

384: Aimen Dean | Nine Lives of a Spy Inside Al-Qaeda Part Two
17 snips Jul 30, 2020
Aimen Dean, a former Al-Qaeda bomb-maker turned MI6 spy and author of 'Nine Lives,' shares his gripping journey. He discusses the radicalization that led him to extremism, his early doubts spurred by witnessing tragic violence, and the intricate world of financing terrorism. Dean reveals chilling insights on torture techniques and the complexities of espionage, including near-death experiences and the ethical dilemmas spies face. This candid reflection provides a unique glimpse into the life of a man who once served both sides of a dangerous conflict.
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Agency Choice
- Aimen Dean was offered to work with intelligence agencies after being arrested in Qatar.
- He chose between French, British, and American agencies.
Debriefing Length
- Aimen Dean initially believed he would debrief intelligence agencies for a few months.
- He thought he'd pursue an academic route afterward.
Coke Confusion
- An MI5 background checker misunderstood Aimen Dean's Coca-Cola addiction as cocaine addiction.
- The misunderstanding caused confusion but didn't affect his recruitment.