CTG's Threat Intelligence Podcast

Africa is a vast continent containing almost 20% of the world's population. According to the UN, Africa holds 40% of the world's gold and up to 90% of its chrome and silver. These features have attracted the interest of foreign groups and governments. How have these groups impacted the continent? In this episode, Salomon Montaguth speaks with Agathe, an intelligence analyst at the Counterterrorism Group, to gain further insight into outside forces' involvement and impact on Africa today. _________________________________________________________ África es un continente amplio que contiene casi el 20% de la población mundial. Además, África posee el 40% del oro del mundo y hasta el 90% de su cromo y plata, según la ONU. Estas características han atraído el interés de grupos y gobiernos extranjeros. ¿Cómo estos grupos han impactado el continente? En este episodio, Salomon Montaguth habla con Agathe, un analista de inteligencia aquí en el Counterterrorism Group para adquirir mayor conocimiento sobre la participación de fuerzas externas y su impacto en África hoy en día.

On June 20, 2023, reports broke about negotiations between China and Cuba regarding possibly establishing a Chinese military base in Cuba. Opening a military base in Cuba would result in Chinese troops stationed less than 100 miles from the coast of the United States. The US government is currently in conversations with the Chinese and Cuban governments. Neither the Chinese nor the Cuban government has commented on the reports. In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Iris Forsberg, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to get a deeper understanding of the impact a Chinese military base in Cuba may have.

The South China Sea and the Pacific region have been hot topics for many years and have drawn the attention of several governments. The US Department of Defense has claimed that "China continues to expand exploration activities in the SCS (South China Sea) as part of its hunt for much-needed energy and is now receiving oil and gas from the SCS (South China Sea). Other nations like the Philippines have confronted China regarding their questionable behavior in the Pacific region. As a result, such events have introduced many people to something called "maritime warfare". But what exactly is maritime warfare and why is it important? In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Arnold Koka, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to better understand maritime warfare and its impact in the Pacific region.

The massive continent of Africa contains almost 20% of the world's population. Additionally, Africa holds 40% of the world's gold and up to 90% of its chromium and platinum, according to the UN. These facts have led to an increase in interest in Africa by groups and governments outside of the continent. But how impactful are these groups and harmful can they be? In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Agathe Labadi, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to get a deeper understanding of the involvement of external forces and their impact on Africa today.

Active Clubs (ACs) are a network of localized, decentralized, and loosely structured chapters formally affiliated with the network that possess far-right, white supremacist, and neo-Nazi ideologies. They have a significant presence throughout the US and Europe. Their movement is fueled by physical fitness, self-improvement, and establishing a fraternal brotherhood centered around white racial consciousness. They maintain an active presence on social media platforms such as Telegram, Gab, and TikTok. These channels are used for recruitment, propaganda, and exchanging advice on conducting fitness training. But, what fuels these groups and their ideologies? In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Gabriel Helupka, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to get a deeper understanding of Active Clubs (ACs) and their impact on society.

The Wagner Group is a private military company, primarily used by Russian President Putin, to complete military assignments. This paramilitary organization has been a topic of interest for many in the threat intelligence community, especially here at the Counterterrorism Group. The Wagner Group has been connected to atrocities and has had their associations and history questioned. In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Gabriel Helupka, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to get a deeper understanding of the Wagner Group and their impact across the world.

Polish President Andrzej Duda announced in late May 2023 that he would sign a bill to create a panel to investigate allegations that the Civic Platform political party (PO) allowed Russia to influence Poland during its time in power from 2007 to 2015. The panel will have the authority to ban people found guilty of acting under Russian influence from holding security clearance or overseeing public funds, effectively disqualifying them from holding public office for 10 years. In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Sophia Ritscher, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to discuss the real impact of Russian influence on politics in Poland.

On May 28, 2023, the Turkish presidential election took place. President Erdoğan, president of Turkey since 2014, was seeking re-election. This campaign had much to address like inflation, regional stability and security, geopolitical differences, economic crisis, and much more. In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Gabriel Helupka, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to discuss the real impact this change will have in the region. They will explore the key issues that were at stake in the election, how Erdoğan's campaign addressed them, and what the future of Turkey looks like.

National Security is a topic vital to all governments and their citizens. It establishes the defense and security of a nation whether domestically or internationally. American National Security has been a prominent topic on all news platforms, here in the US and around the world. It has also been a talking point for those seeking political office or for others inciting certain ideologies. To take a deeper dive, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Sophia Ritscher an Intelligence Analyst here at the Counterterrorism Group, to try to get a deeper understanding of American National Security.

Artificial intelligence specialists and political scientists have warned about the use of AI-enabled generative tools that could sway the upcoming 2024 elections through the production and dissemination of synthetic images, video, and audio material known as "deep fakes" on social media. Evidence of AI meddling recently surfaced on May 14, 2023, during the Turkish presidential election, where several doctored videos of incumbent President Recep Erdoğan and challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu giving speeches appeared on social media. To take a deeper dive, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Sonia Savci, an Intelligence Analyst here at the Counterterrorism Group, to try to get a deeper understanding of misinformation and deep fakes.