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SPY RECRUITMENT: THE CIA IS LOOKING FOR RUSSIANS WITH AN AX TO GRIND

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Happy people don’t spy; angry people do. Last week, the CIA launched an initiative to find them. Specifically, the United States spy agency set out to find disgruntled citizens of Russia with access to sensitive information they could share with the US.

By Douglas London

The CIA has created a new channel on the Telegram social media app, popular with Russians, on which it posted a video appealing to Russians with access to sensitive information to contact the agency, and provided instructions on how to do so securely. The two-minute, Russian-language production has also appeared on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.

The outreach aims to appeal to Russian sentiments and culture and takes advantage of the current dire internal political and economic challenges in the country. The narrator tells viewers that, “People around you may not want to hear the truth, but we do. You are not powerless,” the narrator says. “Connect with us in a safe way.”

This direct appeal is an unusual approach, but one which could prove effective in reaching a Russian populace with few options to express their discontent. Russians angry with the Kremlin’s state-sanctioned corruption and abuse, with no way to act openly, are left with few alternatives other than finding external support.

In the past, Russians who have spied for the CIA have largely done so over ideological differences with the government and out of patriotic devotion to a Russian or Soviet state they feared was being badly mismanaged – not, for the most part, for mercenary reasons. These “agents,” as they are known in the CIA, often have greater loyalty to Russia than to what they viewed as the illegitimate governments they were ruled by.

Some needed to channel their disillusionment or guilt at being part of the corrupt system. But many more were pushed to spy against their government – despite the risks – for more personal reasons, acting out of anger against the Kremlin for failings or actions that impacted them or their families.

There are any number of Russians with access to sensitive intelligence who are angry at the repression and kleptocracy that has flourished under President Vladimir Putin, and who are concerned about the future. But the decision to spy requires a trigger, or “precipitating crisis,” as veteran CIA psychologist Ursula Wilder writes. Potential spies also need the opportunity. Putin provided the crisis, the CIA is offering the opportunity, and today’s technology is providing the means.

The CIA video avoids criticizing Russia or Putin and makes no mention of Ukraine –- at least, not directly. It provides potential Russian agents affirmation, empowerment and hope. Rather than idly standing by while their country falls to ruin, the CIA tries to convince these Russians that partnering with the agency provides a way that they take back some degree of control.

I’m quite deliberate about the word “partnering,” since espionage is truly a joint effort rather than an employee relationship or one of indentured servitude. Affirmation, empowerment and hope are powerful motivators for many who come into the agency’s service. Money is rarely the key factor for Russian agents, with notable exceptions. Financial compensation is often a tool to achieve a goal rather than an end – a way to pay medical bills, the kids’ tuition, or purchase necessities for one’s family.

Russian agents have historically required relatively little cultivation or manipulation beyond assurances that they would be handled securely, and their secrets used appropriately. Some had long considered the prospect, their inclination ultimately awakened by circumstances and opportunity.

Once moved by whatever crisis that compelled them to act, Russian spies often seek to validate their handlers’ discretion and professionalism before pulling the trigger. The CIA video seeks to bridge that final obstacle, appealing to prospective agents much as an empathetic and non-judgmental friend might. (Incidentally, the FBI posted its own video appeal to Russians on Twitter in April, aimed more narrowly at diplomats and Russian personnel based in Washington, DC.)

Moscow has made it clear that it is aware of US efforts to recruit its nationals for espionage – and is determined to thwart them. “I am convinced that our special services are properly monitoring this space,” said Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Putin. The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry called it “a very convenient resource for tracking applicants.”

Perhaps, but the CIA has taken precautions against its recruits being detected. The agency’s video showed images of individuals using their own mobile phones, but also tutored viewers in the mechanics of using the TOR app, otherwise known as “the onion browser.” TOR, which can be configured for use even in countries that seek to block it, allows a user to surf the dark web in a way that cannot be traced back to them. Once contact is made, the CIA provides additional secure means of communications.

In November 2022, CIA Deputy Director of Operations David Marlowe said that the agency is “open for business” for Russians who are “disgusted” by the war in Ukraine. I expected that would be the case, as I wrote in a March 2022 opinion piece for the Wall Street Journal, but less because of broad Russian sympathy for Ukraine as much as the war’s economic and political consequences at home. Meanwhile, CNN reported that since the start of the Ukraine invasion, CIA contact with Russian officials offering to cooperate “was encouraging enough to launch this latest effort.”

The CIA’s messaging and instructions suggests its goal is likely intended to expand the potential agent pool beyond Russian intelligence officers, probably aiming to Russians in the military, scientific, economic, policy and technical fields, among others. Russian intelligence officers have the savvy and training to make clandestine approaches to the CIA that prospective agents from other parts of society lack.

What does all this do for the US, besides possibly embarrassing Putin, who is immune to shame and already perpetually angry with the West? It could yield important new troves of information and the intelligence gleaned might not just inform Washington’s decision-making, it could help expose Russian lies, illuminate truth and remind Putin of the fragility of his grip.

To fight Russian disinformation and inhibit Moscow’s would-be allies, the Biden administration weaponized intelligence. This was reflected by its unprecedented declassification of highly sensitive information which arguably was effective in galvanizing international support for Ukraine at the outset of the war, undermining Russian false flagscenarios, exposing Iran’s lethal support to Moscow and discouraging China from providing Putin with weapons.

In the shadowy world of espionage, the CIA’s open advertising might seem counterintuitive. But the intelligence business relies on a steady stream of new sources. Human Intelligence is about people and relationships. The CIA can only thrive by adapting to the times and the people it seeks to engage. History shows that one well-placed spy can very well lead to outcomes that change the world.

Editor’s note: Douglas London is the author of “The Recruiter: Spying and the Lost Art of American Intelligence.” He teaches at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and is a nonresident scholar at the Middle East Institute. London served in the CIA’s clandestine service as a Russian-speaking senior operations officer for more than 30 years, mostly in the Middle East, South and Central Asia and Africa, including three assignments as a chief of station and as the CIA’s counterterrorism chief for South and Southwest Asia. The views expressed here are his own. He tweets @douglaslondon5. Read more opinion at CNN.

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RUSSIA: PRIGOZHIN ALIVE AND WELL, BODY DOUBLE DIED, STRATEGIZES RETALIATION AGAINST PUTIN – ANALYST

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Vladimir Putin

Russian Analyst Claims Wagner Leader Yevgeny Prigozhin Survives Plane Assassination Plot and Plans Revenge Against Putin After Body Double’s Death

A Russian political analyst has put forth a startling claim, asserting that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Wagner Group, is alive and actively devising a plot for retaliation after the demise of his body double in a recent plane crash.

Prigozhin

According to Dr. Valery Solovey, a former professor at Moscow’s Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), renowned for training spies and diplomats, Prigozhin is residing in an undisclosed country, safe and unharmed. Interestingly, Russia is orchestrating a funeral for Prigozhin, yet President Vladimir Putin is opting to abstain from attending.

Dr. Solovey alleges that Prigozhin, often linked to mercenary activities, is currently formulating a scheme for vengeance. This political analyst suggests that the authorities in Russia misled the public by indicating that Prigozhin’s DNA was found at the crash site in the Tver region. He further claims that the attempt to eliminate Prigozhin had failed due to his use of a body double, who happened to board the plane instead.

He refutes the assertion that the plane crashed due to an onboard explosion, asserting, “‘There was no explosion on board. It was downed from the outside.” Dr. Solovey contends that the operation to shoot down the aircraft was authorized by the Russian president through the nation’s Security Council.

As per Dr. Solovey’s account, the warlord Prigozhin is presently “alive, well, and free.” This analyst indicates that Vladimir Putin is well-aware of the situation, even as official Russian statements suggest otherwise.

Dr. Solovey discloses plans to unveil Prigozhin’s alleged place of exile in the upcoming month, dismissing claims of an African refuge where Wagner’s private army maintains interests. Nonetheless, the analyst asserts that Prigozhin intends to reveal himself before the year concludes.

In response to Prigozhin’s impending funeral, Putin’s spokesperson has conveyed that the President’s presence is not anticipated. The decision regarding the funeral is said to be determined by the deceased’s family and friends.

According to Dr. Solovey, the exiled Prigozhin is actively “preparing for revenge.” He speculates on the internal struggle Prigozhin faced, surviving while those close to him perished. The analyst suggests that Prigozhin seeks retribution against those who intended to annihilate him and caused the deaths of his associates.

Among those lost in the crash were Wagner military commander Dmitry Utkin, 53, and flight attendant Kristina Raspopova, 39, who had communicated to her relatives about flight delays and repairs prior to the ill-fated journey.

Dr. Solovey contends that Prigozhin possesses access to £1.6 billion in bitcoin, a significant resource he plans to employ for his vindictive campaign. The analyst concludes by emphasizing Prigozhin’s determination, ambition, energy, and courage in pursuing his objectives.

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COUP IN GABON: WHY WE SACKED PRESIDENT ALI BONGO – ARMY

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Gabonese army officers under the aegis of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions on Wednesday morning announced on national television why they are taking over power from President Ali Bongo in the country.

The soldiers highlighted serious institutional, political, economic and social crises as factors responsible for the coup that they tagged, ‘necessary’ for the progress of the West African country.

In a nationwide address rendered in French but translated to English by AFP, the junta said, “Our beautiful country, Gabon, has always been a haven of peace.

“Today, the country is going through a serious institutional, political, economic and social crisis.

“We are therefore forced to admit that the organisation of the general elections of August 26, 2023, did not meet the conditions for a transparent, credible and inclusive ballot so much hoped for by the people of Gabon.

“Added to this is irresponsible and unpredictable governance, resulting in a continuing deterioration in social cohesion, with the risk of leading the country into chaos.

“Today, 30 August 2023, we, the defence and security forces, gathered as the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) on behalf of the people of Gabon and as guarantors of the institutions’ protection — have decided to defend the peace by putting an end to the current regime.

“The borders are closed until further notice.

The junta resolved that all of the institutions of the country be dissolved including the Federal Government, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Constitutional Court, the Economic, Social and Environmental Council and the Gabonese Elections Centre.

They therefore called for calm and serenity from the public, the communities of sister countries settled in Gabon, and the Gabonese diaspora.

“We reaffirm our commitment to respecting Gabon’s commitments to the national and international community.

“People of Gabon, we are finally on the road to happiness.

“May God and the spirits of our ancestors bless Gabon. Honour and loyalty to our homeland.”

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VETERAN AIRCRAFT INVESTIGATOR GIVEN PRIGOZHIN CASE

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A wreckage of the private jet linked to Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in the Tver region, Russia CREDIT: STRINGER/REUTERS

A veteran aircraft investigator has been put in charge of finding out what happened in the plane crash that reportedly killed Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner lieutenants.

Ivan Sibul, who investigated the SSJ 100 crash in 2019 that killed 41 people, will take charge of the case, according to the VChK-OGPU blog, which is close to Russia’s security services. The news has subsequently been confirmed by RBC.

Mr Sibul is also said to have worked on the Saratov Airlines crash that killed 71 in 2018 and a fatal collision at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport in 2014.

A wreckage of the private jet linked to Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in the Tver region, Russia CREDIT: STRINGER/REUTERS

No Mention of Prigozhin in Russian Investigation

Russia’s investigative committee has opened a criminal investigation into the plane crash that reportedly killed Yevgeny Prigozhin but did not mention him by name.

According to Sky News, it said in a statement: “The Main Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation opened a criminal case on the grounds of a crime under article 263 of the Criminal Code.

“This is a violation of traffic safety rules and the operation of air transport. Jet’s business, en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg, crashed in the Tver Region. According to preliminary data, 10 people on board died.

“An investigation team has left for the scene, all necessary forensic examinations will be appointed, and a set of investigative actions will be carried out to determine the causes of the plane crash.”

Wagner-Linked Channel Plays Down Mutiny Reports

Another Wagner blogger has poured cold water on claims that the mercenary group is planning a second attempt at its abortive coup against Russia’s leadership.

Wagner Z Group posted on Telegram: “[Channels] pretending to be Wagners say here we are preparing a trip to Moscow.

“Everyone carries what he wants, now every gopher is an agronomist.”

Rybar, a prominent Russian military blogger, dismissed reports of a mutiny as Ukrainian propaganda “which is easy to recognise”.

People lay flowers and light candles for Yevgeny Prigozhin at the memorial in front of the 'PMC Wagner Centre' in Saint Petersburg, Russia CREDIT: Anadolu Agency/Anadolu

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