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. Global Intelligence 2025 Year in Review

    1D AGO

    Global Intelligence 2025 Year in Review

    Send us 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
  2. Bondi Beach Attack: Deep Dive

    DEC 20

    Bondi Beach Attack: Deep Dive

    Send us 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
  3. Canadian Military Intelligence Compromised?

    DEC 13

    Canadian Military Intelligence Compromised?

    Send us 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
  4. Canadian ISIS Terrorist Convicted

    DEC 6

    Canadian ISIS Terrorist Convicted

    Send us a text 🇨🇦🔥 Canadian ISIS Terrorist Convicted | 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 dramatic week of national-security developments that span espionage, terrorism, hybrid warfare, and intelligence oversight. From collapsed spy cases in the U.K. 🇬🇧… to Russian hybrid attacks sweeping across Europe 🌍… to Canada’s conviction of a returning ISIS fighter 🇨🇦 — this episode shows how Western democracies are confronting fast-moving, multi-domain threats. 🎧 Before you hit play, consider these questions: ❓ What does the collapse of one of the U.K.’s biggest China-related espionage prosecutions mean for democratic accountability and hostile-state intelligence operations? ❓ How did a former British military instructor end up accused of spying for Russia — and what does this reveal about insider threats in modern conflict zones? ❓ Are humanitarian organizations now being used as covert platforms for Kremlin influence operations in Europe? ❓ How serious is Russia’s escalating hybrid-warfare campaign targeting European infrastructure, politics, and civil society? ❓ Why is Canada’s national-security watchdog warning that federal budget cuts will weaken oversight at the worst possible moment? ❓ And most importantly: what do the convictions of Jamal and Hussien Borhot tell us about Canada’s ongoing ISIS returnee problem — and the national-security risks posed by Canadians who fought for terrorist groups abroad? All of these questions — and many more — are answered with intelligence-driven analysis, operational context, and real-world insight throughout the episode. If you value informed, independent national-security commentary, please consider supporting the show on Buzzsprout. 🙏🎙️ ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 — Intro 01:35 — Segment 1: Collapse of Major China Spy Case in the U.K. 05:07 — Segment 2: British Military Instructor Accused of Spying for Russia 08:45 — Segment 3: Kremlin-Linked Humanitarian Front Exposed in France 12:40 — Segment 4: Russia’s Hybrid Warfare Intensifies Across Europe 15:55 — Segment 5: NSIRA Warns Budget Cuts Will Limit Intelligence Oversight 18:40 — Segment 6: Canadian ISIS Terrorist Convicted — The Borhot Case 21:45 — Segment 7: Inquiry Confirms Putin Authorized 2018 Novichok Attack 22:25 — 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 GIWW helps you understand and navigate today’s rapidly evolving threat environment, please consider supporting the show: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2336717/support Every contribution helps sustain the research, analysis, and independent reporting that make this podcast possible. Thank you. 🙏🎙️ Support the show

    24 min
  5. Is Canada Safe? Inside CSIS Director's Speech.

    NOV 20

    Is Canada Safe? Inside CSIS Director's Speech.

    Send us a text 🔍🇨🇦 Is Canada Safe? Inside CSIS Director’s Speech | 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 one of the most significant national-security weeks in recent memory. From a BBC journalist under secret-service investigation 🇬🇧… to Iranian-directed threats inside Canada 🇨🇦… to a major act of sabotage on NATO-linked infrastructure 🇵🇱 — this episode shows how fast the threat environment is intensifying across Canada and its allies. 🎧 Before you hit play, consider these questions: ❓ How did a BBC reporter become entangled in a probe tied to Chinese intelligence — and what does it say about press freedom in democracies? ❓ Why are Russia and China ramping up their espionage in Canada’s Arctic, and what vulnerabilities are they exploiting? ❓ What does it mean when 1 in 10 CSIS terrorism investigations now involves a minor? ❓ How close did Iranian intelligence come to carrying out potentially lethal plots on Canadian soil — and how did CSIS disrupt them? ❓ Why are provincial referendums the new battleground for foreign interference? ❓ What does the Polish railway sabotage reveal about the expanding hybrid war against NATO countries? All of these questions — and many more — are answered with analysis, context, and intelligence-driven insight throughout the episode. If you value informed, independent national-security analysis, consider supporting the show on Buzzsprout. Your support truly keeps GIWW going. 🙏🎙️ ⏱️ Chapters00:00 Intro 01:45 Segment 1 – BBC Journalist Under Probe Over China-Spy Allegations 07:20 Segment 2 – Russia & China Ramp Up Espionage in Canada’s Arctic 12:55 Segment 3 – One in Ten CSIS Terrorism Investigations Involves a Minor 18:20 Segment 4 – CSIS Foils Potentially Lethal Iranian Threats 23:55 Segment 5 – Foreign Interference Targeting Provincial Referendums 28:35 Segment 6 – The Diplomacy in What CSIS Didn’t Say 32:10 Segment 7 – Polish Railway Sabotage on Key Ukraine Aid Route 34:10 Outro 35:40 End 🎓 Course Mentioned in This EpisodeSabotage 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 PodcastIf GIWW helps you navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape, please consider supporting the show: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2336717/support Support the show

    35 min
  6. Sex Spies Invade Silicon Valley

    OCT 31

    Sex Spies Invade Silicon Valley

    Send us a text 🔍 Sex Spies Invade Silicon Valley | 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 — explores how espionage, seduction, and psychological warfare are colliding in the heart of the global tech industry. 🇬🇧 In the United Kingdom, a major espionage trial collapses after political hesitation prevents officials from labeling China an “active threat,” exposing how politics can cripple counterintelligence. 🇷🇺 Across Britain, Russian-backed saboteurs are sentenced under the new National Security Act, marking the first convictions for state-directed arson and hybrid warfare on Western soil. 💋 In Silicon Valley, Russian and Chinese operatives deploy “sexpionage” tactics — leveraging seduction and emotional manipulation to infiltrate high-tech industries and steal intellectual property. 🕵️‍♀️ Former Russian operative Aliia Roza warns that these covert programs are not relics of the Cold War, but active 21st-century operations targeting engineers, researchers, and AI developers. 🇻🇪 And in Venezuela, the regime claims to have captured a CIA-linked mercenary group — a stark reminder of how propaganda, perception, and hybrid warfare shape modern intelligence conflicts. Each story this week reveals a chilling truth: the most effective espionage weapon today isn’t technology — it’s human emotion. 🎧 Chapters 0:00 – Intro 1:45 – UK China Spy Case Collapses 5:40 – Russian Saboteurs Convicted Under New National Security Act 9:15 – Sex Spies Invade Silicon Valley 13:50 – Digital Seduction & Emotional Manipulation 18:40 – Former Russian Spy Aliia Roza’s Warning 21:45 – Venezuela’s “CIA-Linked Mercenary” Claims 22:35 – Outro 🧠 Learn More 📘 Register for Neil’s upcoming University of Ottawa Professional Development Institute course: “The Psychology Behind Human Sources in Intelligence Collection” 👉 https://pdinstitute.uottawa.ca/PDI/Courses/National-Security/Psychology-Behind-Human-Sources/Course.aspx?CourseCode=S0238 🎙 Support independent intelligence analysis: 🔗 Buzzsprout – Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up Support the show

    24 min
  7. Canada's Cyber Defences Under Fire

    OCT 24

    Canada's Cyber Defences Under Fire

    Send us a text 🔍 Canada’s Cyber Defences Under Fire | 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 how espionage, sabotage, and cyber warfare are converging to test the resilience of Western democracies. 🇵🇱 In Poland, authorities arrest eight individuals linked to Russian-directed sabotage — part of a wider hybrid campaign targeting NATO infrastructure and logistics routes supporting Ukraine. 🇷🇴 In Romania, security services foil a coordinated plot against a commercial courier network, exposing how Moscow’s proxy operations are expanding beyond the battlefield. 🇬🇧 In the U.K., three men are arrested under the new National Security Act for assisting Russian intelligence, reinforcing how deeply human espionage networks have penetrated Western societies. 🇳🇱 In the Netherlands, intelligence chiefs reveal they are now sharing less data with Washington — a rare signal of strained trust within the Western alliance. 🇨🇦 Back home, CSIS calls for greater precision in Canada’s new lawful-access powers under Bill C-2, while a federal audit warns of “significant gaps” in Canada’s cyber defences — raising serious questions about how prepared we are to face a full-scale digital assault. 🇦🇺 And in Australia, new proposals to expand ASIO’s interrogation powers have sparked a heated debate about the balance between national security and democratic oversight. Each story this week underscores one message: the threats of espionage, sabotage, and cyber intrusion are not distant — they’re already here. 🎧 Chapters 0:00 – Intro 1:30 – Poland detains eight people suspected of sabotage 5:40 – Romania foils Russian-backed sabotage attempt 10:20 – UK arrests three men for spying for Russia 14:55 – Dutch intelligence services share less with the U.S. 19:30 – India never provided evidence on Sikh separatists 23:15 – Bill C-2 expands CSIS lawful-access powers 26:50 – CSIS warns new powers need “precision” 30:05 – Canada’s cyber defences under fire 32:50 – ASIO’s expanded interrogation powers 34:00 – Outro 🧠 Learn More 📘 Register for Neil’s upcoming University of Ottawa Professional Development Institute course: “Sabotage and Proxy Operations in Modern Intelligence” 👉 https://pdinstitute.uottawa.ca/PDI/Courses/National-Security/Sabotage-and-Proxy-Operations/Course.aspx?CourseCode=S0245 🎙 Support independent intelligence analysis: 🔗 Buzzsprout – Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up Support the show

    34 min
  8. Chinese Espionage Targets Hydro Quebec

    OCT 18

    Chinese Espionage Targets Hydro Quebec

    Send us a text 🔍 Chinese Espionage Targets Hydro-Québec | 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 how espionage, secrecy, and accountability are colliding across the intelligence world. 🇨🇦 In Canada, the Hydro-Québec espionage trial exposes how foreign states target innovation in clean energy and battery technology — echoing earlier breaches at Winnipeg’s National Microbiology Lab. 🇬🇧 In the U.K., MI5’s frustration grows after the collapse of the China spy prosecutions, raising questions about whether Western legal systems can handle modern espionage. 🇺🇸 In the U.S., the arrest of strategist Ashley Tellis for unlawfully holding top-secret defence files blurs the line between academia and national security responsibility. 🌎 And globally, President Trump confirms he authorized CIA covert operations in Venezuela — reigniting debate about the limits of executive power and covert action. Each story underscores a critical truth: foreign interference, espionage, and secrecy are redefining global security. 🎧 Chapters 0:00 – Intro 1:45 – Ashley J. Tellis charged with holding U.S. top-secret files 8:15 – MI5 frustration after collapse of China spy trial 14:20 – UK releases witness statements amid espionage fallout 19:00 – NSIRA slams CSIS over secret surveillance technology 22:30 – CSIS commits to “ongoing review” following watchdog report 25:15 – Chinese espionage targets Hydro-Québec 28:30 – Hydro-Québec testimony reveals unauthorized publications 30:00 – Trump confirms CIA covert operations in Venezuela 31:10 – Outro 🧠 Learn More 📘 Register for Neil’s upcoming University of Ottawa Professional Development Institute course: “The Psychology Behind Human Sources in Intelligence Collection” 👉 https://pdinstitute.uottawa.ca/PDI/Courses/National-Security/The-Psychology-Behind-Human-Sources/Course.aspx?CourseCode=S0236 🎙 Support independent intelligence analysis: 🔗 Buzzsprout – Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up Stay curious. Stay informed. Stay safe. #Espionage #HydroQuebec #China #CSIS #MI5 #CIA #NationalSecurity #IntelligenceAnalysis #GlobalIntelligenceWeekly #NeilBisson Support the show

    32 min
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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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