SpyTalk

Getting the Bout

Aug 4, 2022

The podcast features Stephen Braun, co-author of Merchant of Death, and journalist Jill Dougherty discussing the suspected intelligence ties of Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. They dive into his illicit weapon dealings, connections to Russian intelligence, and his denial of such connections. The podcast also explores Russia's growing interest in Africa and the US pursuit of Bout. The episode ends with a teaser for a future episode about getting insights from inside Russia.

35:14

Creator website

Episode guests

Jill Dougherty

Stephen Braun

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The podcast discusses a potential prisoner swap involving Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, highlighting the importance and implications of such events in the world of intelligence and national security.

The episode explores the extensive arms trafficking operation of Viktor Bout, showcasing his innovative approach to the industry in the 1990s and his connections to Russian intelligence, and emphasizes the impact of his activities on global arms trade.

Deep dives

The Death of Eiman al-Zawahri and Potential Prisoner Swap with Russia

In this podcast episode, the main idea is the death of Eiman al-Zawahri, the leader of al-Qaeda, in a U.S. drone strike in Kabul. The episode also discusses a potential prisoner swap with Russia, where Russia would give up WNBA player Brittany Griner and Paul Whalen, a former U.S. Marine held on espionage charges, in exchange for the release of Victor Boot, a Russian arms dealer currently imprisoned in the U.S. The episode highlights the importance and implications of these events in the world of intelligence and national security.

Introduction

2min

Victor Boot: The Notorious Russian Arms Dealer

23min

Arms Dealings and Possible Intelligence Connections

5min

Russia's Growing Interest in Africa and the Importance of Relations

2min

US Pursuit, Allegations, and Brazen Lies

2min

Former colleague, future episode, and transmission services

2min

With a possible prisoner swap in the offing, SpyTalk explores the suspected intelligence ties of Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout with Stephen Braun, co-author of Merchant of Death: Money, Guns, Planes, and the Man Who Makes War Possible. Jeanne also talks with journalist Jill Dougherty, who met Bout face to face.

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Stephen Braun

Merchant of Death: Money, Guns, Planes, and the Man Who Makes War Possible

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/1033695.Merchant_of_Death

Jill Dougherty

https://mobile.twitter.com/jillrussia/

Follow Jeanne Meserve on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/JeanneMeserve

https://www.jeannemeserve.com/

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