The Team House

The Secret History of FIVE EYES | Richard Kerbaj | Ep. 328

Feb 19, 2025
Richard Kerbaj, an award-winning filmmaker and author of "The Secret History of Five Eyes," sheds light on the clandestine world of the Five Eyes spy network. He discusses the unique challenges of covering sensitive topics while revealing how the alliance operates through mutual distrust. Kerbaj shares insights from interviews with intelligence officials and explores the historical context behind the network's formation. He also addresses contemporary threats and the complexities of intelligence sharing among member countries, highlighting its impact on global events.
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ANECDOTE

Nazi Spy Ring in New York

  • In 1938, MI5 uncovered a Nazi plot in New York involving a Scottish hairdresser as a cutout.
  • This led to the arrest of 18 Nazi spies and the beginning of a formal intelligence-sharing relationship between MI5 and the FBI.
INSIGHT

HUMINT Predates SIGINT in Five Eyes

  • The Five Eyes alliance is often viewed through a signals intelligence (SIGINT) lens.
  • However, human intelligence (HUMINT) exchanges between agencies like MI5 and the FBI predate the formal SIGINT agreements.
ANECDOTE

OSS Training in Canada

  • In the early 1940s, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) received training in Canada at Camp X, run by William Stevenson of MI6.
  • This highlights Canada's significant role in training and expertise sharing within the Five Eyes alliance.
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