Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap up

Neil

Welcome to the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network Podcast, where real-world intelligence expertise meets insightful analysis. Join your host, Neil Bisson, a former Intelligence Officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, for a weekly deep dive into the world of espionage, national security, foreign interference, terrorism, and all matters spy and intelligence related.With over 25 years of experience in intelligence and law enforcement, both domestically and internationally, Neil Bisson brings a unique perspective to the table. From hunting spies and terrorists to recruiting and managing human sources, he's seen it all.Each episode, Neil Bisson, Director of Global Intelligence Knowledge Network as he provides a comprehensive summary of the most intriguing international intelligence stories, dissecting the hottest media topics with professional analysis and insider knowledge. Whether you're a seasoned intelligence professional or simply fascinated by the world of spies, this podcast is your go-to source for accurate, insightful, and engaging content.Tune in weekly to stay informed, enlightened, and entertained. Don't miss out on the latest from the frontlines of global intelligence. Subscribe now to the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network Podcast on Buzzsprout and never miss an episode. Stay sharp, stay informed, and stay ahead of the curve with the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network Podcast.

  1. How Will Canada Be Affected by the Iran War?

    2D AGO

    How Will Canada Be Affected by the Iran War?

    Send a text 🇨🇦🌍 How Will Canada be Affected by the Iran War? | Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up This week on Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up, Neil Bisson — retired CSIS Intelligence Officer and Director of the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network — examines the growing ripple effects of the escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. As military strikes and retaliation unfold across the Middle East, intelligence agencies and security officials around the world are asking an important question: How far beyond the battlefield could this conflict spread? In this episode, Neil explores how modern conflicts rarely stay confined to one region. Instead, they expand across covert intelligence networks, cyber operations, proxy groups, and geopolitical alliances — often affecting countries thousands of kilometres away from the original fighting. Drawing on open-source reporting and real-world intelligence experience, this week’s episode looks at what Canadians should understand about the potential security, cyber, and geopolitical implications of the Iran conflict. From alleged Iranian sleeper cells operating in the Gulf, to warnings from Europol about terrorism risks in Western countries, to Canadian cybersecurity alerts about potential Iranian cyber retaliation — this episode connects the dots between events overseas and Canada’s own national security environment.  2026 03 06 Global Intelligence … 🎧 Before you press play, consider these questions: ❓ Could Iranian sleeper cells or proxy networks operate outside the Middle East — including in Western countries? ❓ How could tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States trigger cyber attacks against Western infrastructure? ❓ Why are European law enforcement agencies warning about terrorism and extremist activity connected to the conflict? ❓ Could a wider war with Iran divert intelligence and military resources away from counter-terrorism operations? ❓ Are Canadian critical infrastructure operators prepared for potential cyber retaliation from Iranian state-linked actors? ❓ What does the growing intelligence cooperation between Russia and Iran reveal about the emerging alignment between Western adversaries? All of these questions are explored through intelligence tradecraft, geopolitical analysis, and real-world national security experience. If you want to better understand how global conflicts can affect Canada’s security environment, this episode is for you. 🎓 Featured Courses with the University of Ottawa – Professional Development Institute Sabotage and Proxy Operations in Modern Intelligence (2 days – October 20–21, 2026) 👉 https://pdinstitute.uottawa.ca/PDI/Courses/National-Security/Sabotage-and-Proxy-Operations/Course.aspx?CourseCode=S0245&429f5b2a066e=3#429f5b2a066e The Psychology Behind Human Sources in Intelligence Collection (2 days – May 12–13, 2026) 👉 https://pdinstitute.uottawa.ca/PDI/Courses/National-Security/The-Psychology-Behind-Human-Sources/Course.aspx?CourseCode=S0236 💡 Support the Podcast Producing Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up requires continuous monitoring of international reporting, intelligence assessments, and national security developments to deliver fact-based analysis every week. If this podcast helps you better understand foreign interference, espionage, terrorism, and national security threats affecting Canada and our allies, please consider supporting the show: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2336717/support Your support helps sustain the research, monitoring, and analysis that go into every episode. Don’t forget to subscribe, share the episode, and leave a revie Support the show

    25 min
  2. Does Canada Care about Foreign Interference?

    FEB 27

    Does Canada Care about Foreign Interference?

    Send a text 🇨🇦🕵️‍♂️ Does Canada Care about Foreign Interference? | Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up This week on Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up, Neil Bisson — retired CSIS Intelligence Officer and Director of the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network — takes a hard look at a question many Canadians are quietly asking: Does Canada truly care about foreign interference — or is economic and diplomatic convenience taking priority over national security? Over 30 minutes of in-depth analysis, Neil breaks down a series of interconnected developments that reveal how foreign interference, sabotage, cyber espionage, legal loopholes, and geopolitical pressure are reshaping Canada’s security environment. From the federal government’s attempt to withhold classified intelligence in the Nijjar murder trial, to public downplaying of Indian foreign interference ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit, to Russia’s expanding sabotage networks in Europe, to China’s persistent cyber espionage campaigns — this episode connects the dots. Strategic competition isn’t slowing down. It’s accelerating — and operating below the threshold of open conflict. 🎧 Before you press play, consider these questions: ❓ What happens when intelligence used to prevent threats cannot be used in court without exposing sources and methods? ❓ Is Canada recalibrating its foreign interference messaging for economic reasons? ❓ Could foreign states be purchasing property near military bases as part of future sabotage planning? ❓ Why is Russia increasingly outsourcing sabotage to criminal intermediaries instead of trained intelligence officers? ❓ What does China’s crackdown on domestic “technology leaks” reveal about what it fears losing — and what it may be targeting abroad? ❓ How is it possible that Ottawa has no authority to conduct a national security review on major infrastructure contracts involving foreign state-linked entities? All of these questions are explored through open-source reporting, intelligence tradecraft, and real-world national security experience. If you value independent intelligence analysis that goes beyond the headlines — this episode is for you. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 — Intro 01:45 — Welcome & Context 04:30 — Nijjar Trial: Section 38 and the Intelligence vs Evidence Dilemma 11:00 — Canada Downplays Indian Foreign Interference 17:30 — Russia’s “Trojan Horse” Properties Across Europe 22:30 — Russia’s Shadow War and Criminal Intermediaries 26:30 — Google Disrupts Chinese State-Linked Cyber Espionage (Gallium) 29:30 — China’s Crackdown on Technology Leaks: What It Signals 32:30 — BC Ferries Contract and Canada’s National Security Oversight Gap 33:50 — Outro 🎓 Featured Courses with the University of Ottawa – Professional Development Institute Sabotage and Proxy Operations in Modern Intelligence (2 days – October 20–21, 2026) 👉 https://pdinstitute.uottawa.ca/PDI/Courses/National-Security/Sabotage-and-Proxy-Operations/Course.aspx?CourseCode=S0245&429f5b2a066e=3#429f5b2a066e The Psychology Behind Human Sources in Intelligence Collection (2 days – May 12–13, 2026) 👉 https://pdinstitute.uottawa.ca/PDI/Courses/National-Security/The-Psychology-Behind-Human-Sources/Course.aspx?CourseCode=S0236 💡 Support the Podcast Producing Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up requires continuous monitoring of global reporting, intelligence assessments, and emerging security developments to deliver fact-based, independent analysis every week. If this program helps you better understand espionage, sabotage, foreign interference, and national security threats affecting Canada and our allies, please consider supporting the show: 👉 https://www.buzzs Support the show

    31 min
  3. Intelligence Conversations with Marc La Ferriere

    JAN 27

    Intelligence Conversations with Marc La Ferriere

    Send a text 🎙 Intelligence Conversations | Marc La Ferrière — From CSIS Officer to Spy Novelist In this episode of Intelligence Conversations, Neil Bisson — retired CSIS intelligence officer and Director of the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network — sits down with Marc La Ferrière, a retired CSIS intelligence officer, Pillar Society member, and author of the novel Escalating Fury. Marc reflects on his atypical 30-plus-year career with CSIS, which spanned the pre-9/11 era through to modern intelligence operations. He discusses what first sparked his interest in intelligence work, his time in regional roles in Vancouver, his experience in training and internal security, and how he moved back and forth between operational and non-operational positions over the course of his career. The conversation then turns to what led Marc to start writing. He explains the catalyst behind his first book, an autobiography, and how that project eventually pushed him into fiction. Marc opens up about the realities of being a self-published author, including the challenges, discipline, and creative demands of the process. Neil and Marc dive into his novel Escalating Fury, where Marc shares what inspired the story, how his intelligence background shaped the narrative, and how he developed the book’s main character, Zak Power. Marc also walks listeners through his writing technique, how he structures his work, and when readers can expect the next installment in the series. As a bilingual Canadian author, Marc also discusses the advantages and challenges of writing in both official languages, and how working in both French and English has shaped his creative approach. This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the transition from intelligence officer to novelist — and how real-world intelligence experience informs fictional storytelling. 📚 Connect with Marc & Get His Books Connect with Marc: Facebook: Marc La Fury Instagram: Marc La Fury LinkedIn: Marc La Ferrière Email: marclaferriere25@gmail.com Marc is frequently out and about in the Ottawa–Gatineau region and is often happy to meet in person — which means you may be able to purchase a copy of his books directly from him and get a personally signed copy. Where to get Marc’s books: 📖 Escalating Fury (ebook): https://librairielouisfrechette.ca/fr/Produit-24965-Escalating-Fury-Neuf-Format-Regulier 📚 All available titles: https://www.booksellers.ca/catalogue?s=Marc%20La%20Ferrière&sort=pertinence Support the show

    34 min
  4. Intelligence Conversations with Dennis Molinaro

    JAN 22

    Intelligence Conversations with Dennis Molinaro

    Send a text Intelligence Conversations | Dennis Molinaro — Under Assault: Interference and Espionage in China’s Secret War Against Canada In this episode of Intelligence Conversations, Neil Bisson — retired CSIS intelligence officer and Director of the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network — sits down with historian and national security researcher Dennis Molinaro to discuss his important new book, Under Assault: Interference and Espionage in China’s Secret War Against Canada. Molinaro lays out how the Chinese Communist Party has quietly built a long-term campaign against Canada that extends far beyond traditional espionage. From political interference and diaspora intimidation, to technology transfer, economic leverage, and covert influence operations, this conversation explores how modern state power is exercised in ways that often remain invisible to the public — and underappreciated by policymakers. Neil and Dennis examine how intelligence services operate in this evolving threat environment, why Canada has become an attractive and vulnerable target, and how seemingly ordinary sectors — including academia, business, and emerging technologies — increasingly sit on the front lines of geopolitical competition. They also discuss how data-rich technologies and connected systems are changing the espionage landscape, blurring the lines between commerce, infrastructure, and intelligence collection. This is a wide-ranging, grounded discussion that connects history, intelligence tradecraft, and present-day national security realities — and offers Canadians a clearer understanding of the pressures being applied to Canada today. 📘 Dennis Molinaro is the author of Under Assault: Interference and Espionage in China’s Secret War Against Canada. 🎧 If you enjoy in-depth intelligence conversations like this, be sure to follow Intelligence Conversations and Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up for ongoing analysis and insight. 🇨🇦 Stay curious, stay informed, and stay safe. Support the show

    36 min
  5. Russia Expels Brit Dip for Spying

    JAN 17

    Russia Expels Brit Dip for Spying

    Send a text 🇷🇺🕵️ Russia Expels Brit Diplomat for Spying | Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up This week on Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up, Neil Bisson — retired CSIS intelligence officer and Director of the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network — breaks down a series of developments that reveal how espionage, sabotage, foreign interference, and terrorism are increasingly interconnected across today’s global threat environment. From Chinese intelligence recruitment inside the U.S. Navy, to Russia’s expanding use of disposable agents for sabotage across Europe, to the public expulsion of a British diplomat accused of spying, this episode exposes how state competition is now being fought simultaneously through insiders, proxies, and intelligence confrontation. But the core focus of this episode is Russia’s expulsion of a British diplomat from Moscow — and what it tells us about the intensifying counterintelligence conflict between Russia and the West. 🎧 Before you hit play, consider these questions: ❓ How vulnerable are Western militaries to insider recruitment by hostile intelligence services? ❓ What does Russia’s growing use of “disposable agents” tell us about the future of sabotage and hybrid warfare? ❓ Why do diplomatic expulsions matter far beyond symbolic politics? ❓ What does an alleged state-linked organized crime network operating in Canada mean for sovereignty and community safety? ❓ How are terrorist designations and military espionage cases reshaping today’s counterterrorism and counterintelligence landscape? These questions — and many more — are explored through open-source reporting, intelligence tradecraft, and real-world national security experience throughout the episode. If you value serious, independent intelligence analysis that goes beyond headlines, consider supporting the podcast on Buzzsprout. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 — Intro 01:50 — U.S.: Ex-Navy Sailor Sentenced for Spying for China 11:40 — Europe: Russia’s “Disposable Agents” and Hybrid Sabotage 20:10 — Russia Expels British Diplomat for Spying 27:45 — Canada: RCMP Report Alleges Indian-Linked Criminal Proxies 34:30 — Canada: Foreign Influence Registry Controversy 38:30 — U.S./Middle East: Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designations 41:20 — Israel: IDF Soldier Charged with Spying for Iran 42:00 — Outro 🎓 Featured Courses with the University of Ottawa – Professional Development Institute Sabotage and Proxy Operations in Modern Intelligence (2 days – February 2026) 👉 https://pdinstitute.uottawa.ca/PDI/Courses/National-Security/Sabotage-and-Proxy-Operations/Course.aspx?CourseCode=S0245&429f5b2a066e=1#429f5b2a066e The Psychology Behind Human Sources in Intelligence Collection (2 days – May 2026) 👉 https://pdinstitute.uottawa.ca/PDI/Courses/National-Security/The-Psychology-Behind-Human-Sources/Course.aspx?CourseCode=S0236 💡 Support the Podcast If Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up helps you better understand today’s rapidly evolving espionage, sabotage, terrorism, and foreign interference threats, please consider supporting the show: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2336717/support Your one-time or ongoing contribution directly supports the research, monitoring, and independent analysis that go Support the show

    43 min
  6. Global Intelligence 2025 Year in Review

    12/27/2025

    Global Intelligence 2025 Year in Review

    Send a text 🔍 Global Intelligence Yearly Wrap-Up 2025 | Terrorism, Espionage, Foreign Interference & Hybrid Warfare This special Year in Review episode of Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up steps back from the weekly headlines to examine the national security and intelligence trends that defined 2025 — and what they tell us about the threat environment heading into 2026. Over the past year, Neil Bisson — retired CSIS intelligence officer and Director of the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network — analyzed dozens of stories involving terrorism, foreign interference, espionage, insider threats, and hybrid warfare. Individually, these stories made headlines. Taken together, they reveal patterns. This episode revisits the most consequential developments of 2025, including: The acceleration of extremist violence and the global rise in antisemitism Persistent foreign interference targeting democratic systems Espionage and insider-threat cases linked to China Russian hybrid and grey-zone tactics aimed at critical infrastructure The episode also looks forward, providing actionable intelligence — the indicators, warning signs, and trends listeners should be watching for in 2026, based on what adversaries have already demonstrated. 🎧 Before you hit play, consider these questions: ❓ Why are terrorist radicalization timelines getting shorter — and why are younger individuals increasingly involved? ❓ How does antisemitism function as an early warning indicator for extremist violence? ❓ Why does modern foreign interference rarely look like classic espionage? ❓ What makes insider threats one of the most difficult intelligence challenges to detect? ❓ How are Russian intelligence services using hybrid and grey-zone tactics to apply pressure without open conflict? ❓ What warning signs should governments, institutions, and citizens watch for in 2026? These questions — and many more — are examined through open-source reporting, intelligence tradecraft, and real-world national security experience. If you value serious, independent intelligence analysis that goes beyond headlines, consider supporting the podcast on Buzzsprout. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 — Intro: Global Intelligence Yearly Wrap-Up 01:47 — Extremist Terrorism & the Acceleration Effect (Global Antisemitism) 06:05 — 2026 Outlook: Terrorism & Early-Warning Indicators 07:45 — Foreign Interference: Influence, Access & Adaptation 11:35 — 2026 Outlook: Interference & Democratic Resilience 13:05 — Espionage & Insider Threats (China Focus) 16:00 — 2026 Outlook: Insider Risk & Strategic Competition 17:30 — Hybrid Warfare & Grey-Zone Operations (Russia) 18:45 — 2026 Outlook: Sabotage, Resilience & Infrastructure 19:10 — Outro 💡 Support the Podcast Producing Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up requires continuous monitoring of open-source reporting, detailed research, and careful analysis to deliver clear, accurate, and independent intelligence insight every week. If you find value in this work, please consider supporting the podcast: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2336717/support Your one-time or ongoing contribution directly supports the research, analysis, and independence of the Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up. Support the show

    19 min
  7. Bondi Beach Attack: Deep Dive

    12/20/2025

    Bondi Beach Attack: Deep Dive

    Send a text 🔥 Bondi Beach Attack: Deep Dive  | Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up This week on Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up, Neil Bisson — retired CSIS intelligence officer and Director of the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network — delivers a deep-dive intelligence analysis into one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in Australia in decades: the ISIS-inspired Bondi Beach attack. From Russian grey-zone warfare warnings issued by the head of MI6, to AI chip smuggling tied to China, to national security lawfare in Hong Kong, this episode shows how terrorism, espionage, foreign interference, and antisemitism are increasingly interconnected across the Five Eyes and beyond. But the core focus of this episode is Bondi Beach — examining what happened, who carried it out, and why this attack matters far beyond Australia. 🎧 Before you hit play, consider these questions: ❓ What do intelligence agencies mean when they warn that terrorism is becoming more ideologically inspired rather than centrally directed? ❓ How did a father-and-son radicalization case slip through existing security systems — even in a country with strict firearms laws? ❓ Why are Jewish communities increasingly being targeted across Western democracies? ❓ What does the Bondi Beach attack tell us about the future of lone-actor terrorism, copycat violence, and follow-on plotting? ❓ How do cases in Australia, Canada, the United States, and Hong Kong reveal a shared global threat environment? These questions — and many more — are explored through open-source reporting, intelligence tradecraft, and real-world national security experience throughout the episode. If you value serious, independent intelligence analysis that goes beyond headlines, consider supporting the podcast on Buzzsprout. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 — Intro 01:45 — UK: MI6 Chief Warns of Russian Grey-Zone Warfare 07:10 — U.S.: Canadian Accused in China AI Chip Smuggling Plot 12:55 — Hong Kong: Jimmy Lai Verdict and National Security Lawfare 18:05 — Bondi Beach Attack Overview: Why This Was Terrorism 21:30 — Bondi Beach Deep Dive (1): The Attack 24:40 — Bondi Beach Deep Dive (2): The Perpetrators 27:55 — Bondi Beach Deep Dive (3): Antisemitism & Western Threats 31:05 — Canada: Toronto Man Charged in ISIS Terrorism Case 32:13 — Outro 💡 Support the Podcast If Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up helps you better understand today’s rapidly evolving terrorism, espionage, and foreign interference threats, please consider supporting the show: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2336717/support Your one-time or ongoing contribution directly supports the research, monitoring, and independent analysis that go into every episode. Support the show

    33 min
  8. Canadian Military Intelligence Compromised?

    12/13/2025

    Canadian Military Intelligence Compromised?

    Send a text 🇨🇦🕵️ Canadian Military Intelligence Compromised? | Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up This week on Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up, Neil Bisson — retired CSIS intelligence officer and Director of the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network — examines a series of developments that reveal how insider threats, espionage, hybrid warfare, and alliance uncertainty are reshaping the global security environment. From a Canadian military intelligence officer charged with espionage 🇨🇦… to Western universities quietly targeted by hostile intelligence services 🎓… to the United States approving advanced AI chip exports to China🤖🇨🇳 — this episode shows how modern threats cut across defence institutions, academia, technology supply chains, and even long-standing alliances. 🎧 Before you hit play, consider these questions: ❓ Has Canada’s military intelligence community suffered a serious insider compromise — and what does this case reveal about counterintelligence gaps? ❓ Why are Western universities becoming prime targets for foreign intelligence collection — and is Canada prepared to respond? ❓ What does Canada’s expansion of its terrorist-entity list tell us about how extremism is evolving online and among youth? ❓ Why is a former Cuban economy minister now serving a life sentence for espionage — and what does this reveal about internal regime vulnerability? ❓ Does allowing Nvidia AI chips to be sold to China strengthen Western industry — or accelerate an adversary’s military and intelligence capabilities? ❓ And why has Denmark’s intelligence service taken the unprecedented step of identifying the United States itselfas a potential security concern? Each of these questions — and many more — are explored with intelligence-driven analysis, operational context, and real-world insight throughout the episode. If you value informed, independent national-security analysis, please consider supporting the show on Buzzsprout. 🙏🎙️ ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 — Intro 02:05 — Segment 1: Foreign Intelligence Targeting Western Universities 07:10 — Segment 2: Canada Responds to Trump’s New National Security Strategy 11:40 — Segment 3: Canada Expands Its Terrorist-Entity List 15:50 — Segment 4: Canadian Military Intelligence Officer Charged with Espionage 21:10 — Segment 5: Former Cuban Minister Sentenced to Life for Spying 25:40 — Segment 6: Trump Approves Nvidia AI Chip Exports to China 30:30 — Segment 7: Danish Intelligence Flags the U.S. as a Security Concern 34:50 — Segment 8: Germany Confronts Russia Over Hybrid Warfare 35:25 — Outro 🎓 Course Mentioned in This Episode Sabotage and Proxy Operations in Modern Intelligence University of Ottawa – Professional Development Institute https://pdinstitute.uottawa.ca/PDI/Courses/National-Security/Sabotage-and-Proxy-Operations/Course.aspx?CourseCode=S0245 💡 Support the Podcast If Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up helps you make sense of today’s increasingly complex intelligence and national-security environment, please consider supporting the show: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2336717/support Every contribution helps sustain the research, analysis, and independent intelligence commentary that make this podcast possible. Thank you. 🙏🎙️ Support the show

    36 min

About

Welcome to the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network Podcast, where real-world intelligence expertise meets insightful analysis. Join your host, Neil Bisson, a former Intelligence Officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, for a weekly deep dive into the world of espionage, national security, foreign interference, terrorism, and all matters spy and intelligence related.With over 25 years of experience in intelligence and law enforcement, both domestically and internationally, Neil Bisson brings a unique perspective to the table. From hunting spies and terrorists to recruiting and managing human sources, he's seen it all.Each episode, Neil Bisson, Director of Global Intelligence Knowledge Network as he provides a comprehensive summary of the most intriguing international intelligence stories, dissecting the hottest media topics with professional analysis and insider knowledge. Whether you're a seasoned intelligence professional or simply fascinated by the world of spies, this podcast is your go-to source for accurate, insightful, and engaging content.Tune in weekly to stay informed, enlightened, and entertained. Don't miss out on the latest from the frontlines of global intelligence. Subscribe now to the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network Podcast on Buzzsprout and never miss an episode. Stay sharp, stay informed, and stay ahead of the curve with the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network Podcast.

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