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
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
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.
