
As a retired intelligence officer, I see this as a dangerous precedent if left unchecked.
Aryaâs candidacy for Liberal Party leadership forces us to ask difficult but necessary questions:
Are Canadaâs mechanisms for countering foreign interference robust enough?
Are we holding our politicians to the highest standards of accountability?
And most importantly, how do we ensure that our democratic processes remain free from undue foreign influence?
As these stories develop, one thing is clear: Canadian voters need to have a clearer understanding of where the alliances of their party members lie.
Regardless of the party or individual you vote for or elect in the coming year, ask yourself if the candidate is unencumbered by foreign influence and foreign interference that would make them a puppet of foreign state, endangering Canadians safety, security and sovereignty.
MUSIC
Sticking with national security in Canada, weâre examining a troubling case involving Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a 20-year-old Pakistani national residing in Canada on a student visa.
Khan has been charged with plotting a terrorist attack on a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York, in support of ISIS.
This story highlights concerns about how legitimate immigration pathwaysâsuch as student visasâcan be exploited for malicious purposes.
Weâll also draw parallels to Canadaâs experience with another infamous case, the Millennium Bomber.
According to reports, Khan entered Canada in June 2023 on a student visa.
By November 2023, he allegedly expressed support for ISIS in encrypted communications.
He detailed plans for an attack on a Jewish center in Brooklyn to undercover agents, who then worked with Canadian authorities and the FBI to apprehend him near the U.S. border.
His plot has raised alarm about the vulnerabilities in Canadaâs visa and immigration system.
This case is eerily reminiscent of Ahmed Ressam, known as the Millennium Bomber, who also exploited Canada's immigration system.
Ressam, an Algerian national, entered Canada in 1994 using a fraudulent passport and eventually sought asylum.
While living in Montreal, he became radicalized and later planned to bomb Los Angeles International Airport in 1999.
Ressam was apprehended by U.S. Customs agents in Washington state while crossing the border with explosives in his car. (source)
Both cases demonstrate how Canadaâs immigration pathwaysâwhether through asylum claims or student visasâhave been exploited by individuals whose intent is to cause harm.
This comparison underscores the urgent need for more effective screening processes and intelligence sharing between nations.
Khanâs case is part of a larger pattern of extremist activity that uses legitimate immigration channels to gain access to target countries.
The Millennium Bomber incident demonstrates how Canadaâs immigration systems can be manipulated.
Ressamâs arrest over two decades ago led to significant changes in border security and intelligence-sharing protocols between Canada and the U.S.
Yet, Khanâs case shows thereâs still room for improvement.
The use of student visas is particularly concerning, as these programs are designed to facilitate education and cultural exchange.
However, over expedited and weak vetting processes or insufficient monitoring can allow individuals with malicious intent to exploit these opportunities.
Additionally, individuals who manipulate the system take away opportunities for legitimate claims to be processed, while demonstrating to the Government of Canada that there are clear dangers inherent in providing access to Canada to individuals seeking asylum, education or work.
While the articles about Khan donât directly cite experts, his case mirrors broader concerns voiced by security professionals over the years.
As a retired intelligence officer, I know firsthand that addressing these vulnerabilities requires not just policy changes but also a cultural shift in how immigration systems are monitored.
Canada must maintain a balance between openness and vigilance, ensuring national security remains a priority without compromising the integrity of its immigration pathways.
Individuals fleeing countries of poverty and oppression may stoop to lies and fabrications to try and circumvent or manipulate the system.
Additionally, disreputable Immigration consultants and people smugglers will coach and provide false documentation to individuals while extorting them for large sums of money.
Canada needs to re assess the importance of enforcing deportations of individuals who pose a threat to Canadian safety and security by their falsification of documentation and fabrication of information to complete these forms.
As in the previous story concerning a Senior Iranian Official not being deported, the court system is clearly lacking in its ability to enforce the laws that are meant to keep Canadians safe.
Every immigration form states that falsification of information or knowingly lying about on the application is grounds to have the visa rejected and the individual deported.
It is about time these caveats are taken seriously by law enforcement, border services and the court systems to streamline the deportation of individuals who have tried to enter Canada under false pretences.
The cases of Muhammad Shahzeb Khan and Ahmed Ressam highlight persistent challenges in protecting national security while maintaining an open and welcoming immigration system.
Canada must invest in more robust and effective vetting, intelligence sharing, and monitoring systems to ensure these pathways are not further and continually exploited.
MUSIC
We now move onto the Philippines, where we examine the recent arrest of a Chinese national on suspicion of espionage.
This incident underscores the persistent challenges nations face in safeguarding critical infrastructure from foreign intelligence activities.
Philippine authorities have arrested Deng Yuanqing, a Chinese software engineer, along with his two Filipino drivers, on allegations of spying on military and police installations.
Deng is reportedly affiliated with a Chinese university controlled by the People's Liberation Army and is suspected of being part of a team conducting espionage within Philippine territory.
The suspects allegedly used a vehicle equipped with surveillance devices to gather images and data on critical infrastructure, including military bases, government offices, power plants, and police stations.
The collected information could potentially be used for military targeting, posing significant risks to national security.
This arrest marks the second instance of a suspected Chinese spy being detained in the Philippines within the past year.
In a previous case, equipment seized contained images of military and police installations in Manila.
These incidents occur amid escalating maritime confrontations between the Philippines and China over contested areas in the South China Sea, heightening geopolitical tensions.
While specific expert opinions are not cited in the available reports, the situation aligns with broader concerns within the intelligence community regarding the use of legitimate channels for illegitimate purposes.
This case demonstrates the ever present and continually growing Chinese espionage operations around the world.
The arrest of Deng Yuanqing and his associates highlights the ongoing challenges nations face in protecting critical infrastructure from foreign espionage.
It underscores the necessity for robust counter-espionage measures and vigilant monitoring of activities that may compromise national security.
This is an opportunity for Canadian Intelligence to work their Philippino counterparts to gain a better understanding of the techniques, tactics and practices of Chinese espionage agents abroad.
MUSIC
We head to Iran next, where weâre looking at a troubling story reported by Al Jazeera: âIran says Swiss national who died in custody photographed military sites.â
This case involves a Swiss Iranian national detained by Iranian authorities for allegedly photographing sensitive military sitesâa situation that escalated into international scrutiny when the individual died in custody.
This case brings into focus a number of critical issues, including the ongoing tensions between Iran and Western nations and the risks involved in intelligence and counterintelligence activities.
From an intelligence perspective, accusations of photographing military sites point to either reconnaissance or espionage activities.
While the article doesnât confirm this individualâs role, the allegation highlights how tightly controlled states like Iran remain hyper-vigilant against perceived threats.
The significance of this incident lies not just in the accusation but in the broader implications of Iranâs handling of dual nationals, often using their detention as leverage in geopolitical disputes.
Furthermore, the death of the detainee in custody raises serious questions about human rights and accountability in these high-stakes scenarios.
Incidents like this arenât unprecedented.
Iran has a history of detaining dual nationals under accusations of espionage.
Cases like those of a British Iranian national Zaghari-Ratcliffe or American Iranian journalist Jason Rezaian demonstrate how these arrests often intertwine with broader geopolitical tensions.
This event also mirrors recent trends where individualsâwhether guilty or notâare accused of intelligence activities to justify harsh measures, further stoking distrust between Iran and the West.
With Iranâs ongoing tensions over its nuclear program and strained relations with the international community, such cases often become flashpoints for diplomatic confrontations.
The article cites Iranian authorities accusing the detainee of espionage, but no direct expert opinions are included.
However, as someone with decades of experience in intelligence collection and analysis, I can tell you that espionage accusations are often a strategic tool for authoritarian regimes to control narratives and suppress dissent.
The lack of transparency in this caseâparticularly regarding the cause of deathâheightens suspicions and invites international condemnation.
Detentions like this can have a chilling effect on both diplomatic relations and the operations of foreign nationals within countries like Iran.
This case involving the alleged espionage activities of a Swiss Iranian national underscores the complexities of intelligence work in hostile environments.
It also raises vital questions about the use of detainees as political tools and the implications for international relations.
Looking ahead, we can expect increased scrutiny on Iranâs handling of dual nationals and, potentially, further diplomatic fallout with Western nations.
This situation serves as a stark reminder of the human costs tied to the murky world of global intelligence and counterintelligence.
MUSIC
Our next story brings us back to the UK, where we're delving into a recent article from the BBC titled, "Could calling attacks like Southport terrorism help prevent them?"
The article discusses the case of Axel Rudakubana, who had a long-standing obsession with violence, killing, and genocide.
Despite this, prosecutors found no evidence that he subscribed to any particular ideology.
This raises the question: should such attacks be labeled as terrorism, and could this classification aid in prevention?
The incident involving Rudakubana highlights a critical challenge in the intelligence community: identifying and classifying acts of violence that don't fit traditional definitions of terrorism. Typically, terrorism is associated with ideologically driven motives, whether political, religious, or social.
However, when an individual commits violence without a clear ideological framework, it complicates the response from law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
From an intelligence perspective, broadening the definition of terrorism to include such acts could have significant implications.
It would allow for the utilization of counter-terrorism resources and strategies to monitor and prevent potential threats from individuals who exhibit violent tendencies, even in the absence of a clear ideology.
Historically, the classification of violent acts has been pivotal in determining the approach of intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
For instance, the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing was initially perceived as an act of foreign terrorism but was later identified as domestic terrorism with clear ideological motives.
In contrast, incidents like mass shootings without explicit ideological drivers often fall into a gray area, leading to debates about appropriate classification and response.
The article references experts who suggest that labeling such attacks as terrorism could enhance preventive measures.
By recognizing the potential threat posed by individuals obsessed with violence, even without ideological motives, agencies can adopt a more proactive stance.
Drawing from my experience, I see both sides of the argument.
The evolving nature of threats necessitates a flexible approach to classification.
However, National Security resources are stretched beyond their capabilities at the best of times and categorizing acts of violence with no clear ideological connection causes ambiguity and taxes the law enforcement and intelligence apparatus even farther.
But by possibly expanding our definitions of terrorism, we may be better able to allocate more resources and develop strategies to mitigate a broader spectrum of risks.
The case of Axel Rudakubana underscores the complexities in defining and responding to acts of violence.
Expanding the definition of terrorism to encompass non-ideological violent acts could enhance prevention efforts.
As threats continue to evolve, so too must our frameworks for understanding and addressing them.
Looking ahead, it's essential for intelligence and law enforcement agencies to remain adaptable, continuously reassessing definitions and strategies to effectively counter emerging threats.
MUSIC
For our last story we stay in the United Kingdom, where weâre examining a fascinating and troubling development reported by The New York Times: âBritish authorities claim Russian spy ship was observed near critical underwater infrastructure.â
This story highlights the growing risks to undersea infrastructure and the intensifying espionage tactics used by nation-states in an era of technological warfare.
At the heart of this story is a Russian vessel equipped with surveillance equipment spotted near vital underwater pipelines and communication cables in the North Sea.
British intelligence suggests that the shipâs presence is part of Moscowâs broader strategy to monitor, and possibly sabotage, critical infrastructure in Western nations.
From an intelligence perspective, the implications of this activity are profound.
Undersea infrastructure forms the backbone of global communication and energy distribution.
These cables and pipelines transmit everything from internet data to natural gas, making them prime targets for espionage and sabotage.
Russiaâs actions signal a continuation of its hybrid warfare tacticsâusing unconventional means to disrupt Western systems without direct confrontation.
This kind of activity also serves as a psychological operation, aiming to project power and instill uncertainty among adversaries.
This incident is not isolated.
Russia has a long history of using its naval assets for intelligence-gathering missions.
In recent years, NATO and Western allies have repeatedly flagged unusual Russian naval activity near critical undersea infrastructure.
One example that comes to mind is the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions in the Baltic Sea, an event that remains shrouded in mystery.
Although no definitive culprit was named, speculation about Russian involvement sparked concerns over the vulnerability of Europeâs energy infrastructure.
Furthermore, in the intelligence world, undersea surveillance is a strategic priority for several nations.
For instance, during the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in extensive undersea espionage, often involving highly sophisticated equipment and tactics.
The New York Times article references British authorities suggesting that this shipâs activity is part of a larger Russian strategy targeting Western critical infrastructure.
This assessment aligns with broader trends in Russian intelligence operations.
These actions serve as both a demonstration of capability and a warning.
By positioning assets near vulnerable infrastructure, Russia can create leverage in geopolitical negotiations while simultaneously instilling doubt in its adversaries about their ability to protect vital systems.
From an operational security perspective, the West must view these actions as a call to enhance surveillance, resilience, and redundancy in critical infrastructure systems.
The presence of a Russian spy ship near critical underwater infrastructure underscores the escalating nature of modern intelligence operations.
This incident not only reveals vulnerabilities in undersea systems but also highlights Russiaâs evolving hybrid warfare strategy.
Moving forward, expect increased collaboration among NATO allies to monitor and secure underwater assets, along with potential policy shifts to address this emerging threat.
The stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction could be severe.
Well, thatâs going to do for this week.
I appreciate you taking the time to gain a better understanding and appreciation for how the world of intelligence, espionage, sabotage, foreign influence and terrorism have an indirect and direct effect on where you live, how youâre governed and possibly where you work.
As always, the links to open source stories are in the show notes along with my patreon and buzzsprout links.
Remember, foreign enemy states and non-state actors want you to remain oblivious to their actions so they can continue to manipulate the systems they exploit at your expense.
Donât let them. Stay curious, stay informed and stay safe.
LINKS:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/neilbisson/posts
Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2336717/support
Story 1: C.I.A. Analyst Pleads Guilty to Leaking Classified Documents About Israel
Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/17/us/politics/cia-analyst-guilty-plea-classified-israel.html
Story 2: âSafe havenâ: Iranian Canadians urge Ottawa to weed out regime officials
Link: https://globalnews.ca/news/10963413/iranian-canadians-safe-haven-regime-officials/
Story 3: âNever Expected He Will Run For Canadian Prime Ministershipâ says Indian Origin MP Chandra Aryas Father
Story 4: NYC-Montreal Terror Plot: Student Visas and National Security Concerns
Link: https://globalnews.ca/news/10964065/new-york-city-montreal-ontario-terror-plot/
Story 5: Arrest of Chinese National in the Philippines Highlights Espionage Concerns
Link: https://therecord.media/philippines-arrests-chinese-nationa-spying-critical-infrastructure
Story 6: Iran says Swiss national who died in custody photographed military sites
Story 7: Could calling attacks like Southport 'terrorism' help to prevent them?
Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62enpv2870o
Story 8: Britain Says Russian Spy Ship Returned to U.K. Waters in Sign of Kremlin Threat
Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/22/world/europe/britain-russia-spy-ship.html