Global ISIS attacks on the Rise!

2024 08 30 Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap Up INTRO: Welcome to another episode of the Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up, covering the week ending August 30th, 2024. In this episode, we take you deep into the intricate world of international intelligence and national security. Your host, Neil Bisson, is a retired intelligence officer with over two decades of experience, bringing you unparalleled insights and analysis. As the Director of the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network, Neil scours the internet to uncover the most relevant and critical stories from around the globe, delivering the expert perspectives that only someone with his background can provide. This week’s episode is packed with the most pressing developments in global terrorism, high-stakes espionage, and the ever-evolving landscape of national security. You’re not just hearing the news—you’re gaining access to deep, nuanced perspectives shaped by years of hands-on experience in the intelligence community. Before we dive in, we’d like to thank you for your continued support. By subscribing to the Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or by asking your smart speaker to play it, you’re staying connected to the most critical intelligence updates. If you find value in the insights shared, please leave a comment, give us a rating, and share the podcast with your network. Your feedback fuels the commitment to delivering high-quality, in-depth content that you rely on. And if you’d like to further support our work, consider becoming a supporter at buzzsprout.com/2336717/support. Every contribution helps ensure that Neil can continue providing the vital intelligence analysis that keeps you informed and ahead of the curve. Now, without further ado, let’s dive into this week’s episode of the Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up. Stick around to the end to catch all the insights you won’t want to miss. MUSIC Hello and welcome back to the Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap Up. In our first story, we’re discussing a recent and highly concerning development reported in the article "Activist who took over Khalistan campaign from Hardeep Singh Nijjar warned life at risk." This story brings to light the escalating threats faced by pro-Khalistan activists, particularly Inderjeet Singh Gosal, who has taken over the campaign after the assassination of Sikh temple leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Inderjeet Singh Gosal, a prominent figure in the Khalistan independence movement, has been warned by Ontario Provincial Police that his life is in danger. This warning, delivered as part of a "duty to warn" notice underscores the serious risks faced by individuals involved in this contentious separatist campaign. From an intelligence perspective, this situation is emblematic of the increasing reach of transnational repression. The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been accused of employing assassination plots and other forms of intimidation to silence dissidents abroad. This isn’t an isolated incident; it forms part of a broader pattern of foreign interference and covert operations targeting political opponents of the Indian state. The article highlights the involvement of organized crime, allegedly contracted by Indian agents, to carry out these assassinations. This tactic not only poses a direct threat to individuals like Gosal but also challenges the sovereignty of nations like Canada, where such activities occur. The Khalistan movement seeks to establish an independent state for Sikhs in India’s Punjab region. The movement has been a point of tension between the Indian government and Sikhs in the diaspora, particularly in countries like Canada and the United States. The assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023, and the subsequent warnings to Gosal, are part of a larger trend of foreign powers using illicit means to suppress political movements abroad. We’ve seen similar tactics employed by other states, but India’s actions, as outlined in this report, are particularly alarming due to the direct implications for Canadian national security. Comparing this to other events, such as the Russian attempts to eliminate dissidents abroad, we see a troubling trend where states feel emboldened to act beyond their borders with little regard for international law. The article cites Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a key figure in the Khalistan movement, who directly blames the Modi government for orchestrating these threats. Pannun’s comments reflect a growing concern that India’s actions are not just a form of repression but also an affront to Canadian sovereignty. This situation is a clear example of how foreign interference can manifest in deadly ways, far beyond mere election meddling. The involvement of organized crime as a proxy for state action complicates the intelligence community's efforts to counter these threats, as it blurs the lines between criminal and state actors. The threats facing Inderjeet Singh Gosal highlight the ongoing and dangerous reach of transnational repression by state actors like India. As Canada continues to grapple with foreign interference, this case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and robust intelligence operations to protect those targeted by these covert activities. For more insights on the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and the implications on Canada’s National Security, head over to the global intelligence knowledge network web site where you can read articles entitled “Killer Spies: The Dark Side of Intelligence” and “How OPSEC May Have Exposed Indian Agents in Canadian Murder Case”. MUSIC In our next story we head to South Korea where we focus our attention on an unfolding espionage situation that could have significant implications. We’ll be discussing the article titled "Military prosecutors indict intel official over leaking 'black agent' info," which uncovers a major breach within South Korea’s military intelligence community. A military intelligence official from South Korea’s Defense Intelligence Command has been indicted on serious espionage charges. This individual is accused of leaking sensitive information about "black agents"—those undercover operatives who are out there doing the critical, and often dangerous, work of gathering intelligence on North Korea. The leaked information apparently ended up with a Chinese national of Korean descent, who may have ties to North Korea’s intelligence agency. The official faces charges of aiding the enemy, bribery, and violating the Military Secrets Protection Act. But notably, espionage charges weren’t pursued—likely because there’s no concrete evidence directly linking the leak to North Korea. From an intelligence standpoint, this leak is a major breach of security. Exposing the identities of black agents does more than disrupt operations—it puts these operatives’ lives in peril. This is all happening at a time when tensions with North Korea are as high as ever, this is the last thing South Korea’s intelligence community needs. To understand the full impact, it’s important to consider the role these black agents play. They’re on the front lines, operating undercover in highly sensitive environments, gathering information that’s crucial to South Korea’s national security. Their identities are kept under wraps for obvious reasons—once exposed, their lives, and the success of their missions, are at serious risk. A leak like this isn’t just a technical breach; it’s a very personal one for the operatives involved. These are people whose work requires them to live in the shadows, and when their cover is blown, it’s not just the mission at risk—it’s their lives and the lives of their family and close friends. The fact that this information may have ended up in the hands of someone with possible links to North Korea is a huge red flag. Even without espionage charges, the potential implications are serious, and it’s a situation that South Korea—and its allies—will need to monitor closely. This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate nature of intelligence work and the constant vigilance required to protect those on the front lines. The leak of black agents’ identities in South Korea is a troubling development, and it underscores the importance of strong internal security measures within intelligence agencies. Going forward, it will be crucial for South Korea and its allies to take steps to prevent such breaches and ensure that their operatives can continue their work without fearing for their safety. MUSIC For our next story, we're diving into a major development that could have far-reaching implications across the globe: the arrest by French authorities of Pavel Durov, the CEO and founder of the messaging app Telegram. On Saturday, French authorities arrested Pavel Durov, sparking a controversy that touches on critical issues like online speech, encryption, and digital rights. Durov is currently being detained, questioned, and may face charges that range from possession of child pornography to money laundering and association with organized crime. This arrest isn't just a legal matter; it’s stirring the pot in diplomatic circles, especially in Europe, where the balance between free speech and security is a hot topic. Telegram, as you might know, has always taken a hands-off approach to content moderation compared to its peers. With nearly a billion users globally, it’s become a go-to platform for everyone from political dissidents to those engaging in less-than-savory activities. Telegram’s statement following Durov’s arrest was defiant, insisting that its moderation policies are industry-standard, and that Durov has "nothing to hide." But here’s where things get more interesting: Durov, who has long positioned himself as a defender of free speech, now finds himself at the center of a legal and political storm. The charges being investigated against him could lead to serious consequences, not just for him but for the entire digital landscape, especially concerning encrypted communications. Now, let’s take a step back to understand the broader context. Pavel Durov founded Telegram in 2013 in Russia and has since moved to Dubai, distancing himself from the Russian government, which tried to ban the app in 2018. Despite this history, Russia now relies heavily on Telegram for military communications and propaganda, especially in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Durov’s arrest has unsurprisingly led to outrage from Russian officials, who are framing this as an attack on freedom of communication. This situation is more than just a legal drama; it’s a clash of ideologies. Europe has been wrestling with how to regulate social media platforms like Facebook and X, and now Telegram is at the heart of that struggle. The arrest could set a precedent for how governments handle encryption and content moderation moving forward. Graham Brookie from the Atlantic Council notes that Telegram straddles the line between a messaging service and a social media platform, with a deliberate light touch on content moderation. This has made it a haven for various bad actors, including terrorist groups like ISIS. But arresting Durov for content shared on Telegram raises questions about responsibility and the limits of executive accountability. Mallory Knodel, a cryptography researcher, warns that this arrest could lead to misconceptions about encryption, potentially harming activists who rely on secure messaging to protect their safety. She points out that the alleged crimes are not necessarily linked to encryption itself, and targeting Durov might set a dangerous precedent. Durov’s arrest is more than just a headline; it’s a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over digital rights, security, and the power of governments to regulate online spaces. As we watch this case unfold, it’s clear that the implications could be significant, not just for Telegram, but for the future of encrypted communication and digital freedom worldwide. MUSIC We now move on to Germany where we turn our focus to a tragic event in Solingen, Germany, where a festival turned into a scene of terror. Over the weekend, a 26-year-old man from Syria, identified as Issa Al H., carried out a brutal knife attack that claimed the lives of three people and left eight others wounded. Authorities believe this was not just an isolated act of violence but one connected to the Islamic State. According to German prosecutors, the suspect had allegedly joined ISIS, embracing their extremist ideology. The attack itself was brutal, with the assailant deliberately targeting his victims' necks to cause maximum harm. This deliberate, calculated violence speaks volumes about the threat posed by radicalized individuals within our communities. After the attack, the suspect, still wearing bloodstained clothes, surrendered to the police. He walked up to a patrol car near the scene and turned himself in. The investigation is ongoing, with the federal prosecutor’s office considering charges of murder and attempted murder, but nothing official has been filed yet. ISIS, known for its propaganda machine, quickly claimed responsibility for the attack, lauding the assailant as a "soldier of the Islamic State." This claim, while not unexpected, highlights the ongoing influence of ISIS and similar groups, even as they face significant pressure worldwide. As the investigation continues, the community in Solingen is left to grapple with the aftermath. Mourners have gathered at a nearby church, lighting candles and leaving flowers as they process this senseless act of violence. This incident raises important questions about the ongoing threat of terrorism in Europe and the challenges of integrating refugee populations while safeguarding national security. The suspect had been living in a refugee residence just a short distance from the attack site, a detail that adds another layer of complexity to the story. In a world where extremist ideologies can turn a community event into a scene of horror, it's crucial that we remain vigilant and address the root causes of radicalization. MUSIC The concerns over ISIS inspired attacks is a global one. For our next story we return to Canada where we're discussing a story that's raising serious questions about Canada's security screening processes. The article we're focusing on is titled 'Terror Suspect Came to Canada 3 Years After Allegedly Appearing in ISIS Video.' This case involves a Toronto man, Ahmed Fouad Mostafa Eldidi, who reportedly appeared in an ISIS video before coming to Canada. The timeline presented in this case is deeply troubling. Ahmed Eldidi arrived in Canada in February 2018, three years after he allegedly appeared in an ISIS video from 2015, in which he was shown dismembering a prisoner. Upon arrival, he made a refugee claim that was accepted in 2019, and in May 2024, he became a Canadian citizen after passing a security screening conducted by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). However, just a month later, CSIS identified Eldidi as a potential security threat, leading to an investigation by both CSIS and the RCMP. Eldidi and his son were arrested on July 28 for allegedly plotting an ISIS attack in Toronto. This case highlights potential flaws in Canada's security screening process, where an individual with alleged ties to ISIS could not only enter the country but also become a citizen. The fact that Eldidi was granted citizenship just weeks before being arrested for plotting a terror attack is a clear indication that the current screening mechanisms failed to detect a significant threat. To understand the full scope of this issue, we must consider the broader context of immigration and security screening in Canada. The system is designed to balance humanitarian concerns with national security, but this case demonstrates a significant shortcoming. The timeline shows that Eldidi initially applied for a visitor visa in December 2017, which was refused. He reapplied with additional paperwork and was approved, even though an unspecified 'risk indicator' was identified during his refugee claim process. Despite these red flags, Eldidi was granted permanent residency in 2021 and later citizenship. This isn't the first time Canada's security screening process has come under scrutiny. Similar incidents have occurred where individuals with questionable backgrounds have slipped through the cracks, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the current system. I had the opportunity to speak on CTV news this week and provided context to the issues surrounding Canada’s security screening process, and the lack of resources put into the system to sufficiently account for both the sheer number of applicants trying to gain access to Canada. I’ll leave a link to the interview in the show notes. While the article does not provide direct expert quotes, we can infer some critical points based on the information given. CSIS interim director Venessa Lloyd mentioned that decisions were made based on the available information at the time. However, it's clear that crucial data, such as the ISIS video, was not accessible to Canadian authorities when Eldidi was being screened. Ted Gallivan, the CBSA's executive vice-president, acknowledged that this video was only obtained after Eldidi had already been granted citizenship, indicating a significant intelligence gap. The case of Ahmed Eldidi reminds us of the challenges and vulnerabilities within our current security screening processes. The fact that an individual with alleged ties to ISIS could not only enter Canada but also become a citizen before being arrested for plotting a terror attack is deeply concerning. As investigations continue, there will likely be calls for substantial changes to ensure that similar situations do not occur in the future. MUSIC The global scourge of the ISIS terrorist threat continues in our next story where we travel to Vienna, Austria to discuss a crucial story that highlights the pivotal role of intelligence in preventing what could have been a devastating attack. Earlier this month, the CIA provided critical intelligence to Austrian authorities, leading to the disruption of a terrorist plot aimed at a Taylor Swift concert. That’s right—what was supposed to be a night of music and joy for thousands of fans nearly turned into a catastrophic event, if not for the timely intervention of the intelligence community. On August 8th, Taylor Swift was set to perform the first of three concerts in Vienna, with a staggering 200,000 people expected to attend across the three shows. But behind the scenes, a more sinister plan was unfolding. The CIA, working closely with its international partners, identified four individuals connected to ISIS who were planning an attack on the concert. According to David S. Cohen, the Deputy Director of the CIA, the agency provided Austrian authorities with crucial information about these suspects, leading to multiple arrests just in time. Some of those arrested were found with bomb-making materials and even had access to the concert venue—a chilling reminder of how close this plot came to fruition. Cohen shared these details during the annual Intelligence Summit just outside Washington, D.C. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the attackers intended to kill tens of thousands of people, many of whom were likely American concertgoers. The arrests began on August 7th when Austrian authorities apprehended two suspects, including a 19-year-old Austrian who had pledged allegiance to ISIS and specifically targeted Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Further arrests followed in the subsequent days, neutralizing the threat before it could be executed. While Cohen didn’t disclose how the CIA initially uncovered the plot, it’s not the first time that U.S. intelligence agencies have shared critical information to thwart terrorist activities abroad. Earlier this year, similar warnings were issued to Iran and Russia about potential ISIS-Khorasan attacks, though unfortunately, those events were not successfully prevented. This incident in Vienna underscores the importance of global intelligence collaboration and the life-saving impact of timely and accurate intelligence sharing. It’s a stark reminder that the fight against terrorism is ongoing and that vigilance remains crucial. MUSIC We now travel to Sweden for our next story, where we focus on a crucial issue concerning Russian sabotage. The article we’ll be discussing is titled, "Sweden Warns of Heightened Risk of Russian Sabotage," and it highlights the rising concerns within Swedish authorities regarding Russian attempts to sabotage critical infrastructure, particularly weapons facilities. According to the article, Swedish security services have observed a significant uptick in sabotage attempts, cyber-attacks, and aggressive espionage activities, with Russian actors being the primary suspects. Notably, defense company facilities have become targets for drone surveillance, which is believed to be a method for documenting and mapping these critical sites. The overall situation points to a broader strategy by Russia to destabilize and intimidate Western nations, particularly those like Sweden that have recently joined NATO and are supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict. From an intelligence perspective, this escalation is a clear indicator of Russia's willingness to take greater risks in its operations against Western interests. The use of drones for reconnaissance, combined with cyber-attacks and disinformation campaigns, shows a multifaceted approach aimed at weakening Sweden's defense capabilities and sowing distrust in the Swedish defense industry. This isn’t an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of Russian aggression in Europe. We’ve seen similar activities in other countries, such as the foiled plot to assassinate a German arms manufacturer’s CEO and a fire at a metal factory owned by a defense manufacturer in Berlin. These events highlight a concerted effort by Russia to disrupt Western defense industries through sabotage and intimidation. Historically, Russia has employed a range of covert tactics to exert influence and create instability in Europe. However, the current environment is marked by a notable increase in the frequency and boldness of these actions, likely driven by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the geopolitical tension surrounding NATO’s expansion. The Swedish Security Service, Säpo, has voiced serious concerns about the increased propensity for risk in Russian operations. According to Karl Melin, a spokesperson for Säpo, there’s been a shift towards more aggressive actions, including potential sabotage, aimed directly at Western—and by extension, Swedish—targets. The Swedish Security and Defence Industry Association (SOFF) also notes a rise in intelligence operations, cyber-attacks, and disinformation aimed at undermining trust in Swedish defense companies. This trend reflects a broader Russian strategy to exploit vulnerabilities in Western countries, particularly those that have shown strong support for Ukraine. By targeting critical infrastructure and spreading disinformation, Russia is attempting to weaken the resolve of NATO members and create divisions within their societies. Sweden is facing a heightened threat of Russian sabotage, with defense facilities being particularly vulnerable. This situation underscores the growing risk posed by Russian intelligence and covert operations across Europe. As these threats evolve, it’s crucial for nations like Sweden to adapt their security measures and strengthen their defenses against such aggressive tactics. This is also a warning to the North American defence industry that any company manufacturing armaments being used by Ukraine is at risk of Russian sabotage attacks. Looking ahead, we can expect these tensions to persist, especially as NATO continues to support Ukraine. Russia is likely to continue its efforts to destabilize and intimidate Western nations, making it more important than ever to stay vigilant. MUSIC For our final story, we're diving into a crucial issue ahead of Canada's busy election season. With three provinces—British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick—preparing to head to the polls this fall, concerns are growing about their ability to fend off foreign interference. We'll be breaking down a recent CBC News article titled "Provinces' capacity to respond to foreign interference questioned ahead of busy election season" and discussing what it all means from a national security and intelligence perspective. As the article outlines, the threat of foreign interference isn't confined to federal elections—it’s creeping into provincial contests as well. This is particularly troubling, as the provinces often lack the resources and infrastructure needed to combat these sophisticated threats. With British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick all holding elections this fall, the ability of these provinces to protect the integrity of their electoral processes is being called into question. The article points to examples such as British Columbia, where the chief electoral officer has been granted new powers to combat disinformation. These measures include the ability to take down false information quickly and levy fines of up to $50,000 per day for non-compliance. Meanwhile, Saskatchewan's Chief Electoral Officer, Michael Boda, has been pushing for similar powers but faces legislative limitations, leaving him reliant on transparency and public education to mitigate threats. From an intelligence perspective, this situation is a perfect storm. With rising polarization, the growth of deep fakes, and the rapid spread of disinformation, provincial elections are becoming prime targets for both foreign and domestic actors seeking to undermine Canadian democracy. The potential for these threats to disrupt the electoral process is real and growing, with foreign states like Russia likely to take advantage of any opportunity to sow discord, particularly in politically sensitive areas like Quebec. This isn't the first time we've seen foreign actors attempt to meddle in democratic processes. The article draws a comparison to the Brexit referendum in 2016, where foreign interference played a significant role. However, as former Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Wernick points out, today's threats are even more insidious, with social media and cyber-attacks adding new layers of complexity. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has been warning about this for years, noting that foreign interference is not just a federal issue. Provinces are now on the front lines, and their preparedness—or lack thereof—could have serious implications for the overall security and stability of the nation. Michael Wernick, offers a sobering assessment in the article, stating that provincial electoral commissions are often small and ill-equipped to deal with modern threats. His concerns are echoed by Elections Saskatchewan's Michael Boda, who has been vocal about the need for stronger legislative powers to combat disinformation. On the other side, British Columbia’s Chief Electoral Officer, Anton Boegman, appears more optimistic, thanks to the new powers granted by the provincial government. These include the ability to quickly remove false information and impose significant penalties on offenders. However, the real test will come during the elections themselves, as these tools are put into practice. As we move into the fall election season, it’s clear that the capacity of provinces to respond to foreign interference is under the microscope. While some regions, like British Columbia, are taking proactive steps to protect their electoral processes, others are lagging. This disparity could have serious consequences for the integrity of provincial elections and, by extension, for Canadian democracy as a whole. MUSIC Thanks for tuning in for this week’s episode. I would like to wish my Canadian and American listeners a safe and happy long weekend. And I want to remind everyone that all news articles and their links are in the show notes. Hope to see you here again next week and until then, stay curious, stay informed and stay safe. OUTRO: Thank you for tuning in to this week’s episode of Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up. A tremendous amount of effort goes into bringing you expert insights and analysis on the critical global intelligence issues that shape our world. If you found value in today’s episode, we encourage you to show your support. Visit buymeacoffee.com/gikn or buzzsprout.com/2336717/support to contribute. Your support directly fuels our ability to deliver the high-quality, in-depth discussions you rely on each week. Whether it’s through a one-time donation or ongoing support, every bit helps us continue to bring you the expert perspectives that truly matter. Before you go, don’t forget to hit that like button, leave a comment, and share this podcast with your network. 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MUSIC Story 1 : Activist who took over Khalistan campaign from Hardeep Singh Nijjar warned life at risk Link: https://globalnews.ca/news/10717604/sikh-activist-warned-life-at-risk/ Story 2: Military prosecutors indict intel official over leaking 'black agent' info, Link: https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20240827050690 Story 3: Telegram CEO Pavel Durov's Arrest in France Has Geopolitical Implications Link: https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/08/27/telegram-founder-arrest-pavel-durov-france/ Story 4: ISIS claims responsibility for fatal knife attack at German festival; suspect arrested after manhunt Link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/germany-solingen-festival-attack-1.7303920 Story 5: Terror suspect came to Canada 3 years after allegedly appearing in ISIS video Link: https://globalnews.ca/news/10718889/terror-suspect-canada-three-years-after-isis-video/ Story 6: C.I.A. Warning Helped Thwart ISIS Attack at Taylor Swift Concert in Vienna Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/28/us/politics/cia-isis-warning-taylor-swift-concert.html Story 7: Sweden Warns of Heightened Risk of Russian Sabotage Link: https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/29/sweden-warns-of-heightened-risk-of-russian-sabotage Immigration process under scrutiny after foiled terror plot / former CSIS officer on terror case Link: https://youtu.be/ijVDPDup4LY?si=mmkgMBkS7iyWwyOO Story 8: Provinces' capacity to respond to foreign interference questioned ahead of busy election season Link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/provinces-foreign-interference-1.7308501?cmp=rss