Moscow Spy Ring Planned Assassination. Canada Braces for AI Powered Foreign Interference.

🌍 Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up | March 14, 2025

Get facts, intelligence, and insights—not spin and opinion. In this week’s Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up, Neil Bisson unpacks the most critical intelligence and national security stories shaping the world today.

🔍 This Episode Covers:

🕵️‍♂️ Russian Spy Ring & Assassination Plot – A convicted Russian spy cell in the UK had elaborate plans to assassinate journalist Christo Grozev, including using a staged arrest and a brutal sledgehammer attack. What does this reveal about Russia’s evolving intelligence operations, and why are journalists becoming prime targets?

🇬🇧 How a Russian Spy Ring Did Moscow’s Dirty Work in the UK – A deeper dive into the espionage network that infiltrated Britain, carrying out surveillance, honeytraps, and potential kidnappings for the Kremlin. How were they caught, and what does this case expose about Russia’s covert networks in Europe?

🇷🇺 Russia Expels British Diplomats – In a move that escalates diplomatic tensions, Russia has expelled two British diplomats over espionage allegations. Is this just tit-for-tat diplomacy, or are we witnessing an escalation in intelligence warfare between Moscow and London?

🤖 AI-Powered Election Interference – A new Canadian intelligence report warns that China, Russia, and Iran are likely to use AI-driven disinformation campaigns to manipulate public perception in Canada’s upcoming federal election. With deepfakes and AI-generated propaganda on the rise, how can Canada defend its democracy?

🌊 Undersea Cable Sabotage – The mysterious breakdown of undersea internet cables is raising concerns about deliberate sabotage. With global economies and military operations relying on these critical lines of communication, why is proving these attacks so difficult, and what does it mean for global security?

🇩🇪 Germany’s Intelligence Failure on COVID-19 – A new report reveals that Germany’s intelligence agency, the BND, failed to detect and warn about COVID-19’s threat in 2019. Was this a simple oversight, or does it expose a deeper weakness in how intelligence agencies assess non-traditional security risks?

🔥 Russian Sabotage Campaign in Poland – Polish authorities have arrested a Belarusian man accused of committing arson as part of a Russian-directed sabotage effort. With similar acts of covert disruption reported across Europe, is Russia escalating its use of proxy operatives to destabilize NATO countries?

🇬🇱 Trump’s Renewed Push for Greenland – Former President Donald Trump is once again advocating for the U.S. to acquire Greenland, citing national security concerns. But is this a strategic necessity in the battle for Arctic dominance, or just political posturing?

🛑 With the Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up, you get the intelligence behind the headlines—no hype, no bias.

📌 Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:30 - Russian spy ring & assassination plot
06:00 - How Russian spies operated in the UK
10:45 - Russia expels British diplomats
15:20 - AI-driven election interference in Canada
20:10 - Undersea cable sabotage concerns
24:40 - Germany’s intelligence failure on COVID-19
27:50 - Russian sabotage campaign in Poland
29:20 - Trump’s renewed push for Greenland
30:20 - Outro

🔗 Links to sources & ways to support the show in the description!

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Transcript

2025 03 14 Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap Up

The Psychology behind Human Sources in Intelligence Collection. 

 https://pdinstitute.uottawa.ca/PDI/Courses/National-Security/The-Psychology-Behind-Human-Sources/Course.aspx?CourseCode=S0236

INTRO:

Welcome to Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up, where we break down the most urgent intelligence and national security stories shaping the world.

With over 25 years of experience in intelligence and law enforcement, Neil Bisson—Director of the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network and a retired Intelligence Officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service—delivers expert analysis beyond the headlines.

This week, we uncover a chilling Russian espionage plot that reads like a spy novel.

A convicted Russian spy ring in the UK had elaborate plans to assassinate journalist Christo Grozev—including a staged arrest and a brutal sledgehammer attack. 

What does this reveal about Russia’s evolving intelligence operations?

We also examine Moscow’s latest diplomatic retaliation as Russia expels two British diplomats, citing espionage claims.

 Is this just tit-for-tat diplomacy, or a sign of escalating intelligence warfare?

Meanwhile, Canada braces for an AI-powered disinformation onslaught. 

A new report from the Communications Security Establishment warns that China, Russia, and Iran are likely to use artificial intelligence tools to influence the upcoming federal election. 

What’s at stake, and how can Canada defend itself?

Plus, undersea cables are mysteriously breaking down, fueling concerns over sabotage. Why is proving these attacks so difficult, and what does this mean for global security?

And finally, Donald Trump has reignited his controversial push for the U.S. to acquire Greenland, citing national security concerns. 

How does this fit into the broader geopolitical battle for Arctic dominance?

Stay tuned as Neil unpacks these critical developments.

Now, let’s get started.

MUSIC

Welcome to Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up, where we break down the biggest national security and intelligence stories of the week. 

I’m Neil Bisson, a retired Intelligence Officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the Director of the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network. 

With over 25 years of law enforcement experience and intelligence collection and analysis, I bring you insights that go beyond the headlines.

As always, there’s a lot to cover this week so let’s dive right in. 

In our first story we’re looking at a chilling report from the BBC about a Russian spy ring operating in the UK that plotted multiple assassination methods against journalist Christo Grozev. 

The details of this case sound like something straight out of a spy thriller—but  trust me, they are very real.

The article reveals that a Russian-linked spy cell had extensively surveilled Grozev and his colleague Roman Dobrokhotov across Europe. 

The group, which included three Bulgarian operatives, was convicted in the UK for conspiring to spy. 

Their mission? 

To kidnap or assassinate Grozev using methods that ranged from a staged arrest to a gruesome sledgehammer attack—even enlisting an Islamic State suicide bomber.

This case highlights a growing trend in Russian intelligence operations: the outsourcing of espionage and assassinations to non-professionals. 

With failures in their traditional intelligence structures, Russia appears to be relying more on sleeper agents and third-party operatives, often blending into civilian life until activated.

Grozev, a well-known investigative journalist, has been instrumental in exposing Russian intelligence activities. 

His work has linked Russian operatives to high-profile poisonings, including the attack on Alexei Navalny in 2020 and the Salisbury nerve agent incident in 2018. 

This history makes him a prime target for the Kremlin.

Russia's use of assassination and intimidation against journalists and dissidents is nothing new.

 We’ve seen similar tactics used against Alexander Litvinenko in 2006 and Sergei Skripal in 2018. 

But what makes this case especially concerning is the audacity and variety of attack methods being considered—demonstrating that the Kremlin is willing to experiment with unconventional assassination techniques.

Grozev himself described the assassination plans as "beyond any imagination," noting how spies discussed using a latex-masked decoy to have him "arrested" on a flight to Russia. 

Meanwhile, UK law enforcement described the group’s tactics as something you’d expect in a spy novel.

From an intelligence perspective, this case underscores how Russia continues to exploit Western freedoms to stage its covert operations. 

It also raises serious concerns for journalists and dissidents living in Europe who are increasingly finding themselves on Moscow’s hit list.

This case serves as yet another example of Russia’s aggressive espionage and assassination efforts in the West. 

The use of non-professional operatives introduces new risks—mainly, that these individuals may lack the skills to carry out operations cleanly, increasing the likelihood of collateral damage.

With Russia continuing its covert operations abroad, Western intelligence agencies will need to rethink their counterintelligence strategies, particularly when it comes to protecting high-profile journalistic and political targets of assassination.

MUSIC

We’re sticking with this story as we look at a recent BBC investigation into the Russian spy ring operating out of the UK. 

The group conducted surveillance, planned honeytraps, and even discussed kidnappings in service of the Kremlin. 

With convictions now secured in a London court, the story reveals just how far Russian intelligence is willing to go to silence its enemies.

The BBC investigation outlines how a group of Bulgarian nationals, led by Orlin Roussev, infiltrated the UK under false pretenses, living seemingly ordinary lives while carrying out intelligence operations for Russia. 

Their activities included tailing journalists, politicians, and dissidents, using surveillance equipment, and discussing potential abductions.

One of their primary targets was Roman Dobrokhotov, a Russian investigative journalist known for exposing Kremlin operations, including the Salisbury poisonings. 

The group followed him across Europe, tracking his movements and relaying information back to their handlers. 

The investigation uncovered thousands of Telegram messages between Roussev and his superior, Jan Marsalek, a former finance executive linked to Russian intelligence. 

These messages detailed planned operations, including a potential kidnapping plot to smuggle Dobrokhotov out of the UK by boat.

This case highlights a well-established pattern of Russian intelligence operations in Europe. 

From the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko in 2006 to the 2018 Skripal attack in Salisbury, the Kremlin has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to target perceived enemies on foreign soil. 

This spy ring’s activities fit within Russia’s broader strategy of intimidation and extraterritorial repression.

Marsalek, who once served as the COO of the now-defunct German payments company Wirecard, has long been suspected of working with Russian intelligence. 

Following Wirecard’s collapse in 2020, he fled to Moscow, where he is believed to be operating under state protection. 

His role in directing Roussev’s spy ring adds another layer to the growing evidence of Russian intelligence leveraging private-sector figures to conduct covert operations.

Security analysts have pointed to the sophistication of the group’s surveillance tactics, with one expert describing the equipment found in Roussev’s possession as a "vast amount of technical surveillance tools capable of intrusive monitoring." 

The group had access to encrypted communication channels, fake identity documents, and high-end electronic counter-surveillance gear.

Authorities believe this cell was responsible for at least six operations over several years, including efforts to monitor investigative journalist Christo Grozev and Ukrainian military personnel. 

The case underscores the persistent threat posed by Russian intelligence operatives working under non-official cover.

The convictions of several members of this spy ring mark a significant counterintelligence success for UK authorities, but they also serve as a reminder that Russia’s intelligence reach extends far beyond its borders. 

With Marsalek still at large, likely under Kremlin protection, the full extent of this operation may never be known.

This case highlights the ongoing challenge democracies face in countering state-sponsored espionage and covert influence operations. 

As Russian intelligence continues to adapt, so too must Western intelligence services.

MUSIC

We head to Moscow for our next story, where Russia has expelled two British diplomats from the UK embassy, accusing them of espionage. 

The expulsion marks a significant escalation in the ongoing diplomatic tension between Russia and the United Kingdom. 

As we've seen over the past few years, espionage accusations are a powerful tool in international relations, often used as leverage in broader geopolitical conflicts.

Russia’s decision to expel two British diplomats is rooted in long-standing animosity between the two nations, with espionage allegations frequently surfacing as a result. 

In this instance, Moscow claims that the diplomats were involved in intelligence activities contrary to their diplomatic status. 

According to Russian authorities, these actions crossed a line, compelling them to take swift action by expelling the individuals.

Espionage claims like this often come at a time of heightened tensions, and they serve as a reminder of the fragile nature of diplomatic relations. 

For years, the UK and Russia have been at odds over issues such as the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in 2018, the annexation of Crimea, and cyberattacks attributed to Russian-backed groups targeting the UK. 

This expulsion is just another chapter in this ongoing diplomatic battle.

On the surface, this expulsion could be interpreted as a calculated move by Russia to reinforce its stance on national security and safeguard its sovereignty. 

However, these accusations also serve to increase pressure on the UK and its allies, potentially leading to further retaliatory measures. 

It’s worth noting that the UK has not backed down from its criticisms of Russian actions on the international stage, which could have contributed to this latest move.

From an intelligence perspective, espionage allegations like this are rarely straightforward. 

Espionage itself is often a matter of perspective, with each country accusing the other of spying or meddling in its internal affairs. 

In this case, Russia claims that the expelled diplomats were using their positions for activities that undermine Russian interests. 

However, from the UK's perspective, these diplomats could be seen as innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire of a politically charged environment.

This incident comes just weeks after the UK expelled Russian diplomats in a similar situation, indicating a tit-for-tat exchange that is becoming more common in modern diplomacy. 

Such expulsions can severely damage diplomatic ties, but they also serve as powerful symbolic acts that can rally domestic support or send a strong message to adversaries.

Espionage remains one of the oldest forms of statecraft, deeply embedded in international relations. 

Throughout history, espionage has been used to gather sensitive information, undermine rival nations, and gain strategic advantages. 

In modern times, intelligence agencies are often involved in covert operations that extend beyond traditional spying to include cyber espionage, economic sabotage, and even political interference.

The UK and Russia have a long history of tension, with espionage often serving as a focal point of their rivalry. 

In the years following the Skripal poisoning, relations between the two countries have been strained, with both sides expelling diplomats and accusing one another of espionage. 

The latest incident serves as a reminder of how accusations of spying can quickly escalate into full-blown diplomatic crises.

This expulsion also highlights the role of intelligence agencies in modern diplomacy. 

Diplomatic immunity may protect diplomats from direct legal action, but it does not shield them from being accused of espionage. 

Intelligence agencies from both sides are no doubt already analyzing the expulsion for deeper insights into the underlying motivations and tactics.

Experts on international relations and intelligence affairs suggest that espionage-related expulsions are often part of a broader strategy to either retaliate or send a warning. 

In this case, some analysts believe that Russia may be seeking to shift the narrative, shifting blame onto foreign interference as a way to deflect attention from its own domestic challenges or controversial actions on the international stage.

There is also a growing concern that the increasing frequency of such expulsions is becoming a tool of geopolitical maneuvering. 

It serves as a method of signaling discontent without resorting to direct military confrontation. 

By expelling diplomats, both sides can maintain the façade of diplomacy while also sending a strong message to the international community.

The key takeaway for intelligence professionals is the continued importance of understanding the dynamics behind such diplomatic actions. 

While it might seem like a routine matter of international relations, every expulsion or espionage claim can have ripple effects on global security. 

The way these situations unfold—especially when both sides are entrenched in their positions—can offer valuable insights into the evolving tactics and strategies of statecraft.

The expulsion of two British diplomats from Moscow is another significant chapter in the increasingly fraught relationship between Russia and the United Kingdom.

It highlights the central role that espionage allegations continue to play in international relations, often serving as a strategic lever in broader geopolitical conflicts.

As the world becomes more interconnected, these types of incidents will likely continue to unfold, and the challenges of navigating such tensions will remain a key concern for intelligence agencies, diplomats, and policymakers alike. 

For now, the expulsion serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in international diplomacy and the complex world of espionage.

MUSIC

We return to Canada for our next story, where we’re diving into a critical issue raised by the Communications Security Establishment Canada or CSE. 

That China, Russia, and Iran are very likely to use artificial intelligence tools to interfere with Canada’s upcoming federal election. 

While the report emphasizes that these actors will likely avoid directly attacking election infrastructure, they will almost certainly utilize AI to manipulate public perception and spread disinformation.

The CSE report demonstrates how foreign actors continue to evolve their tactics to influence democratic processes, using cutting-edge technologies such as generative AI and deepfakes. 

According to the CSE, China, Russia, and Iran will leverage these AI-powered tools to disseminate disinformation designed to sow division within Canadian society and manipulate the political discourse.

One of the key concerns highlighted in the report is the likely increase in phishing scams and hack-and-leak operations targeting Canadian politicians and political parties. 

These operations are designed to create chaos and mistrust, pushing narratives that serve foreign interests.

Despite these efforts, the report clarifies that it’s very unlikely that these foreign powers will launch destructive cyberattacks on Canadian election infrastructure—such as paralyzing telecommunications or election systems—unless there is direct armed conflict. 

This offers some reassurance, but the ongoing disinformation campaigns remain a serious national security concern.

One troubling aspect discussed is the growing risk to public figures, especially women and members of the LGBTQ2+ community, from deepfake pornography. 

This is a tool that can destroy reputations and discourage political participation, particularly among vulnerable groups. 

There are even fears that some deepfake content could be used to sabotage political campaigns directly.

The use of AI in disinformation campaigns is not unique to Canada. 

In fact, CSE points to a global trend where generative AI tools have become a key weapon for foreign actors. 

Over a quarter of elections worldwide from 2023 to 2024 experienced some form of AI-enabled interference—an alarming jump from the previous two years.

This shift reflects the broader global challenges posed by AI technology. 

In the 2020 U.S. elections, we saw deepfakes of presidential candidates, and in 2024, Iran-backed actors breached President Trump’s campaign through AI-enabled tools. 

The actions of China and Russia in these instances were particularly notable, demonstrating how foreign influence campaigns can span across borders with the help of AI.

Canada is not immune to these threats. 

The CSE has made it clear that Canada must be on alert, with China’s massive data collection efforts on Canadian politicians, public figures, and citizens further complicating the situation.

Predictive AI allows these states to rapidly analyze vast amounts of data to enhance their ability to target individuals and sway public opinion. 

This is a clear threat to the integrity of Canadian democracy and an issue that will continue to grow unless properly addressed.

Caroline Xavier, the head of the CSE, emphasized the importance of Canadians staying vigilant and thinking critically about the information they encounter online. 

While CSE is prepared to defend against these cyber threats, the agency’s efforts alone may not be enough without broader public awareness and involvement.

I agree with the agency’s stance—while technological countermeasures are essential, democratic resilience also depends on the informed actions of everyday citizens. 

From a broader perspective, this is a clear indicator of how foreign influence is adapting to the modern technological landscape, making it more challenging for nations to protect their electoral processes.

The threats highlighted in the CSE’s report should serve as a wake-up call to Canadian officials, political candidates, and citizens alike. 

The use of AI in disinformation campaigns is an evolving challenge that will only increase as the technology becomes more accessible and affordable.

Looking forward, Canada must continue strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure, refine its regulations surrounding AI, and raise public awareness about the potential risks. 

The involvement of foreign actors in manipulating elections isn’t going away anytime soon, and it’s crucial that we prepare for it—not just with policy, but also with a well-informed and vigilant public.

MUSIC

For our next story we’re diving into a critical issue that continues to impact global communications—the vulnerability of undersea cables. 

This week, Al Jazeera reported on the increasing difficulty in proving sabotage as undersea cables, essential to global data transmission, continue to experience breakdowns. 

These cables form the backbone of international communications and trade, and any disruption can have far-reaching consequences for both national security and the global economy.

Undersea cables are crucial for transmitting the vast majority of global data, from emails to financial transactions and military communications. 

However, as reported, these cables have become targets of disruption, and the methods of sabotage are often incredibly difficult to detect and prove.

While the cables themselves are typically built with redundancy to withstand natural wear and tear, deliberate damage—whether from state actors or non-state groups—presents a significant challenge. 

Recent incidents involving cable damage have sparked concerns, but proving intent behind these disruptions remains a murky area for investigators.

There’s also the question of what happens when these cables go down. 

The financial and security consequences are significant. 

From trade delays to potential communication blackouts, the disruption of these cables can wreak havoc on entire regions. 

Yet, as Al Jazeera pointed out, tracking the perpetrators of such damage is a task easier said than done.

The report mentions that while countries are increasing surveillance of key undersea cables, determining whether damage was intentional, or the result of natural causes (like undersea earthquakes or fishing activities) can be extremely challenging. 

In a world where state-backed cyber activities are on the rise, foreign interference through cable sabotage is an emerging concern in the realm of national security.

Undersea cables have been targets of covert operations for decades. 

In the past, such operations were often the domain of state actors with military interests, especially during times of geopolitical tensions. 

The Cold War era saw instances of cable tapping and covert monitoring, and there’s a continued risk today that foreign states may target these cables for espionage purposes or to cripple the communications of their adversaries.

Recent incidents, such as suspected sabotage near critical cable routes, have heightened these fears. 

For instance, a major cable cutting incident off the coast of the Mediterranean in 2023 caused temporary disruptions in communications across multiple countries. 

Despite suspicions of state involvement, no definitive proof of sabotage was ever established.

As more nations are embracing digital warfare tactics, the growing vulnerability of undersea cables is becoming a national security issue. 

It's not just about physical damage anymore—cyberattacks against the infrastructure supporting these cables are also a growing concern.

Experts quoted in the Al Jazeera report express frustration over the difficulty of proving sabotage, even though the strategic importance of undersea cables has never been higher. 

This challenge is compounded by the fact that cables often span across international waters, making jurisdiction and attribution all the more complex.

From an intelligence perspective, there’s a clear need for better international cooperation and the sharing of intelligence to detect and prevent these attacks. 

The report also raises the issue of governments potentially underreporting cable damage or opting not to investigate for fear of creating international tension or exposing vulnerabilities.

In my professional opinion, while the physical damage to undersea cables is a real concern, the broader threat lies in the potential for covert cyber operations targeting the systems that manage these cables. 

Much like in the case of recent Russian and Chinese cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, foreign powers may be using proxies or indirect methods to achieve their goals, making it difficult to track down the true culprits.

The problem of undersea cable sabotage is only going to become more pressing as our world becomes more reliant on digital infrastructure. 

As technology evolves, so too do the tactics used by those who seek to disrupt it.

The challenge of proving intentional sabotage is a growing issue that needs a concerted global response.

Given the significance of undersea cables in maintaining not just economic stability but also national security, nations must work together to enhance surveillance, improve cyber protections, and develop strategies that are for more effective.

In the coming years, we are likely to see more incidents involving undersea cables, and we must be prepared—not just in terms of technical defenses, but also in our ability to respond to these threats with agility and international cooperation.

MUSIC

We head to Germany for the next story that covers an alarming revelation about Germany's intelligence agency, the BND, and its failure to provide an early warning on COVID-19. 

A recent report suggests that the BND missed critical intelligence in late 2019 and early 2020, potentially leaving Germany and its European allies unprepared for one of the most significant global health crises in modern history. 

Could this be an intelligence failure, or is it a reflection of a broader systemic issue? 

Let's break it down.

Intelligence agencies are tasked with monitoring global threats—whether from espionage, terrorism, or in this case, a pandemic with worldwide consequences. 

The recent report on the BND’s handling of COVID-19 suggests that the agency did not recognize the gravity of the outbreak in China soon enough to alert the German government effectively. 

Some are calling it a major failure, arguing that more proactive intelligence gathering and analysis could have provided Germany with the warning it needed to better prepare.

So, what exactly went wrong? 

The report suggests that the BND failed to properly assess early intelligence signals coming from China. 

While evidence of a novel coronavirus was emerging in Wuhan as early as December 2019, the agency seemingly did not raise the alarm about the pandemic potential. 

This raises serious concerns: 

Was the BND relying too heavily on publicly available sources? 

Did it lack access to critical intelligence? 

Or was there a failure to properly analyze and escalate the information it had?

This failure is not unique to Germany. 

Many intelligence agencies worldwide struggled to assess the pandemic’s true impact early on.

Intelligence services are traditionally focused on security threats like terrorism, espionage, and military conflicts. 

A global health crisis, while clearly a national security issue, may not have received the same level of priority.

However, intelligence professionals understand that national security threats come in many forms—not just from spies and terrorists, but also from pandemics, cyberattacks, and economic warfare. 

The BND’s miscalculation raises concerns about how intelligence agencies assess non-traditional threats and whether they need to adapt their focus to address modern security challenges.

Intelligence experts have been quick to weigh in on this issue. 

Some argue that the BND, like many other agencies, lacked the proper structure and expertise to analyze global health threats effectively. 

Traditional intelligence work often focuses on political and military risks, while pandemics require a mix of scientific knowledge, open-source intelligence, and cooperation with public health agencies. 

Others suggest that intelligence sharing failures between agencies may have played a role.

Moreover, this report raises broader questions about the role of intelligence agencies in public health emergencies. 

Should intelligence services have dedicated pandemic threat assessment units? 

Should they collaborate more closely with epidemiologists? 

And how do national security and public health institutions balance competing priorities in an increasingly interconnected world? 

These are questions many governments will need to address as they prepare for future crises.

The BND’s failure to flag COVID-19 as a major security risk is a stark reminder of the evolving nature of global threats. 

While traditional intelligence threats like espionage and terrorism remain critical, pandemics and biological threats must be treated with equal urgency. 

The question now is whether intelligence agencies will adapt, and if governments will invest in the resources needed to detect and respond to future pandemics before they spiral out of control. 

One thing is certain: the ability to anticipate and prepare for non-traditional threats is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Do you think intelligence agencies should be more involved in pandemic detection? 

Should public health threats be treated as national security issues? 

Let me know in the comments!

MUSIC

We turn our attention to Poland for our next story, where authorities have charged a Belarusian man with arson in Warsaw, alleging his involvement in a Russian-directed sabotage campaign. 

This incident underscores the escalating covert operations attributed to Russian intelligence within European borders. 

Let's delve deeper into this unfolding situation.

The recent arson attack in Warsaw is part of a disturbing pattern of sabotage activities linked to Russian intelligence operations across Europe. 

Polish authorities have accused the Belarusian national, identified as Stepan K., of setting fire to a hardware store in Warsaw, causing damages estimated at €840,000. 

This act is believed to be orchestrated by Russia's military intelligence agency, the GRU, aiming to destabilize European nations supporting Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.

This incident is not isolated. 

Over the past year, Europe has witnessed a series of arson attacks targeting logistics and commercial facilities in countries like Poland, Germany, and the United Kingdom. 

For instance, in July 2024, incendiary devices concealed in packages ignited fires at DHL hubs in Leipzig and Birmingham, raising alarms about the security of air cargo destined for North America.

Investigations traced these devices back to Russian operatives, highlighting a coordinated effort to disrupt and intimidate.

Poland has been particularly vigilant in countering such threats. 

In January 2023, Polish authorities arrested a Russian and a Belarusian national accused of spying on military facilities for the GRU since 2017. 

More recently, in January 2025, Poland's Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, accused Russia of planning global terrorist acts, specifically targeting aviation with firebomb attacks. 

These developments underscore the persistent and evolving nature of Russian hybrid warfare tactics aimed at undermining European stability.

Experts in international security and intelligence emphasize that these sabotage activities reflect a broader strategy by Russia to engage in asymmetric warfare. 

By targeting critical infrastructure and sowing discord, Russia aims to weaken the resolve of European nations supporting Ukraine. 

Such covert operations are challenging to attribute directly, providing plausible deniability while achieving strategic objectives.

Intelligence analysts also highlight the importance of robust counterintelligence measures and international cooperation. 

The formation of joint investigation teams, like the one between Poland and Lithuania, exemplifies proactive steps to mitigate and respond to such threats.

Additionally, enhancing cybersecurity protocols and public awareness are crucial in countering disinformation campaigns accompanying these physical acts of sabotage.

The arson attack in Warsaw serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of modern geopolitical conflicts. 

As nations confront traditional military threats, they must also be vigilant against covert operations designed to destabilize and intimidate. 

Strengthening intelligence-sharing frameworks, investing in counter-sabotage capabilities, and fostering public resilience are essential components in safeguarding national security.

MUSIC

On to the United States for our last story where, President Donald Trump has reiterated his belief that the United States should acquire Greenland for national security reasons. 

His controversial stance, first made public in 2019, has resurfaced as he argues that controlling Greenland would provide the U.S. with strategic advantages in the Arctic. 

But what’s behind this claim, and what are the geopolitical implications? 

Let’s take a look.

Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland highlights the Arctic’s growing significance in global security. 

The region is rich in natural resources, serves as a key military vantage point, and is increasingly contested by major powers, including the U.S., Russia, and China. 

Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has long been a focal point for military strategy due to its location between North America and Europe.

The U.S. already operates the Thule Air Base in northern Greenland, a critical installation for missile defense and early warning systems. 

However, Trump’s argument suggests that full control over the island would enhance American military capabilities and resource access. 

Critics, including Danish and Greenlandic officials, have dismissed the idea, emphasizing that Greenland is not for sale and questioning the practicality of such an acquisition.

Geopolitical analysts note that the Arctic’s strategic importance has increased due to climate change, which is opening new shipping routes and exposing untapped resource deposits. 

Russia has heavily militarized its Arctic territories, and China has declared itself a “near-Arctic state,” investing in infrastructure projects across the region. 

In this context, Trump’s comments reflect broader U.S. concerns about maintaining dominance in the Arctic against these competitors.

However, experts also point out that attempting to purchase Greenland is neither politically nor diplomatically feasible. 

Instead, the U.S. is likely to strengthen its military and economic ties with Greenland through cooperation rather than ownership.

While Trump’s assertion that the U.S. needs Greenland for national security reasons has reignited debate, the reality is that geopolitical influence in the Arctic will be determined by strategic partnerships and military positioning rather than territorial acquisitions. 

As tensions in the region continue to grow, the U.S. will need to focus on alliances and infrastructure investments to maintain its presence and counter rival powers.

Well, that’s it for this week.

Thanks for listening and as always the links to the stories discussed are in transcript. 

For those in my audience who are interested in learning about the motivations of human sources or agents in intelligence collection, I will be teaching an online course for the University of Ottawa Professional Development Program. 

I highly recommend this course for anyone interested in national security or intelligence collection. 

I’ll leave a link in the show notes. 

Until next week, stay curious, stay informed and stay safe. 

MUSIC

OUTRO:

That’s a wrap for this week’s Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up.

From Russian assassination plots and diplomatic expulsions to AI-driven election interference, undersea cable sabotage concerns, and Trump’s renewed push for Greenland—today’s stories highlight the ever-evolving world of intelligence and national security.

Bringing you these expert insights takes deep research, experience, and a commitment to uncovering the intelligence stories that matter.

If you found this episode valuable, consider liking, sharing, or leaving a comment. 

Your engagement helps bring these crucial discussions to a wider audience.

And if you’d like to support the show and help us keep delivering expert analysis, you can do so through Patreon or Buzzsprout. 

Whether it’s a one-time contribution or ongoing support, every bit helps. You’ll find the links in the show notes.

Thank you for tuning in.

And as Neil always says: stay curious, stay informed, and stay safe. See you next week.

LINKS:

Story 1: Russian spy ring's plans to kill journalist 'beyond imagination'

Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62k0kxwzywo

Story 2: How spy ring did Russia's dirty work from the UK

Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c627685p21eo

Story 3: Russia Expels 2 British Diplomats from Embassy in Moscow Over Espionage Claims

Link: https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/russia-expels-2-british-diplomats-from-embassy-in-moscow-over-espionage-claims/

Story 4: China, Russia ‘Very Likely’ to Use AI to Try and Disrupt Next Election: CSE

Link: https://globalnews.ca/news/11069265/canada-election-cyber-threats-china-russia-iran-ai/

Story 5:  As Undersea Cables Break Down, Proving Sabotage a Difficult Task

Link: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/10/as-undersea-cables-break-down-proving-sabotage-a-difficult-task?traffic_source=rss

Story 6: German Intelligence Agency Failed to Warn of COVID Pandemic
Link: https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-coronavirus-pandemic-intelligence-service-bnd/

Story 7: Man Charged with Setting Fire to Warsaw Store as Part of Russian Sabotage Campaign in Poland
Link: https://notesfrompoland.com/2025/03/12/man-charged-with-setting-fire-to-warsaw-store-as-part-of-russian-sabotage-campaign-in-poland/

Story 8 : Trump Insists U.S. Needs Greenland for National Security Reasons
Link: https://globalnews.ca/video/11080721/trump-insists-u-s-needs-greenland-for-national-security-reasons/