UnIntelligence

Ep17: Vets in the Lurch, an Unintelligence Special

​ ⁨@UnIntelligenceNetwork⁩  presents Episode 17 of the Unintelligence Podcast - a special edition leading up to Memorial Day 2025. Featuring former U.S. Army Captain Roger Hill of Dog Company, 1/506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, and U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Erhan Bedestani, a current U.S. Department of Justice attorney, with host Dave Holder. Check out the links for citations and additional resources. Please support these men by contacting your representatives today.
Citations:
1. Abawi, A. (2010, March 17). Afghanistan: NATO hands over detainees amid abuse allegations. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/03/17/afghanistan.nato.detainees/index.html
2. Photo of Erhan Bedestani: Shea, K. (2017, May 29). Soldier's story: Green Beret from N.J. looks back on Memorial Day. NJ.com. https://www.nj.com/mercer/2017/05/soldiers_story_15_years_in_green_beret_from_hamilt.html
3. Jirga Photo attributed to Roger Hill, appeared in: Akins, A. (2022, February 11). Turning broken promises into the hope of a fresh start for Afghan families. Georgia Tech Research Institute. https://www.gtri.gatech.edu/newsroom/turning-broken-promises-hope-fresh-start-afghan-families
4. Photo of Roger Hill: Akins, A. (2022, February 11). Turning broken promises into the hope of a fresh start for Afghan families. Georgia Tech Research Institute. https://www.gtri.gatech.edu/newsroom/turning-broken-promises-hope-fresh-start-afghan-families
5. Reuters. (2008, December 2). Two U.S. soldiers charged for abusing Afghans. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/article/world/two-u-s-soldiers-charged-for-abusing-afghans-idUSTRE4B13TB/
6. Additional Photos for this episode provided by Dave Holder, Ben Travlin’, and Scotty T. H.
7. Vincent, L., & Hill, R. T. (2017). Dog Company: A true story of American soldiers abandoned by their high command. Center Street.

Episode 15, the TD Bank Scandal and Money Laundering 101

Join us for our inaugural on-video podcast, Episode 15, as we review the TD Bank scandal of late 2024 and dive into the dark and bright sides of criminal money laundering, Anti Money Laundering (AML), and Know Your Customer (KYC) topics.
Dave Holder of Veritas Security and Investigative Services, LLC, and Matthew Hedger of Artemist Advisory, LLC, co-host this discussion.
Shouts!
Ryan Rambo, IXN, The CI Press Podcast
Red Vector, a company providing continuous monitoring software for insider risk management programs, with features based on original paradigms created by a team at Lockheed Martin
The MITRE Corporation, Insider Threat Research & Solutions, a federally-funded research and development corporate headquarters team conducting applied research into insider risk detection models
DTEX, a company conducting applied research in conjunction with MITRE and participating client companies
Citations for select conversational elements:
- Coverage of the TD Bank scandal: 
"TD Bank Pleads Guilty to Bank Secrecy Act and Money Laundering Conspiracy Violations." United States Department of Justice, 3 Oct. 2024, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/td-bank-pleads-guilty-bank-secrecy-act-and-money-laundering-conspiracy-violations.
Argentieri, Nicole M. "Principal Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri Delivers Remarks Announcing TD Bank's Guilty Plea." United States Department of Justice, 3 Oct. 2024, https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/principal-assistant-attorney-general-nicole-m-argentieri-delivers-remarks-announcing-td.
Garland, Merrick B. "Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers Remarks Announcing TD Bank's Guilty Plea." United States Department of Justice, 3 Oct. 2024, https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/attorney-general-merrick-b-garland-delivers-remarks-announcing-td-banks-guilty-plea-bank.
"TD Bank Pleads Guilty to Bank Secrecy Act and Money Laundering Conspiracy Violations." United States Attorney's Office District of New Jersey, 3 Oct. 2024, https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/td-bank-pleads-guilty-bank-secrecy-act-and-money-laundering-conspiracy-violations.
- The China connection in drug and money laundering: 
Westhoff, Ben. Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic. Atlantic Monthly Press, 2019.
Felbab-Brown, Vanda. "Why America Is Struggling to Stop the Fentanyl Epidemic." Foreign Affairs, 1 June 2023, https://www.foreignaffairs.com/mexico/why-america-struggling-stop-fentanyl-epidemic.
Barrios, Ricardo, et al. "China Primer: Illicit Fentanyl and China’s Role." Congressional Research Service, 20 Feb. 2024, https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10890.
Cassara, John A. China - Specified Unlawful Activities: CCP Inc., Transnational Crime and Money Laundering. Independently published, 2023.
- Interpol efforts to counter ransomware:
"INTERPOL Cyber Operation Takes Down 22,000 Malicious IP Addresses." Interpol, 5 Nov. 2024, https://www.interpol.int/News-and-Events/News/2024/INTERPOL-cyber-operation-takes-down-22-000-malicious-IP-addresses.
"INTERPOL-Led Operation Targets Growing Cyber Threats." Interpol, 1 Feb. 2024, https://www.interpol.int/en/News-and-Events/News/2024/INTERPOL-led-operation-targets-growing-cyber-threats.
"Cybercrime Operations." Interpol, https://www.interpol.int/en/Crimes/Cybercrime/Cybercrime-operations. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.
Featured musicians include:
Intro songs (x 3): Stephen Nathaniel, available on request.
Outro song: The Frickashinas. I Like Your Band Better, 1768335 Records DK, 20 Nov. 2022. (Available on Spotify and YouTube)
Feature video clips include:
"Follow the Money." Narcos, directed by Gabriel Ripstein, season 3, episode 3, Netflix, 1 Sept. 2017.
Lethal Weapon 2. Directed by Richard Donner, performances by Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, and Joe Pesci, Warner Bros., 1989.
Judge, Mike. Office Space. Twentieth Century Fox, 1999.
This podcast may contain copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available for purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this podcast for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use,' you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Episode 14 with Matthew Hedger

Join us for part 2 of our interview with Matthew Hedger, whose undercover work illuminated the nexus of covert finance, "one-percenter" motorcycle clubs, drug cartels, Russian and Iranian operations, and counterintelligence techniques. This is the first time we are hearing his extraordinary story.

Episode 13 with Matthew Hedger

Join us for part 1 of our interview with Matthew Hedger, whose undercover work illuminated the nexus of covert finance, "one-percenter" motorcycle gangs, drug cartels, Russian and Iranian operations, and counterintelligence techniques. This is the first time we are hearing his extraordinary story. 

Ep.12 From Free Agent to Full Throttle: Counterintelligence Insights and Road Trips

Join Dave Holder and Ryan Rambo as they dive into a dynamic conversation covering everything from career transitions to the intricacies of counterintelligence in corporate environments. In this episode, Ryan shares his recent shift to being a free agent and how it led to an unexpected home office remodel. The duo also discusses the challenges and strategies of continuous monitoring, cyber incident response, digital forensics, and e-discovery.
Get ready for an engaging discussion on corporate counterintelligence, insider threat detection, the importance of role-based access, and the balance between security and productivity. They explore the practical applications of these concepts with real-world examples and scenarios, providing valuable insights for professionals in the field.
As a bonus, Dave and Ryan share their current reads, favorite espionage movies and series, and some light-hearted banter about their drink choices. Whether you're a seasoned counterintelligence expert or new to the field, this episode offers a mix of professional advice and personal stories that are sure to resonate.
Time Stamps:
1:  Updates from the homefront
7:  Dave Snell, Brian, and Sam shoutout
9:  What are you reading and watching?
24:  Topic Intro and Discussion:  Information Security Continuous Monitoring, Cyber Incident Response, Digital Forensics, and E-Discovery
1:40:  Virtual cohost question from Bethany J. Redmond
Music credits:
- Intro: "Where Did They Go?" - Steven Nathaniel, all rights reserved. Used with permission.
- Outro: © 2023 The Frickashinas, all rights reserved. Used with permission.

Corporate Counterintelligence: Navigating Investigative Cycles and Unintended Consequences

Welcome back to another insightful episode of Unintelligence, where hosts Dave Holder and Mr. Rambo dive into the intricacies of corporate counterintelligence investigations. After a much-needed five-week hiatus, the duo is back with renewed passion and fresh perspectives.
In this episode, Dave and Mr. Rambo discuss the importance of downtime, the challenges of maintaining sound quality, and the significance of listener feedback. They also delve into the investigative cycle, from predication to disposition, sharing personal anecdotes and valuable lessons learned along the way.
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of corporate counterintelligence, manage unintended consequences, and make informed decisions that minimize risk. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this episode offers practical insights and thought-provoking discussions to enhance your counterintelligence acumen.
Tune in for a captivating conversation that bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing actionable advice for anyone involved in corporate investigations.
Timestamps:  
- 5:  Topic Introduction
- 12:  The Investigative Cycle
- 26:  Shoutout to Gunnar Newquist
- 31:  Entering an investigation with Preconceived Notions
- 36:  Disposition of Cases
- 1:18:  Examples of Investigations and Different Dispositions
- 1:30:  Answering Bethany's question and a shoutout to Walter Harvey
- 1:32:  Final thoughts

Navigating the Intricacies of Corporate Counterintelligence: Episode 10 with Jeremy Clark and Casey Richards

Welcome to Episode 10 of the Corporate Counterintelligence Podcast, "Unintelligence". Join hosts Dave Holder and Ryan Rambo as they celebrate this milestone with special guests Jeremy Clark and Casey Richards, seasoned professionals in the counterintelligence field. They dive deep into the relatively unknown corporate function of counterintelligence, discussing insider risk management, workplace investigations, cyber defense, information security, and more.
In this episode, the conversation spans various topics including the importance of teamwork, the resilience required in counterintelligence operations, and the critical role of legal advisors and analysts. The guests also share their insights on the challenges and successes of their careers, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.
Listeners will find valuable takeaways on the intersection of counterintelligence practices between military and corporate environments, the impact of AI and machine learning on CI operations, and the significance of tailored training programs. With a blend of humor, technical breakdowns, and professional insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the security and counterintelligence field.
Don't miss this engaging discussion that not only celebrates the journey of the podcast but also shines a light on the critical work done behind the scenes to protect corporate and national security interests.
Timestamps:
3: Guest Intro:  Jeremy Clark and Casey Richards
10:  Defensive vs. Offensive CI
15: Critical thinking, intelligence, and #osint analysis (@Peter J. Lapp)
20:  Lee Dale & Unicorns
27:  Listener Question:  Bethany J. Redmond
47:  Assessment process
56:  Shawnee and Jim
1:00 Jeff Jones and Glenn Jones
1:09 Cybersecurity and AI with Listener Question: Shawn Michaud
1:24 Shoutout to Jesse Moore and Indago
1:25 Surveillance and Rapport
1:33 Mistakes?  Working through the challenges.
1:48 Listener Question:  Rachel Cunningham
2:04 Closing remarks

UnIntelligence Ep9: A Conversation with Jack Barsky

Join hosts Dave Holder and Ryan Rambo on UnIntelligence: The Corporate Counterintelligence Podcast as they dive into the enigmatic world of espionage with former KGB spy, Jack Barsky. In this episode, Jack shares his extraordinary journey from East Germany to the United States, where he lived undercover for decades.
Explore the nuances of corporate counterintelligence and the challenges of detecting espionage in modern organizations. Jack discusses his training, the psychological intricacies of living a double life, and how he navigated the complexities of corporate America to become a Chief Information Officer.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from one of the most intriguing figures in counterintelligence history. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that blends history, cybersecurity, and human psychology.
Ep9 Timestamps:
3: Jack Barsky Intro and Background
16: Espionage Experience in Corporate America (Healthcare and IT)
21: Human Factors, Social Engineering, and American Culture
34: Changing world of espionage
41: Election Security Considerations
46: Seriousness of Espionage (James Lawler)
55: Espionage Tasks and Success?
101: Who are the Insider Threats and their indicators?
111: What’s next for Jack Barsky?
115: Jack departs, and we discuss what we just heard.
 

UnIntelligence Ep 8 with Jeffrey Jones

In this episode, Dave Holder and I dive into some legal aspects of a Corporate Counterintelligence Program with our honored guest, Jeffrey Jones!  Jeff's bio is below and speaks for itself.  We hope you enjoy this great discussion!
Timestamps:
2: - Mark Dupont Story
7: - Jeffrey Jones introduction and Background
22: - Lawyer/Client Relationship (CI)
48: - Harvard Fellowship and China Capstone Project
1:03 - CT to CI/CE Transition (Yvette Hopkins shoutout)
1:12 - "Hack Back" Approach and Cybersecurity Importance
1:31 - Human Factors and why CI is special.
1:48 - Jeff's final thoughts
Jeffrey Jones is a Colonel in the Army Reserve with more than 23 years of combined Active Duty and Army Reserve experience. Jeff began his military career in October 2000 when he enlisted in the United States Army as an interrogator (Arabic Language). As part of his military training, Jeff enrolled in the Defense Language Institute and completed the 64-week Basic Arabic Language course. After accepting a Direct Commission in the Army JAG Corps, he worked as an attorney at Walter Reed Army Medical Center before being assigned to the Department of Defense’s Office of Military Commissions.
Jeff left Active Duty in June 2006 and joined the Army Reserve. As a reservist, he mobilized as a Prosecutor for the Office of Military Commissions; the Officer-in-Charge, Central Criminal Court for Iraq; the embedded Legal Advisor for an an Army online counterintelligence organization and as the Security Justice Advisor for the US Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority in Jerusalem, Israel. He is currently the Commander for the 10th Legal Operations Detachment - a component of the United States Army Reserve Legal Command.
As a civilian, Jeff has nearly two decades of experience working as a legal advisor and prosecutor in support of several federal departments; including, Department of Defense (Defense Intelligence Agency, United States Army Intelligence and Security Command), Department of Justice (National Security Division) and the Department of Homeland Security. He was most recently a Special Counsel in the Global Trade and National Security practice area for Lowenstein Sandler LLP. He is currently a cybercrime enforcement attorney for the law firm Davis Wright Tremaine LLP.
Jeff was a National Security Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government (HKS) in Cambridge, Massachusetts from 2019-2020. He earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland at College Park. He is licensed to practice law in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

UnIntelligence - Ep7 with Scott Silvestro

In this episode, Dave Holder and Ryan Rambo interview our special guest, Scott Silvestro!  
Scott is a Senior Manager, Counterintelligence and Insider Risk, at Tokyo Electron U.S. Holdings.  Below is Scott's biography.
Scott Silvestro is a patriot who’s committed to enhancing the privatization of counterintelligence.
As Senior Manager for the Insider Risk and Counterintelligence Program at Tokyo Electron U.S.
Holdings, Scott oversees the program's effectiveness and integrity. The Insider Risk and
Counterintelligence Program focuses on wellness as it pertains to proactive applications within
insider risk, particularly in countering nation-state, and economic espionage threats.
Prior to joining Tokyo Electron U.S. Holdings, Scott founded Vex Intel, a consultancy executing
advanced technical counterintelligence initiatives for a varied client base. Additionally, Scott
worked as an Independent Consultant in an undisclosed program and as an Officer with the
U.S. Secret Service, serving on the elite Counter Surveillance Division.
Scott co-chairs the Nation-State and Counterintelligence Special Interest Group within the Open
Source Insider Threat Information Sharing Working Group at Carnegie Mellon University's
Software Engineering Institute, where he also earned the CERT Insider Threat Program
Manager Certificate.
Scott holds a B.A. in Government and World Affairs from The University of Tampa. A constant
advocate for growth, he continually expands his expertise in insider risk, counterintelligence,
and security disciplines.
Timestamps:
3:  Guest Introduction
9:  Scott's Background
17:  Surveillance/Countersurveillance
25:  Protecting the Semiconductor Industry
35:  Trust in the CI Field
43:  Scott's Approach to the CI Program
57:  Listener Questions!
1:11 CI Support to Signature Reduction
1:22  Where is Scott's Program in the Corporate Structure
1:37  Parting Words of Wisdom