CTG's Threat Intelligence Podcast

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.  

America’s National Security has played a vital role in many areas like national defense, counterintelligence, foreign affairs, international security, and others. As a result, there have been major and historical consequences worldwide. With how important this topic is becoming, here at the Counterterrorism Group, we decided to present to our audience a Roundtable Discussion on America’s National Security and the World. To take a deeper dive, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Julia Tsarnas from the Latin America and Indo-Pacific Team, Pike Wipperfurth from the Middle East and Africa Team, and Gabriel Helupka from the Europe Team here at the Counterterrorism Group, to try and better understand the real impact America’s National Security has on the world.

In this episode, we will be focusing on narcoterrorism and its consequences and impact in South America. Narcoterrorism has become a topic of high importance today. It had exponents and figures such as "El Chapo Guzman" and "Pablo Escobar" in the past, it has the ability to influence economies and challenge security forces in many countries worldwide. This discussion will focus on its consequences and impacts in Latin America.  In this episode, Salomon Montaguth speaks with J. Felix, a senior counterterrorism analyst here at The Counterterrorism Group to discuss the effects of narcoterrorism in South America. El narcoterrorismo se ha vuelto un tema de alta importancia hoy en día. Tuvo exponentes y figuras como “El Chapo Guzman” y “Pablo Escobar” en el pasado, tiene la capacidad de influenciar economias y desafiar fuerzas de seguridad de muchos paises a nivel mundial. Por lo tanto, aquí en el Counterterrorism Group, sentimos que nuestra audiencia ganaría mucho al aprender más sobre los eventos en esta región. En este episodio, Salomon Montaguth habla con J.Felix, un analista sénior de contraterrorismo aquí en el Counterterrorism Group para analizar los efectos del narcoterrorism en América del Sur.  

In April 2023, Finland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also known as NATO, while war was present in Europe. The 30-nation alliance invited its 31st member after Turkey-backed Finland’s membership. To take a deeper dive, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Gabriel Helupka from the Europe Team from The Counterterrorism Group to discuss the real impact Finland’s membership into NATO will have in the region.