Welcome to another compelling episode of the GIKN Weekly Intelligence Wrap-Up, where we bring you the latest and most critical updates from the world of global intelligence and national security. Hosted by Neil Bisson, a retired intelligence officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and Director of the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network, this episode is packed with in-depth analysis and expert insights.
In This Episode:
🔒 Russian Crackdown on Physicists: We delve into the troubling trend of Russian physicists, especially those working on hypersonic technology, being accused of treason. What does this mean for the scientific community and global security?
🚔 Undercover Operations in Alberta: Explore a riveting case from Alberta involving conspiracy to commit murder during the 2022 border blockade protests. Discover the vital role of undercover officers and the complexities surrounding domestic terrorism threats.
🗳️ Foreign Interference in Canadian Politics: We dissect the controversy surrounding allegations of foreign interference in Canada’s federal politics, highlighting the delicate balance between transparency and national security.
✈️ Director of CSIS Visiting India: An overview of the significance of the Director of CSIS's upcoming visit to India, focusing on the enhancement of bilateral intelligence cooperation and shared security challenges.
Stay connected with us for more insightful content and analysis:
Website: globalintelligenceknowledgenetwork.com
YouTube Channel: @InsideIntelligenceGIKN
Podcast: Subscribe to "Spies Like Us" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.
If you enjoy our content, please leave a comment, give us a rating, and share it with others. Your support is crucial in helping us continue to deliver high-quality, insightful intelligence analysis.
Support Us: Consider becoming a supporter at buzzsprout.com/2336717/support. Your contributions are greatly appreciated and help keep our content flowing.
Stay Informed: Subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with the latest in global intelligence. Thank you for tuning in, and as always, stay curious, stay informed, and stay safe.
Welcome to another compelling episode of the GIKN Weekly Intelligence Wrap-Up, where we bring you the latest and most critical updates from the world of global intelligence and national security. Hosted by Neil Bisson, a retired intelligence officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and Director of the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network, this episode is packed with in-depth analysis and expert insights.
In This Episode:
🔒 Russian Crackdown on Physicists: We delve into the troubling trend of Russian physicists, especially those working on hypersonic technology, being accused of treason. What does this mean for the scientific community and global security?
🚔 Undercover Operations in Alberta: Explore a riveting case from Alberta involving conspiracy to commit murder during the 2022 border blockade protests. Discover the vital role of undercover officers and the complexities surrounding domestic terrorism threats.
🗳️ Foreign Interference in Canadian Politics: We dissect the controversy surrounding allegations of foreign interference in Canada’s federal politics, highlighting the delicate balance between transparency and national security.
✈️ Director of CSIS Visiting India: An overview of the significance of the Director of CSIS's upcoming visit to India, focusing on the enhancement of bilateral intelligence cooperation and shared security challenges.
Stay connected with us for more insightful content and analysis:
Website: globalintelligenceknowledgenetwork.com
YouTube Channel: @InsideIntelligenceGIKN
Podcast: Subscribe to "Spies Like Us" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.
If you enjoy our content, please leave a comment, give us a rating, and share it with others. Your support is crucial in helping us continue to deliver high-quality, insightful intelligence analysis.
Support Us: Consider becoming a supporter at buzzsprout.com/2336717/support. Your contributions are greatly appreciated and help keep our content flowing.
Stay Informed: Subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with the latest in global intelligence. Thank you for tuning in, and as always, stay curious, stay informed, and stay safe.
GIKN Weekly Intelligence Wrap up 2024 06 14 Welcome to the Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up for the week ending June 14 th, 2024. I'm Neil Bisson, your host, and a retired intelligence officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. I also serve as the Director of the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network. In our weekly episodes, we break down the latest headlines, offering insights into national security, foreign interference, espionage, and terrorism. Before we jump into today's stories, I want to highlight how crucial your support is for us to continue delivering high-quality, insightful content. If you enjoy our podcast, please visit our website at www.globalintelligenceknowledgenetwork.com. There, you'll find a treasure trove of information, including articles, blogs, my media appearances, and dossiers on various intelligence agencies. We also run a YouTube channel, Inside Intelligence GIKN, where you can explore videos on a range of intelligence topics, from Cryptocurrency and Terrorism to Situational Awareness and our multipart series on Killer Spies: The Dark Side of Intelligence. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated. Additionally, I co-host another podcast called "Spies Like Us" with fellow retired CSIS intelligence professionals, Al Treddenick and Phil Gurski. We dive into current intelligence topics both within Canada and globally. It’s a fascinating listen, and I highly recommend checking it out. Make sure to subscribe to the Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or simply ask your smart speaker to play it. If you enjoy the content, please leave a comment, give us a rating, and share it with others. Your feedback and support are vital in keeping the lights on and the information flowing. You can also support the show by becoming a supporter at buzzsprout.com/2336717/support. Your contributions are greatly appreciated and help ensure we can continue bringing you these important insights. All the links to the mentioned platforms and resources are included in the text of this podcast. Thank you for your support. Now, let’s dive into this week’s episode of Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up. Today’s first story concerns an article from the BBC titled, "'Spy mania': Why is Russia accusing its own physicists of treason?" This piece sheds light on a disturbing trend in Russia where scientists, particularly those working on hypersonic technology, are being accused of treason. Let's unpack the details to understand the broader implications of this alarming situation. The article details a series of arrests of Russian physicists, many elderly, accused of high treason. These scientists are working on or associated with hypersonic weapons technology—a field where Russia claims to be a global leader. Notably, many of these trials are held behind closed doors, and the specific charges remain vague. From an intelligence perspective, this crackdown can be seen as part of a larger narrative where the Russian government aims to control and protect sensitive technological advancements. However, it also suggests an atmosphere of paranoia and distrust within Russia's own scientific community. The accusations may not be entirely about real espionage but about creating a narrative of vigilance against external threats. The context here is critical. Hypersonic weapons are a game-changer in modern warfare, capable of evading traditional missile defenses due to their speed and maneuverability. Russia's leadership in this technology is a point of national pride, especially for President Putin. Historically, states with cutting-edge technology often face espionage threats, but this internal crackdown is reminiscent of Cold War-era purges rather than modern espionage countermeasures. Comparatively, during the Cold War, the Soviet Union was known for its severe measures to protect state secrets. Today's Russia seems to be following a similar path, albeit under different geopolitical circumstances. The article quotes several experts and insiders. For instance, Yevgeny Smirnov, a lawyer with the human rights organization First Division, highlights that these scientists were primarily engaged in fundamental research rather than direct weapons development. Smirnov suggests that these arrests might be more about internal politics and maintaining an image of a besieged fortress rather than genuine national security concerns. This appears to align with the typical autocratic behavior, where the Russian government uses fear to maintain control. Accusing prominent scientists of treason can serve to suppress dissent and discourage international collaboration, which the FSB might view as a potential security risk. This crackdown on Russian physicists appears to be a complex interplay of protecting sensitive technology and maintaining a tight grip on the narrative of national security. These actions could have a chilling effect on scientific research and international collaboration in Russia, potentially stunting technological advancement in the long run. Looking ahead, we might see an increase in self-censorship among Russian scientists and a further decline in Russia's academic contributions to global scientific communities. The ripple effects could also strain Russia's relationships with other nations involved in scientific research. MUSIC In this next story we explore an article from Global News titled, "So far, ‘deflection,’ no answers on politician collusion allegations: experts." This article delves into the controversy surrounding allegations that federal politicians in Canada are involved in foreign interference schemes. I’ll break down the key points and analyze the broader implications for national security and democratic integrity. The article reports on the recent allegations made by the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) that some sitting federal politicians are "witting" participants in foreign interference schemes. However, the committee has not disclosed the names of these individuals, and the Liberal government is facing criticism for not revealing their identities. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc stated that it would be "irresponsible" to release the names and emphasized that it's up to the RCMP to investigate. From an intelligence perspective, this situation highlights a significant challenge: balancing the need for transparency with the need to protect sensitive intelligence information. Naming the individuals without sufficient evidence could lead to wrongful accusations and potentially damage their careers and personal lives. On the other hand, withholding this information could undermine public trust in the government and its ability to protect national security. Historically, allegations of foreign interference in democratic processes are not new. Many countries, including Canada, have experienced attempts by foreign entities to influence political outcomes. The current allegations are particularly concerning because they involve sitting parliamentarians who are supposed to safeguard national interests. The NSICOP report also highlights the difficulty in prosecuting such cases due to the lack of robust legislation to protect classified information in judicial processes. Comparatively, other democracies have faced similar issues. For instance, the United States has implemented measures like the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) to address foreign influence. Canada is now considering Bill C-70, which aims to tackle foreign interference and includes provisions for a registry of individuals acting on behalf of foreign governments. The article features insights from several experts. Garry Clement, a former RCMP superintendent, criticizes the government's response as "deflection" and calls for stronger leadership and legislative measures to address the issue. Thomas Juneau, a national security professor at the University of Ottawa, stresses the need for transparency but acknowledges the complexities involved, such as privacy concerns and the risk of damaging reputations without conclusive proof. Clement's and Juneau's points underscore the delicate balance required in handling such sensitive issues. Transparency is crucial for maintaining public trust, but it must be handled in a way that does not compromise ongoing investigations or the rights of the individuals involved. Strengthening national security legislation, like Bill C-70, could provide a more structured approach to dealing with foreign interference. The allegations of politician collusion with foreign states pose a serious challenge for Canada's national security framework. The government's current approach has been criticized for lacking transparency, but there are valid concerns about the potential consequences of naming individuals without solid evidence. Moving forward, passing robust legislation like Bill C-70 will help address these issues by providing clearer guidelines and tools for dealing with foreign interference. In the coming weeks, it will be important to monitor how the government and the RCMP handle these allegations and whether new legislative measures will be implemented to better protect Canada's democratic processes. MUSIC The next article continues our dive into the aftermath of Canada’s new awakening to Foreign Interference but from a different perspective and institution. All this from an article in Global News titled "Foreign influence registry could have ‘chilling effect,’ universities warn." This article highlights concerns raised by Canada’s leading research universities, the U15, regarding a proposed foreign influence transparency registry. They warn that it could have an unintended “chilling effect” on international partnerships, potentially causing Canada to miss out on cutting-edge opportunities. The proposed foreign influence transparency registry is a centerpiece of legislation aimed at combating foreign interference. The legislation would introduce new criminal provisions against deceptive or surreptitious acts, allow for the sharing of sensitive information with businesses and others beyond the government, and establish a foreign influence transparency registry. The registry would require certain individuals to register their activities with the federal government to help guard against foreign interference. Failing to register could result in financial penalties or even criminal sanctions. The U15 and other universities express concerns about the registry's reporting requirements, claiming it’s nearly impossible for large research-intensive institutions to track individual research collaborations and report them within the required 14 days. They argue that this could harm international research partnerships and infringe on academic freedom. From an intelligence perspective, the significance of this legislation cannot be overstated. Academic Institutions, especially those that focus on cutting edge technology and research have been and will continue to be targets of hostile foreign states and non-state actors. To understand the broader implications, let’s provide some context. The idea of a foreign influence registry is not new. Countries like Australia and the United Kingdom have implemented similar measures. However, Canada’s approach is notably “country agnostic,” meaning it does not specifically target known adversaries like China. This has raised concerns among some experts about its effectiveness. Comparing this to the UK’s two-tier system, where the secretary of state has the power to require registration of activities for specified countries, this suggests that a more targeted approach might be beneficial. This system allows for more precise restrictions on entities from adversarial states while protecting academic freedom and international cooperation. The article includes insights from various experts. For instance, Wesley Wark, a senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, supports a more targeted approach like the UK's. Similarly, Benjamin Fung, a professor and Canada research chair at McGill University, advocates for a two-tier model to impose more accurate restrictions. Universities and other Academic Institutions are businesses and like any business they run on profit versus loss. This has not been more evident than in recent years with the explosion of temporary student visas. Foreign students are charged anywhere from 3 to 10 times the tuition of that of Canadian students. The claims by the U15 that foreign agent registry could have a chilling effect on international partnerships is nothing more than a veiled attempt to continue to keep profits at an all-time high in these institutions and dissuade the government from identifying individuals who are likely collaborating on research who could pose a threat to Canada’s national security. Foreign state actors, particularly those from adversarial nations, are increasingly employing sophisticated methods to advance their political goals and manipulate political and electoral systems. This registry aims to bring transparency to such activities and curb foreign influence. As a retired intelligence officer, it’s clear to me that the U15’s concerns about the “chilling effect” are, in part, a smokescreen to prevent potential fallout from identifying foreign agents within Canadian academic institutions. The registry's primary goal is to safeguard national security by ensuring transparency and accountability. To summarize, the proposed foreign influence transparency registry aims to protect Canada from foreign interference but faces significant pushback from academic institutions concerned about its impact on international research partnerships. Balancing academic freedom with national security is a complex issue, but it’s crucial to ensure that foreign agents do not manipulate our political and electoral systems or have access to cutting edge research. MUSIC In our next story we’ll be discussing a crucial article from the Times of India, titled "Canada's intelligence chief made unannounced visits to India twice this year. This article highlights the unannounced visits made by CSIS Director David Vigneault to India earlier this year to discuss the case surrounding the killing of Khalistan separatist advocate Hardeep Singh Nijjar. According to the article Director Vigneault, made two secretive trips to India in February and March to brief Indian officials on Ottawa’s investigation into the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. These visits occurred amidst strained relations between Canada and India following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations last year of potential involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar's assassination. Vigneault's visits were timed just before the arrests of three Indian nationals in Canada in connection with Nijjar's murder. A fourth Indian national was subsequently arrested. Nijjar, declared a terrorist by India, was killed outside a gurdwara in British Columbia in June of last year, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is currently investigating the case. From an intelligence perspective, these visits underscore the gravity and sensitivity of the situation. Unannounced diplomatic and intelligence exchanges like these are crucial in high-stakes international incidents, particularly those involving allegations of state-sponsored activities. To provide some context, the relationship between Canada and India has been tense, especially following Trudeau’s public accusations against India regarding Nijjar’s murder. India has consistently dismissed these claims as “absurd” and has expressed frustration over Canada’s perceived leniency towards pro-Khalistani elements operating from Canadian soil. The intelligence collaboration between Canada and India in this matter highlights the complexities of international diplomacy and national security. While Canada aims to ensure truth and accountability, India has raised concerns about the safety of its diplomats in Canada due to threats from pro-Khalistani groups. Comparing this event to similar incidents, it’s evident that international investigations involving accusations of state-sponsored killings require careful handling to avoid exacerbating diplomatic tensions. The need for transparency and cooperation is paramount, yet it must be balanced with the protection of Canada’s national interests and the safety of Canadian citizens. In the article, a government of Canada official confirmed Vigneault’s visits but did not comment on the specifics of the meetings. The official emphasized Canada’s commitment to providing all available information to India regarding the Nijjar case. This sentiment has been echoed by Prime Minister Trudeau and Canada’s minister for public safety, highlighting the country’s focus on truth and accountability. From my professional perspective, these undisclosed meetings likely involved sharing sensitive intelligence and discussing the implications of the ongoing investigation. The secrecy surrounding these visits underscores the delicate nature of the information exchanged and the potential repercussions on bilateral relations. David Vigneault’s unannounced visits to India to discuss the Nijjar case illustrate the intricate balance between national security, international diplomacy, and the pursuit of justice. The Canadian Intelligence Community cannot simply turn its back on the Indian Government as established relationships with the Indian Intelligence Community have been on going and are relied upon by both countries to investigate national security issues that affect both Canada and India. As this situation continues to unfold, the implications for Canada-India relations and the broader geopolitical landscape will be significant. Looking ahead, it will be essential to monitor the progress of the RCMP’s investigation and any further developments in the diplomatic exchanges between Canada and India. MUSIC Our next story deals with a critical news article from Global News titled "No ‘list’ of MPs in report that warned of collusion by parliamentarians: May" In this article, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May discusses her review of a top-secret parliamentary report on foreign interference, stating that there is no "list" of MPs who have been disloyal to Canada. The article highlights Elizabeth May's relief after reading the unredacted version of the National Security Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians’ (NSICOP) report. This report contains allegations that some parliamentarians are "wittingly" or "semi-wittingly" collaborating with foreign governments. The redacted version, released last Monday, did not name any parliamentarians, which has led to mounting pressure on the government to disclose their identities. May assures that she has "no worries about anyone in the House of Commons." However, she does point out that a former MP allegedly shared privileged information with a foreign operative, which she believes warrants investigation and prosecution. From an intelligence perspective, the significance of such allegations cannot be understated. Foreign interference poses a serious threat to national security, undermining the integrity of our democratic institutions and processes. Identifying and addressing these threats is crucial for maintaining public trust and safeguarding our political system. For some context, intelligence reports like the NSICOP report are complex documents that require expert interpretation. They offer a snapshot of information, often needing further validation and corroboration to ensure accuracy and reliability. Elizabeth May’s comments, while intended to reassure, oversimplify the depth and gravity of the intelligence contained within the report. This situation is reminiscent of other cases where foreign interference has been suspected or confirmed in political systems around the world. The importance of transparency and rigorous investigation in such matters cannot be overemphasized. May’s relief appears premature, considering the nuanced nature of intelligence work. The article quotes her stating that she cannot reveal which foreign government the former MP was allegedly working for, citing national security concerns. This secrecy, while necessary, also raises questions about the extent of the threat and the measures being taken to counter it. From my professional experience, interpreting intelligence reports is a delicate task that requires thorough analysis and a cautious approach. The broader implications for national security are significant, and any potential threats must be addressed with the utmost seriousness. In summary, Elizabeth May’s comments on the NSICOP report provide only a partial picture of the situation. Her reassurance is an effort to provide Canadians some comfort. However, it’s crucial to remember that intelligence reports are intricate and demand expert scrutiny. The call for further transparency and investigation remains vital to ensure our national security is not compromised. MUSIC The next story deals with a compelling and concerning development from Yemen, as reported by Reuters in the article titled "Yemen’s Houthis say they have arrested an ‘American-Israeli spy cell’." In this report, the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen claims to have detained a spy cell allegedly composed of former US embassy staff and operatives working for American and Israeli intelligence. Let's delve into the details and unpack the implications of these arrests. The Houthis announced that they have arrested what they describe as an "American-Israeli spy cell." This cell is said to include former staff members of the US embassy in Yemen and individuals allegedly involved in espionage and sabotage activities over several decades. According to Abdel Hakim Al Khaiwani, the Houthis’ intelligence chief, these individuals exploited their positions to carry out their missions even after the US embassy suspended operations in Sanaa in 2014. This incident follows the recent detention of approximately a dozen UN personnel by the Houthis, highlighting the escalating tensions in the region. The Houthis have also detained employees of the US-funded National Democratic Institute and a local human rights group. These arrests have been framed as part of a broader pattern of alleged sabotage and espionage activities under the cover of international and UN organizations. From an intelligence perspective, the arrests of such individuals, if substantiated, represent a significant breach. Espionage activities, especially those involving former embassy staff, can compromise national security, disrupt diplomatic relations, and escalate regional conflicts. For context, the Houthis have been aligned with Iran and have been involved in a prolonged conflict with a Saudi-led coalition supported by the United States. The strategic importance of Yemen, particularly its location by the Red Sea, makes it a hotbed for geopolitical maneuvers and intelligence operations. This event can be compared to historical instances where embassy personnel or international staff were accused of espionage, reflecting the perpetual tug-of-war in the intelligence community. It’s a stark reminder of the delicate balance between diplomatic missions and intelligence-gathering efforts. The article notes that Israeli officials and the UN have not commented on the allegations, while the US State Department has yet to respond. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric mentioned efforts to secure the release of the detained UN staff, emphasizing the complexities involved in such situations. Based on my experience, these kinds of accusations need to be viewed critically. Allegations of espionage can be politically motivated, serving as leverage in broader geopolitical conflicts. The purported videos of confessions posted by Houthi Al Masirah TV add another layer of complexity, as the authenticity and context of these confessions are difficult to verify independently. In summary, the arrest of an alleged "American-Israeli spy cell" by the Houthis marks a significant and troubling development in the already volatile landscape of Yemen. The broader implications for international diplomacy and national security are profound, highlighting the ongoing risks and challenges in intelligence work. MUSIC In this next story we’re analyzing a recent development reported by Alex Boutilier in Global News, titled "Canada confirms ‘elements’ of alleged Israeli misinformation campaign targeting politicians." This article delves into the Canadian government's corroboration of certain aspects of an alleged Israeli misinformation campaign directed at Canadian politicians and citizens amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The article reports that Global Affairs Canada has identified "elements" of a divisive and coordinated misinformation campaign, purportedly targeting Canadians and Canadian politicians. While the department has not directly linked this campaign to the Israeli government, the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM), set up to combat online disinformation and foreign interference, is actively investigating the situation. James Emmanuel Wanki, a spokesperson for Global Affairs, stated that although elements of these claims have been corroborated, they cannot yet attribute the network to a state actor definitively. This careful wording underscores the ongoing complexity and sensitivity of attributing cyber and misinformation campaigns to specific entities. Reports from Haaretz and the New York Times suggest that the Israeli government might be behind these efforts, aiming to influence public opinion in Canada and the U.S. regarding the Gaza conflict. These reports highlight a significant and costly influence campaign allegedly commissioned by Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, emphasizing the extensive resources dedicated to such operations. From an intelligence perspective, misinformation campaigns are a potent tool in modern geopolitical strategy. They can shape public opinion, influence political decisions, and create internal divisions within target countries. The confirmation of any elements of such a campaign by Canadian authorities signals the seriousness of these efforts and their potential impact on national security. For context, this development comes amid a heated debate in Canada about foreign interference, traditionally focused on nations like China, Russia, Iran, and more recently, India. The inclusion of Israel in this context is noteworthy, given its close alliance with Canada and the United States. The crisis in Gaza has significantly influenced public sentiment. According to a February Angus Reid poll, half of Canadians believe Israel's military actions in Gaza are too heavy-handed. This aligns with a March Gallup poll indicating a decline in American support for Israel’s military operations. These shifting public opinions create a fertile ground for influence campaigns aiming to sway perspectives and political stances. The article notes that the Israeli government and the UN have not commented on these allegations. However, Global Affairs Canada has conveyed its concerns to the Israeli government, a significant step given the typically strong diplomatic relations between the two nations. From my professional experience, such misinformation campaigns are complex to detect and counter. The confirmation of elements of these allegations by RRM Canada underscores the need for robust mechanisms to identify and mitigate foreign interference. It also highlights the evolving nature of information warfare, where state and non-state actors use sophisticated strategies to achieve their objectives. In summary, the corroboration of elements of an alleged Israeli misinformation campaign targeting Canadian politicians and citizens is a significant development in the realm of foreign interference. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and robust investigative mechanisms to protect national security and maintain the integrity of our democratic processes. MUSIC In this next story we see an yet another important upcoming visit to India by the US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan. Sullivan’s trip to India deals with a review of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology, or iCET. According to a recent article from the Times of India, US NSA Jake Sullivan is scheduled to visit India on June 18th to meet with his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval. This meeting is crucial for a comprehensive review of cooperation under the iCET, an initiative aimed at expanding the strategic technology partnership between the US and India, focusing on co-production, co-development, and defense industrial cooperation. The iCET was launched by President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2022. This initiative is significant as it aims to overcome regulatory barriers and develop a new defense industrial roadmap, which includes the joint development and production of technologies such as jet engines. One of the most notable aspects of this partnership is the GE-HAL jet engine technology deal, which promises unprecedented technology transfer from the US to India. However, Sullivan's visit isn't solely about technology and defense cooperation. This meeting will also be the first high-level engagement between the two governments since the re-election of the NDA government under PM Modi, and since the US indicted an Indian national for planning a hit on Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US and Canadian national. The US claims this plot was masterminded by an Indian government official, a revelation made public by The Washington Post last month. To provide some context, the iCET initiative represents a significant step forward in US-India relations, particularly in the realm of defense and technology. The initiative's goal is to foster deeper collaboration and to streamline the regulatory processes that often hinder such cooperation. The focus on jet engines and other advanced technologies underscores the strategic importance of this partnership, not just for bilateral relations, but also for regional security dynamics. On the other hand, the issue of the alleged murder-for-hire plot introduces a complex layer of diplomatic tension. The US has been pressing India for action against the implicated official and has shared investigative leads with India, which are also relevant to India's own security concerns. Moreover, the US is urging India to participate in the Canadian investigation into the killing of another Sikh separatist near Vancouver last year. The stakes of Sullivan’s visit are high, with potential implications for both diplomatic relations and ongoing cooperation in critical sectors. The NSA is the US sigint intelligence agency. Information concerning any communications between Indian government officials, Indian Intelligence agents and any coopetes or criminal elements that were employed to participate in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and the assassination plot against Pannun, would have likely been intercepted at one point by the NSA. This could lead to some very awkward moments in meetings between NSA agents and representatives of the Indian Government. Hopefully this visit along with the previous visits by the Director of CSIS will provide some further closure and understanding of the actions of Indian Intelligence Agents and their proxies on Canadian and US soil. MUSIC Our next story brings us back to Canada and into a gripping and high-stakes case that has been unfolding in Alberta. The article we're focusing on is titled 'Undercover officer testifies at murder-conspiracy trial around Coutts, Alta. blockade,' published by The Canadian Press. This piece sheds light on a significant trial involving allegations of conspiracy to commit murder during a border blockade protest." The article highlights the testimony of two undercover officers at the trial of Anthony Olienick and Chris Carbert. These individuals are charged with conspiracy to murder police officers during the 2022 border blockade at Coutts, Alberta. This blockade was a protest against COVID-19 regulations, which severely disrupted traffic at the Canada-U.S. border for two weeks. From an intelligence perspective, this case underscores the complex and often dangerous nature of domestic terrorism, and the vital role undercover operations play in thwarting such threats. To provide some background, the blockade at Coutts was part of a broader wave of protests across Canada against pandemic restrictions. These protests, while largely peaceful, also attracted more extreme elements, as evidenced by the cache of weapons, including guns and a pipe bomb, found by the authorities. Comparing this event to other domestic terrorist plots, we see a familiar pattern of radicalization and the potential for violence under the guise of political protest. The article includes critical insights from an undercover officer known only as HQ1298. She emphasized the strict protocols undercover officers follow, particularly the prohibition of using sexuality as a tool during investigations. Her extensive experience, spanning two decades, highlights the professionalism and dedication required in undercover operations. From an intelligence professional’s standpoint, this case illustrates the meticulous work needed to gather evidence without compromising ethical standards or personal safety. In summary, the ongoing trial of Olienick and Carbert is a stark reminder of the latent threats within domestic protests and the essential role of intelligence operations in mitigating these risks. As we move forward, it will be crucial to monitor the trial's developments and the broader implications for national security and law enforcement strategies in Canada. That's a wrap for this week's episode of Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up. Before we sign off, I want to remind you of a few ways to stay connected and support our mission. Be sure to visit our website, globalintelligenceknowledgenetwork.com. It's filled with valuable resources, including insights, terminology, my media appearances, and dossiers on both foreign and domestic intelligence agencies. You'll also discover a treasure trove of articles and blogs that dive deep into the intelligence world. Don't miss out on our YouTube channel, Inside Intelligence GIKN @InsideIntelligenceGIKN. Here, you can watch videos covering a range of topics like Cryptocurrency and Terrorism, Situational Awareness, Ghouling, and our latest multipart series, Killer Spies: The Dark Side of Intelligence. There's plenty of great content waiting for you. I'm also the co-host of another podcast, "Spies Like Us," with retired CSIS intelligence professionals Al Treddenick and Phil Gurski. We explore current issues in the intelligence environment both in Canada and internationally. It's a fascinating listen that I highly recommend. Make sure to subscribe to the Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up. You can find us on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or simply ask your smart speaker to play it. If you enjoyed today's episode, please leave a comment and share your thoughts. Lastly, if you'd like to support the show and help us continue delivering this content, consider becoming a supporter at buzzsprout.com/2336717/support. Your contributions make a significant difference and help keep the lights on and the information flowing. [Outro Music Builds] Thank you for joining me this week. As always, stay curious, stay informed, and stay safe. See you next time on Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up.