In a world increasingly saturated with promises of quick fixes and miraculous remedies, a dark underbelly thrives. It’s a world where characters like Patrice Runner, posing as helpers and heroes, prey on the most defenceless.

These con artists, who specialize in manipulation and deception, target the elderly, the timid, and those in desperate situations. They promise prosperity, health, and happiness but provide only illusions, plunging their victims into financial and emotional disaster.

This article digs into the terrifying story of Patrice Runner, a so-called psychic who masterminded one of the most heinous frauds of the last two decades, defrauding over $175 million from those least able to bear the loss.

As we uncover his deceptive tactics and the catastrophic effects on his victims, we get insight into a burning question: how do these modern-day villains credibly depict themselves as beacons of hope while orchestrating such profound betrayal?

“Maybe it’s not moral, maybe it’s bulls—t,” said Patrice Runner. “But it doesn’t mean it’s fraud.”

“Did ‘psychic’ Maria Duval make a deal with the devil?”

I had a question for you:

1. 1. Do you believe in astrology?
   2. Are you a horoscope reader?
   3. Do you believe psychics exist?
   4. Do you believe that if you really want something, you can only have it?

Let me tell you something first: those of you who believe you can, you are not alone.

Everyone in life seeks a quick fix when confronted with difficult or dreary circumstances, when they are struggling in their relationships or employment, when they want more money or happiness, etc.

Nonetheless, nothing in life is really that simple.

This is the story of Maria Duval and Patric Runner, the world’s most notorious con artist.

You couldn’t have missed news like this if you’ve been following the media recently:

“Canadian con artist sentenced to 10 years for $175M psychic mail fraud in U.S.”

‘Psychic’ conman jailed for swindling 1.3m Americans“

„Conman Patrice Runner, 57, is jailed for 10 years after swindling more than $175million from vulnerable victims claiming he was a psychic and promising them wealth and happiness if they sent him cash in the mail during two-decade scam.“

But first, we’ll go in order and biggest question of all:

Who is Maria Duvall?

In 1977, the spouse of a nearby dentist disappeared from Saint Tropez, a city on the French Riviera. Helicopters, police, and groups of people all searched the coast, but in vain.

After hearing about the case in the press, Maria Duvall, an amateur psychic at the time, offered to help. She asked for a recent photo of the missing woman, a map of the area, and her birth date.

After superimposing the image on the map, she let the pendulum swing back and forth until it passed over a specific location.

When the region was searched, the missing woman was found exactly where Duval predicted.

Mary’s reputation profited from this story both in Europe and overseas.

From Italy to Brazil, tabloids raved about her clairvoyant abilities, assisting in the search for up to nineteen missing people, forecasting election results, and profiting handsomely from her stock market predictions.

Rumour had it that companies and politicians were waiting in line to learn more about their fate.

According to rumours, she also found the misplaced dog of French actress Brigitte Bardot.

However, the actress’s assistants rejected the story’s truth, which was never verified.

But, as it turned out, Maria benefited from all these stories—both good and negative.

There were no social media platforms back then, and news was spread through newspaper ads.

Who is Patrice Runner?!

Particle Runner was about eleven years old while he was on the other side of the ocean in the late 1970s.

When he moved with his mother, he was exposed to the family’s financial problems.

His father had moved out a few years ago and was paying alimony on a regular basis. Looking at his mother at the time, Runner’s only desire was to “get rich” and avoid suffering as much as she did.

When Runner was a young man, he was lured in by a variety of advertisements in newspapers and magazines.

He was captivated to advertising at the time due of its emotional intensity, limited word choice, and simple language.

A few advertisements showcased brand-new watches and other equipment, while others sold services or guidelines for improving memory, decreasing weight, and increasing reading speed.

Others sold promises of tremendous wealth or a bright future, which were less material but still quite appealing.

Runner was particularly intrigued to the headline, “Most people are too busy making a living to make any money.”

At the age of 19, Runner spent $80 to start his first mail order business, selling how-to books and weight loss booklets on a variety of topics.

Runner was captivated by the power of intriguing copywriting, which enabled him to parlay his youthful curiosity into a multimillion-dollar business and profession.

At the age of nineteen, Runner launched his first mail-order business, selling weight loss booklets and how-to books on a variety of topics for $80.

He had dropped out of the University of Ottawa to study copywriting a few years before and started his own mail-order business in Montreal, selling sunglasses and cameras.

Runner and Duvall Co

Runner claimed to have first heard of Maria Duvall in the early 1990s. In June 1994, Runner, who also holds French citizenship, travelled to Europe with his then-girlfriend with the intention of seeing Duvall and completing a North American license agreement.

He claims to have found her number on the white pages of a phone booth.

Duval welcomed the pair to her property in the tranquil village of Calas, which made her happy.

Runner’s then-girlfriend recalls that during their psychic reading, Duvall divulged details about the couple’s life that the woman could not have known, such as the knowledge that Runner had lost her father when she was six years old.

Runner maintains that by the end of the year, he and Duvall had negotiated an agreement permitting him to utilize her image in direct mail ads throughout North America.

He ran print advertisements for her psychic skills across the United States and Canada through the company that subsequently became Infogest Direct Marketing.

He claimed to have paid Duvall royalties totaling several hundred thousand dollars each year, or approximately 5% of sales. When he was able to create the letter on his own, the money started to come in.

The firm began – Infogest Direct Marketing

Runner used to say, “You can get someone’s attention by writing, and eventually, after a few minutes, the person sends a check, to get a product, to an address, from a company they’ve never heard of.”

He benefited from the 1990s spike in popularity and widespread commercialization of psychic services in North America.

There were TV shows, print media reports, and commercials.

However, Maria Duvall’s letters were a crucial predecessor of what evolved into a psychic services industry worth more than two billion dollars, primarily in the United States.

The runner’s efforts took off.

Infogest Direct Marketing began sending letters to people’s mailboxes alongside advertisements, blending Runner’s original writing with material modified from colleagues in Europe.

They all had the same format: typewritten letters or handwritten photocopies apparently written by Maria Duvall, demanding cash for lottery numbers, astrological readings, or fortune-telling.

Certain letters urged recipients to purchase alleged magical things, while others asked them to send personal documents or objects (such as family photos, fingerprints, or hair strands) in green envelopes, promising that the psychic would use them for unique rituals.

“Once this envelope is sealed, ONLY I can open it,” read one letter with Duvall’s photocopied signature on it.

Respondents occasionally received items or crystals in the mail. Sometimes they obtained lottery or fate numbers.

However, they began to receive fresh letters asking more money, numbering over a hundred in a few of months. From 1994 to 2014, about 1.5 million clients in the United States and Canada contributed more than $175 million to Runner’s business.

“If you have a special bottle of bubbly you’ve been saving to celebrate the great news, now is the time to open it,” said one nine-page letter his company sent to thousands of clients. The message promised “tremendous changes and improvements in your life” in “exactly 27 days”.

Recipients were encouraged to RSVP and send a $50 check or money order in exchange for a “mysterious talisman with the power to attract luck and money,” as well as a “Guide to My New Life” containing winning lottery numbers.

Many of people who responded to Maria Duvall’s advertisements and letters in North America and Europe shared a common profile: they were mostly older and, at times, financially disadvantaged.

They believed in astrology, psychics, and fortune telling, and their goals included change, salvation, and money.

Among the stories are:

In December 1998, a seventeen-year-old girl named Claire Ellis drowned in an English river. A note from Maria Duval was found in her pocket.

Ellis’ mother told the newspaper that in the weeks leading up to her murder, her daughter corresponded with Duvall, from whom she also purchased charms and pendants.

Her mother noted that Ellis’ behavior had become unpredictable, which she blamed to her daughter’s interaction with Duvall. “These things just shouldn’t be allowed,” the mother told journalists. “We received letters from this woman months after Claire died”.

By the early 2000s, many people around the world were talking about how they felt tricked by Duvall’s letter. Social media users formed several groups to debate this problem.

Fraud Complaints

In October 2004, Windsor, Ontario police issued a notification stating that “mail fraud complaints operated by ‘Maria Duvall’ have been received by numerous Canadian law enforcement agencies.”

Over the years, investigative journalists and law enforcement agencies from around the world have attempted to locate Duvall. There were allegations that she was a fraud, a parody designed to trick people.

Runner and his family traveled throughout that time, living in France, Switzerland, Spain, New Zealand, and other locations.

Thousands of consumers continued to receive letters and pay for services despite the fact that Operation Duvall was being covered by the media and multiple law enforcement groups.

The runner letter business was most profitable between 2005 and 2010, with a single-year total of $23 million (U.S.). Runner went on to achieve the financial success he had long sought years before.

A US civil investigation of the company’s Duval letter business began in 2014. The US Department of Justice has sent a notification of the lawsuit.

According to court documents, a US Postal Inspector discovered in 2014 that personal letters, hair lengths, palm prints, family photos, and unopened green envelopes addressed to Duval were delivered to a receiving facility in New York and disposed of in dumpsters.

The US authorities assumed that Runner’s constant moves were both an attempt to avoid detection and a way to transfer money from his most lucrative business: the Maria Duvall letters.

Arrests and Accusations

By the end of 2018, the US federal government had confirmed the case against him and charged him with 18 felonies.

Two years later, in December 2020, following extradition negotiations, Runner was handcuffed in Ibiza and taken from Madrid to New York to a Brooklyn prison.

The indictment covers numerous allegations:

For nearly two decades, Infogest Direct Marketing ran a direct mail operation targeting fraud victims who were “elderly and vulnerable”;

Runner was the company’s president, in charge of personnel who handled day-to-day operations, such as tracking mail and accepting payments.

Runner and his associates used shell businesses all around the world, including one named the Destiny Research Center, as well as private PO boxes in several US states.

Letters from mail receivers are routed to a “cage service,” an agency that accepts and administers return mail and payments for direct mail marketers, from these mailboxes.

Runner’s company used a cage service in New York, where employees removed money and processed incoming mail. The funds were subsequently transferred to accounts in banks around the world, including Liechtenstein and Switzerland, controlled by Runer and his colleagues.

Trial

The trial of United States v. Patrice Runer began on June 5, 2023, in the District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Central Islip.

“The details of his scheme may be complicated, but the fraud itself is very simple,” the prosecution told the jury. “The basic fraud is the use of a psychic character to lure people in with lies and take their money.” . . .

The prosecution went on to list Runner’s multiple attempts to disassociate himself from the business, including as deleting his name from company documents, founding offshore firms, and telling subordinates to shred documents showing his own handwriting.

The prosecution presented evidence that the letters were mass-printed, as were the alleged spiritual trinkets, which had the “Made in China” labels removed.

However, Runner’s defense argued that psychic services are inherently deceptive and hence cannot be called fraudulent.

Runner’s attorney told the jury that the government had presented no evidence that Runner meant to defraud or harm his customers.

It turned out that Runner was simply running a business that “promised the experience of astrological products and services.”

After nearly a week of deliberation, the jury convicted Patrice Runer of eight counts of mail fraud, four of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

He was found not guilty of four counts of mail fraud.

A federal jury convicted Patrice Runner, a Canadian and French citizen, of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and multiple counts of mail and wire fraud.

He was sentenced to ten years in jail in the Eastern District of New York for orchestrating a huge psychic mass-mailing fraud scheme that stole more than $175 million from over 1.3 million victims in the United States.

In the end, he would say that fraud is always fraud.

I have a question for all of you: Do we need to pay magicians to experience magic?

Are we paying money on magic cards that can forecast our desired and expected outcomes?

And, just as Patrice Runner had fantasized of living the life of a rock star as a youngster and adult, he said, “I used to live like a rock star”?

Amidst the rapid rise of industry and worsening environmental damage, the second half of the 20th century saw the emergence of a strong protest the continuous exploitation of the Earth.

This uproar solidified into a movement that has since crossed the delicate boundary between activism and what has been controversially referred to as eco-terrorism.

With the increasing awareness of environmental issues, the advocacy groups for the protection of the Earth became more radical, resulting in a multifaceted discussion on the need, morality, and consequences of their actions.

The Origin of Radical Environmentalism

The 1960s were a significant period for the development of environmental awareness, leading to social movements that sought to stop the harmful impact of human activities on the natural world.

Originally based on nonviolent demonstrations and legal activism, these movements progressively adopted more assertive tactics aimed at directly challenging and limiting environmental plunder.

The implementation of these measures faced opposition from governments, corporations, and anti-environmentalist groups, who portrayed environmental activism as a kind of radical extremism.

The Vanguard of Eco-Radicalism: Animal Liberation Front (ALF) and Earth Liberation Front (ELF)

The Animal Liberation Front (ALF) and the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) are two of the most notable radical groups in the eco-radical movement.

They have gained attention through a series of high-profile acts. In 2005, the FBI identified these groups as the primary domestic terrorism threat.

Their activities have ignited a heated discussion regarding the nature of their actions and the validity of their cause.

An In-Depth Examination of Eco-Actions

The Animal Liberation Front (ALF), established in the 1970s, has played a crucial role in planning and carrying out operations to free animals from what they regard as acts of cruelty and exploitation in laboratories and farms.

The ELF, which emerged in the 1990s, focuses on buildings, corporations, and facilities that it considers environmentally harmful. It uses fire and sabotage to interrupt operations and attract attention to its cause.

Is the “Green Scare” an instance of fearmongering or a legitimate concern?

The term “Green Scare” is a comparison to the “Red Scare” during the Cold War, implying a government-driven effort to create fear, stigmatise, and repress environmental campaigners through monitoring and laws.

This technique purportedly seeks to marginalise extremist environmentalists and their ideology, portraying them as a menace to the security of the nation and the well-being of the population.

Critics contend that this has enabled the gradual decline of fundamental rights and freedoms under the pretence of countering terrorism.

International viewpoints on eco-radicalism

The global perspective and categorisation of radical environmental groups exhibit substantial variation.

Contrary to the United States, European nations and Australia take a more sophisticated approach and refrain from using the phrase eco-terrorism.

European countries such as Germany and the Netherlands place less emphasis on categorising environmental advocacy as radicalism.

The Dutch have transitioned their language from referring to “animal rights activism” to using the term “animal rights extremism”, while avoiding the label of terrorism.

The United Kingdom avoids using the phrase “eco-terrorism” and instead categorises such actions as domestic extremism.

Australia and other regions are now examining the notion of “single-issue” terrorism, acknowledging the distinct motivations and tactics of environmental activists without conducting significant research or categorising them as terrorists.

The Prospects of Ecological Extremism

Despite controversy and resistance, the course of radical environmental organisations indicates a lack of decrease in their actions.

Conversely, as global environmental concerns become more severe, these groups are increasingly determined to broaden their objectives and strategies.

Over the past two decades, there has been an expansion in the range of their objectives, indicating a consistent, and possibly increasing, resolve to address environmental exploitation.

Understanding the Green Divide

The distinction between environmental activism and eco-terrorism becomes indistinct due to differing perspectives, ideologies, and methodologies.

The ALF and ELF, considered radical groups, saw their operations as essential interventions to address uncontrolled environmental deterioration.

However, their categorisation as terrorists highlights the wider societal and governmental dilemma of reconciling security priorities with the right to engage in peaceful protest.

Given the escalating environmental dangers that the globe is confronting, the discussion surrounding eco-radicalism encourages a thorough evaluation of the methods employed by civilisation to safeguard its natural legacy.

The trajectory of radical environmentalism, characterised by contentiousness and discord, highlights the intricate connection between mankind and its environment and the extent to which individuals are prepared to protect it.

“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.”

– Marcus Aurelius

Effectiveness is determined by the capacity of a psychological weapon to successfully influence the public opinion that it ultimately shapes and motivates.

Public opinion, which governs both politics and the outer world, is the outcome of democracy.

Public opinion serves as the foundation for political decision-making in democratic nations.

However, totalitarian regimes employ violent means to incite and mould public sentiment. New public opinions are formed and promptly enforced under a dictatorship.

State governments have historically been influenced by public sentiment.

As Seneca had previously stated, “Public opinion determines everything.”

False propaganda

Propaganda represents the most extensively employed tool in the realm of public opinion manipulation.

Psychological warfare is the deliberate use of propaganda to undermine an adversary, often supported by military, economic, or political resources as needed.

In broad terms, the objective of such propaganda is to undermine the adversary’s determination to engage in combat or opposition, and on rare occasions, to win his allegiance to one’s cause.

An additional function of propaganda is to strengthen the resolve of resistance combatants or allies.

Psychological warfare encompasses techniques such as brainwashing, which are employed to manipulate the personalities and convictions of captives of war.

As I have previously demonstrated, psychological warfare is not a novel concept; rather, it has a lengthy history.

In contrast, contemporary scientific advancements in communications, including high-speed printing and radio, along with substantial progress in public opinion analysis and the forecasting of mass behaviour, have transformed psychological warfare into a more systematic and prevalent tactic in both strategy and tactics, as well as a more substantial component of warfare.

In the majority of contemporary armies, specialised personnel are stationed and authorised to engage in psychological warfare.

These units comprised a substantial proportion of the American military forces deployed during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, in addition to the German and Allied armies throughout World War II.

To counteract a guerrilla insurrection in Malaya during the early 1950s, British and Malayan government forces airdropped leaflets containing offers of protection to those who surrendered.

Depicted by Marxist theorists and practitioners, revolutionary guerrilla warfare, including Mao Zedong during the Chinese Civil War, Ho Chi Minh and his successors in Vietnam, Fidel Castro, Ernesto “Che” Guevara, and their adherents in Latin America, psychological warfare was considered an indispensable element of military strategies, inseparable from conventional operations.

In contrast to its conventional role as a supplementary and secondary concern within mainstream Western military systems, there is a growing demand to consider psychological warfare an essential component of warfare.

Audience information and propaganda analysis are customarily components of professional psychological warfare operations.

An examination of the overall flow of mass communications through the target audience, as well as the nature and effectiveness of one’s own and competing propaganda, constitute propaganda analysis. Audience information provides specifics regarding the intended recipients of propaganda.

Propaganda by War

War propaganda is an exceptional form of special warfare that potentially exerts a more profound psychological influence than any other.

Having served for five years in the military, I can attest to the influence of propaganda.

Propaganda is a structured endeavour involving the distribution of beliefs, facts, and concepts that are scientific, political, religious, ideological, or otherwise.

In psychological parlance, it is the dissemination of information with the intention of generating predispositions towards a particular way of behaving; propaganda messages and information influence the actions of individuals.

Methods of influencing public opinion towards a particular objective are the focus of propaganda.

Although the message itself holds paramount significance in propaganda, it is equally imperative to contemplate the source, the characteristics of the message, the attributes of the recipient, and the mode of transmission employed to convey propaganda messages.

Prior to implementing war propaganda, those responsible must ascertain the intended audience and the objectives it aims to accomplish.

They must then conduct research on the target audience, paying special attention to the group’s vulnerabilities to address its greatest concerns, fears, and frustrations, in addition to any cultural nuances or sensitivities.

Based on these findings, a concept of propaganda aimed at that demographic is formulated, which comprises the optimal presentation time and location, the most effective message, the most effective transmission method, and the origins of the message.

Based on current events in the military and politics, individuals who exhibit traits such as extreme complacency, authoritarianism, emotional instability, aggression, rigidity, and intellectual, social, and emotional immaturity are most susceptible to manipulation.

Nonetheless, it is equally imperative to exploit the parallels between them and discern the underlying motivations that propel their present conduct, be it apprehension regarding malnutrition or acquisitive prosperity.

Because people are more likely to believe a message originating from a trustworthy source, the origin of the communication is also critical.

Simply imposing your will on individuals whose views are most comparable to your own is, without a doubt, the simplest course of action.

The propaganda message should possess qualities of comprehensibility, allure, captivation, and influence.

It is necessary for the intended recipient to recognise the message, understand it, acquiesce to it, retain it, and not disregard it before providing a response.

Alternatively stated, the message must influence behaviour.

The intensity, uniqueness, incompleteness, and mobility of the communication all capture the attention of the recipient.

Additionally, the message should be reiterated, competing ideas should be eliminated, simplification should be achieved, as many promises should be made as possible, and prevalent attitudes should be supported rather than the original source of the message.

In addition, with the strongest justifications conceivable, the purpose and entire content of the message must be concealed for as long as possible.

Words must perform miracles even when people are going insane and the circumstances are dire.

Propaganda via the press

Email, radio, television, and rumours are among the various media platforms utilised in propaganda.

The following transmission transmitters are the most widely used:

1. Radio broadcasts: The quickest transmission of information occurs via radio.
2. TV series and films: The visual-emotional impact of television makes it a potent medium.
3. Written communications, including press caricatures, flyers, posters, and graffiti;
4. Propaganda teams, comprised of premeditated collectives of individuals who exert personal influence over the opinions and perspectives of others;
5. Effective psychological and promotional strategies;
6. Rumours are a perilous instrument that is commonly utilised in military propaganda.
7. Depending on the circumstances and demands, additional strategies are often implemented, including obtaining confessions from prisoners or beingg the surrender of soldiers’ families or children.

Propaganda Today

Mass media function as a conduit through which information and messages are transmitted, amusing, and informing the public.

Additionally, it informs individuals of the values and standards that establish their position in society.

Therefore, propaganda exacerbates animosity among different social classes.

Amidst the pervasive influence of media in contemporary society, the mass media functions as the principal conduit and platform through which progressive goals are disseminated and propaganda is executed.

Contemporary media platforms, such as movie posters, radio, television, mobile handsets, and posters, can now be utilised to disseminate propaganda to specific populations.

Social media platforms have evolved into potent propaganda tools because of their widespread adoption. A multitude of countries employ social media platforms to effectively disseminate propaganda.

The Economist reports that the number of “organised disinformation campaigns” increased from 27 in 2017 to 81 in 2020.

Another reason why social media is useful for disseminating propaganda is that it enables users to filter content to retain the information they desire while removing that which they do not wish to see and to reach a large audience with minimal effort.

By disseminating “junk” news, ordinary citizens, government agencies, and politicians can all leverage the platform’s user-friendliness to advance their causes.

Politically motivated individuals and organisations continue to employ bots extensively to facilitate communication.

It is pertinent to enquire:

What insights can be gleaned from this behaviour regarding broader societal norms and beliefs?

Moreover, from computational propaganda, what can we discern regarding the contemporary political communication culture?

Throughout history, leadership has held significant importance in the military. Therefore, it is critical to comprehend military psychology, which is exclusively focused on achieving victory.

Military psychology is strategically structured to ensure victory through optimising performance, resilience, and mental health of service members.

By enhancing training, fostering resilience, and addressing mental health needs, it aims to bolster readiness and effectiveness.

Additionally, it analyses enemy behaviour, supports leadership, and contributes to psychological operations to gain strategic advantage.

In essence, military psychology’s multifaceted approach is geared towards maximising psychological readiness and operational success in the complex and demanding environments of modern warfare

Leaders, Leadership and Victory

A leader is tasked with motivating and reassuring soldiers of the value of the causes they are tasked with defending, as well as furnishing them with the necessary psychological and tactical fortitude to achieve victory in combat.

Political, social, and cultural connections have been leveraged to establish the psychological structure required for military leadership ever since the ancient Greek era.

Despite the emergence of psychology as a recognised scientific discipline in the late nineteenth century, the psychological dimension of warfare continued to be vital.

Military science is founded upon the principles of strategy, tactics, and operations.

Military psychology can be readily incorporated into the broader parent sciences, specifically their applied branches, which encompass topics that extend beyond processes directly related to conflict.

The post–World War II era witnessed the emergence of a greater number of terms than the Iraq War in 1991.

These terms exhibit resemblances to the term “psychological war” or possess semantic components associated with psychological warfare.

Technological, economic, and political developments that gained momentum concurrently with the institutionalisation of psychology would increase its role in recruiting, educating, and preparing soldiers for military service and combat as the twentieth century progressed.

The terms emerged from the discernment of military analysts, who considered contemporary geopolitical events and trends, the rapid advancements in technology and the military sector, and the determination to discontinue the exclusive reliance on nuclear weapons to establish dominance.

I will define the following terms for you:

1. In its broadest definition, “special war”:

Is an alternative term for psychological warfare. Mostly utilised by Eastern Bloc countries. Evidently, Russia considers the conflict with Ukraine to be a Special Operation, given the current context.

2. Low-intensity conflict;

Refers to activities in which complete dominion over the political, economic, and social dynamics of a country is pursued by employing various clandestine methods, while abstaining from the utilisation of physical aggression.

3. Operations:

That employ deceitful methods to counterbalance the advantages of the more powerful side are referred to as asymmetric threats. Their fundamental tactic is to prolong contact with the enemy and deplete his resources; ideology triumphs over technology at all times.

As a result, their objective is not territorial conquest or sovereignty threats; rather, it is to undermine adversaries’ resolve and capability to employ superior conventional military capabilities and to intervene effectively in protracted regional conflicts.

4. Public diplomacy:

During periods of peace, the term “public diplomacy” is employed to denote the concept of psychological warfare, which is different in practice during times of conflict.

Public diplomacy, an emerging concept in the field of international relations, operates under the premise that the application of “soft powers” may yield greater results than resorting to force or engaging in conflict.

Public diplomacy pertains to the conduct of an independent nation with regard to the citizens of other countries, with the intention of influencing their perspectives and gaining support for its own national goals or interests on the international stage.

By means of expert exchanges, public relations firms, the media, non-governmental organisations, and public opinion research agencies, this can be accomplished with the ultimate objective of “convincing” other nations to take actions and make decisions that are detrimental to their own interests.

5. Hybrid warfare:

The objective of this form of conflict is to modify the regime, political system, and/or state order of the targeted nations.

Various stakeholders, including media outlets, humanitarian organisations, religious groups, peacemakers, and mediators, are engaged in such conflicts.

The term “hybrid warfare” delineates the subsequent components as fundamental components:

• The utilisation of both conventional and unconventional methods of warfare;

• Both overt and covert forms of security threats

• A wide range of manifestations

• Intenseness, spontaneity, adaptability, obscurity, ambiguity, or concealment of the source and instigator of the incident

• Cyber attacks

• Economic sanctions, blockades, and boycotts

• Denial of involvement in the events

• Subversive weaponry

• Absence of action when the perpetrators are concealed among the civilian population

6. The term “unlimited war”

Denotes the Chinese perspective on modern warfare.

The forms of interminable warfare include nuclear, diplomatic, financial, commercial, biochemical, intelligence, resource, ecological, space, regulation-based, electronic, smuggling, and sanction-based conflicts.

Additionally, humanitarian, and ecological conflicts are included in this category.

The governing principles of strategizing and executing unlimited warfare are comprehensiveness, compliance, limited objectives, unlimited measures (any procedures and measures may be selected to achieve the specified goals), asymmetry, minimal consumption, multidimensional coordination, adjustment, and control.

7. The use of cyber space:

Information, and information resources to wage international conflicts constitutes cyberwar. It manifests itself partially or entirely through the medium of the Internet or cyber space.

Cyber space encompasses an assortment of electronic media that produce, transfer, interchange, or store data that is subject to scrutiny by the media or specialists, whether in a public or private capacity.

Participants in cyberspace-based communication may also obstruct, eliminate, or otherwise modify information that is broadcast there.

Cyber space extends beyond the confines of the Internet to incorporate non-integrated information networks as well.

It occurs near cybercrime and espionage, from which it differs primarily in the objective pursued by the assailant, rather than in the instruments, techniques, or tactics employed.

The absence of international legal regulations and a universally accepted definition of cybe rwarfare is notable.

In this context, it is also possible to address several additional cyber threats: clandestine or overt information operations designed to sway public opinion for political gain; opposition protests instigated and disseminated; and unofficial social group organisation with the intention of overthrowing established governments or subverting the state and social order.

In the intricate landscape of modern conflict, battles are not solely waged on physical battlegrounds. Enter the realm of psychological warfare – a covert arena where minds are the primary target, and manipulation is the weapon of choice. Psychological warfare, often overlooked but profoundly influential, encompasses a spectrum of tactics aimed at shaping perceptions, beliefs, and behaviours to gain strategic advantage.

From propaganda and misinformation to fear-inducing tactics and cognitive manipulation, its impact extends far beyond the battlefield, permeating societies, politics, and even the digital realm.

In this article, we delve into the depths of psychological warfare, uncovering its nuances, historical significance, and contemporary relevance. As we navigate through the shadows of psychological manipulation, we unveil the importance of understanding these tactics in today’s world, where information is power, and perception is reality.

Join me on a journey to unravel the complexities of psychological warfare and discover its profound implications on individuals, societies, and global affairs.

Is there an individual in the twenty-first century who is unaware of at least one conflict occurring in some location?

Sadly, conflicts continue to have a substantial impact on our past and present.

Almost every nation and country was directly or indirectly involved in a conflict during the 20th Century.

Despite the fact that military conflict constitutes the fundamental component of war, there exist latent forms of conflict including but not limited to political, social-economic, psychological, and ethical disputes.

All of these conflict types intersect and contribute to the universal character of war.

The progression of modern armament and technologies has altered the overall perception of the significance of psychological warfare. However, this also presents prospects for the implementation and development of novel psychological warfare methodologies.

An unprecedented innovation emerged with the advent of social networks, which are notable for their exponential expansion, widespread availability, intuitive interfaces, and diverse formats.

Unavoidably, these developments have an effect on the social structure of nations, the geopolitical environment, the global economy, and the definition and perception of warfare terminology and strategies, in addition to the meaning of the term itself within military psychology.

Throughout my military school and academy education, I was consistently exposed to lessons and instruction that detailed the practical implementation of psychological warfare against the enemy’s military and economic establishment.

The Psychological War Doctrine

The initial rise in prominence of psychological warfare occurred in the East.

Sun Tzu’s The Art of War examines the psychological dimensions of war as a social phenomenon and proposes optimal psychological preparation strategies to achieve victory over the adversary in an ideal conflict.

Psychological warfare, which is conducted through the dissemination of disinformation rather than the use of physical weapons, analysing and bolstering the weaknesses of one’s opponent while concentrating on improving one’s own, avoiding direct conflict whenever possible, employing cunning, utilising spies, and so forth, are examples of such tactics.

When examining the concept of “Psychological War,” one may characterise it as a form of specialised warfare designed to generate psychological effects for the benefit of the individual.

It is a military and political strategy that aims to undermine the adversary’s strength, resistance, and determination to fight, while fortifying one’s own forces and amassing the support of a wide network of allies.

The Cold War, which raged between the United States and the Soviet Union, stands as the most widely recognised example of psychological warfare.

In contrast to armed conflict, psychological warfare can be conducted during times of peace by gradually dismantling societal structures or eroding their defences in preparation for an impending armed assault.

Culture and society

In times of armed conflict, psychological warfare functions in conjunction with military operations to achieve the cessation of hostilities.

Psychological warfare is distinguished by the utilisation of distinctive strategies by paramilitary or military special forces (trained, equipped, and formed for these purposes) to accomplish political, economic, military, or psychological goals during times of peace or conflict.

These objectives may be pursued independently or in conjunction with conventional military force, on one’s own, enemy, neutral, or rebel territory, and may even involve socially and politically sensitive issues.

These strategies may be implemented overtly or clandestinely, which necessitates the authorisation, consent, and oversight of specific power structures.

Consequently, the formidable capabilities of military technology are combined with the immense potential of modern “technology of manipulating people,” or distinctive warfare strategies that achieve the desired psychological effects.

What are the intended mental repercussions?

Initially, the leader of the psychological conflict endeavours to impose his or hers political system, philosophy, and way of thinking.

In order to accomplish this, he encourages the internal adversaries of the attacking system to sow discord, fear, and uncertainty, promote internal strife, and sow distrust and doubt among the defenders in an effort to undermine and demolish the attacked side’s defence.

It is employed in the dissemination of deceit, empty assurances, and illusions.

Due to the fact that conflicts and armies have always existed, psychological warfare also possesses its constituent elements.

Consequently, the objective of psychological warfare is to subjugate and control the actions of the targeted party’s members without their knowledge by manipulating their attitudes, values, beliefs, and behaviour.

A variety of psychological warfare techniques and pressures are employed to achieve the objective of imposing a specific value system, reliance, and dominance.

Psychological warfare targets more than just the adversary.
Additionally, they may encompass the following:

• Domestic subjects (e.g., publicly defending the war)
• Domestic armed forces (boosting morale during combat)
• Neutral and allied nations (gaining international support and influence)
• The inhabitants of temporarily occupied territories (pacification, subjugation, and “re-education” of the populace).

Aspects that define psychological warfare

In contrast to alternative modes of conflict, psychological warfare possesses several notable benefits.

Although collaborative and coordinated endeavours undoubtedly produce optimal outcomes, psychological warfare stands as the most pragmatic approach when it comes to extensive spatial and temporal implementation.

If its effects are recognised and comprehended, psychological warfare enables one to preserve cohesion, coherence, and a unified viewpoint among one’s own people through the direct action of both enemy and internal forces.

This increases the populace’s desire to struggle and resist during both times of peace and conflict.

For those unaware, I participated in direct combat operations during the war in Croatia from 1991 to 1996. One of my responsibilities was state security, and I worked with planners and experts to develop the most effective psychological warfare operation against the enemy as either a member of the team or a security detachment.

One of those operations involved the strategic use of daily newspapers and images portraying “fake” rocket launchers and MLRS launchers in large quantities, with the knowledge that the United Nations force would directly inform our adversary.

While the majority of those high-tech weapons were dummy constructs, the enemy calculated them to be real. It goes without saying that during the initial hours of operation “Flash” in May 1995, the enemy anticipated heavy artillery and rocket barrage due to their belief in the news articles, which proved to be unfounded.

This occurs both on the front lines and in the background, and it is a direct consequence of the adversary employing unanticipated new forces, assets, and resources.

This phenomenon not only leads to monetary, human, and material detriment, but also generates additional attention and ensures ongoing coverage throughout the crisis. envisioned and strategized matters in a “blitzkrieg” fashion.

This is especially evident in instances of annexation and after the conquest of regions inhabited by hostile peoples, as a territory is deemed vanquished solely when its inhabitants submit to the authority of the conqueror.

By utilising insights from the social sciences, psychological warfare strategies enable a systematic, organised, and scientific approach to the general public in an effort to manipulate, control, and oversee their psychological characteristics, states, and behaviours.

This, in conjunction with modern social networks and mass media, enables incredibly rapid and effortless access to psychological warfare.

Presently, there is a reduction in the magnitude of financial, infrastructure, economic, and population losses due to the pervasive and uncomplicated availability of communication tools and the regulation of psychological warfare strategies.

Money would be directly invested in the preservation of these resources should the adversary acquire control of the population and territory while they are still intact, which is an extremely unlikely occurrence.

Combat morale-wise, it is inherently advantageous for the opposing side to have a bewildered enemy soldier as opposed to a deceased one, given that the former inspires dread and retaliation is invariably required for the families of wounded, captured, and deceased soldiers.

Psychological warfare frequently enables the state engaged in hostile activities to evade legal repercussions, reputational damage, and risks associated with certain operations.

Additionally it:

• Safeguards the invested capital of foreign corporations against destruction—as we all know, capital and money are the foundation of everything
• Prevents potential harm to individuals and destruction of property
• Enables a greater level of confidentiality to prevent internal repercussions, such as power loss and public opposition to the government or prominent individuals
• In addition to external repercussions—including sanctions and other war-related repercussions that have an adverse impact on the nation and its inhabitants.

Financial risks, such as the profitability of the action’s implementation, are also facilitated, along with the sustainability and reputation of domestic businesses operating in the countries where the actions are conducted, and on a global scale.

Others believe that psychological warfare constitutes half the battle gained, whereas some believe that it is considerably less effective than the players would like.

What are your opinions regarding this?

In an era when environmental degradation has become a global crisis, the distinction between defending our planet and resorting to extremes is becoming increasingly blurry.

As eco-conscious people work to oppose the exploitation and destruction of the natural world, a contentious argument arises: where does environmental activism end and eco-terrorism begin?

This enquiry aims to elucidate the complex contrast between environmental protection activities and radical actions labelled as eco-terrorism, offering insight on the reasons, repercussions, and ethical quandaries that surround this difficult issue.

The rise of eco-terrorism: a response to global environmental degradation

The late twentieth century was a watershed point in the environmental movement, with the rise of radical environmentalists and animal rights campaigners. Disillusioned by the perceived ineffectiveness of traditional environmental organisations, these groups took up more aggressive tactics in their fight against global corporations, government regulations, and the overarching capitalist framework that, in their opinion, sanctioned the relentless exploitation of nature.

Historical context and escalation
Eco-terrorism has its beginnings in the early 1980s, when former members of conventional environmental groups such as Greenpeace became frustrated. Dissatisfied with the slow pace of change and the ongoing damage of the environment, many people turned to direct action. Their techniques, which included sabotage and property destruction, were intended to inflict economic damage on entities believed responsible for environmental devastation rather than causing personal injury.

As an example, consider the Persian Gulf oil spill.

One of the most prominent acts of environmental terrorism was the Iraqi army’s deliberate oil pollution of the Persian Gulf, which demonstrated how environmental resources may be used as weapons in battles. This act, together with a boom in violent activities by environmental organisations since the 1990s, brought environmental terrorism to the forefront, sparking a global debate over the validity and ethics of such attacks.

Defining Ecoterrorism

Eco-terrorism, a word that both fascinates and confounds, refers to acts of violence committed under the cover of environmental advocacy.

The FBI defines it as the use or threat of violence by environmental groups for political purposes, frequently targeting symbolic entities. This term, however, sparks disagreement among some who regard eco-terrorism as a valid form of protest polluters and exploiters of the natural world.

The paradox of eco-terrorism
The underlying paradox in eco-terrorism stems from its dual nature: it tries to defend the environment while adopting tactics typically associated with violence and devastation. This duality creates serious concerns about the ethical and moral limitations of activism, prompting the public to reconsider their notion of environmental protection.

The range of targets and tactics
Eco-terrorists target a wide range of targets, including the timber sector, medical facilities, big polluters, and government entities. Their tactics vary, ranging from vandalism and sabotage to more serious activities such as arson and the discharge of hazardous substances, all with the goal of disrupting and drawing attention to environmental issues.

Agroterrorism: A Case In Point
Agroterrorism, which targets the agricultural sector, shows the multifaceted nature of eco-terrorism. The World Health Organisation defines agroterrorism as the purposeful contamination of food supply to cause injury. It emphasises the vulnerability of natural resources and the possibility that these acts would affect civilian populations, blurring the borders between activism and terrorism.

The ideological foundation of eco-terrorism

At its foundation, eco-terrorism is motivated by a deep dissatisfaction with the capitalism system and its environmental consequences.

Radical environmentalists think that strong actions are required to offset nature’s degradation, calling for a re-evaluation of humanity’s connection with the environment.

The Ethics Conundrum
This radical approach to ecology sets up a Pandora’s box of ethical quandaries. While some regard eco-terrorism as a necessary evil in the fight against environmental degradation, others see it as a foolish and dangerous deviation from the norms of nonviolent activism. The argument focuses on the justification of violence for environmental causes, as well as the repercussions of legitimising such actions.

Navigating the Debate- Towards a Balanced Perspective
The debate over eco-terrorism is contentious, reflecting broader social disagreements about environmental policy, corporate responsibility, and the role of activism in influencing change. To negotiate this challenging terrain, a sophisticated knowledge of the motivations driving eco-terrorism, combined with a dedication to constructive discussion, is required.

Balancing Environmental Protection with Ethical Activism
The difficulty is to reconcile the urgent necessity for environmental protection with the ethical imperatives of action. This includes carefully considering the tactics used in the name of ecology, with the goal of striking a balance that respects both the holiness of natural resources and the principles of nonviolence.

The Path Forward

As the globe grapples with an escalating environmental crisis, the phenomena of eco-terrorism prompt us to consider the nature of activism and the extent people would go to safeguard the earth.

To understand and confront the core causes of eco-terrorism, we must also have a broader discussion about environmental justice, corporate accountability, and our common obligation to protect our world for future generations.

In recent days, the spotlight has unexpectedly shifted towards Jay Shetty, a name synonymous with wisdom, inspiration, and purpose-driven content.

However, the attention he’s garnered is not for the reasons one might expect from someone often viewed as a contemporary guru.

Instead, Shetty finds himself embroiled in controversy, accused by some of being nothing more than an online fraudster.

This narrative does not aim to pass judgment or tarnish the reputation of a single individual.

Rather, it is an exploration of the facts that have emerged, primarily through an investigation published by The Guardian, casting a shadow over Shetty’s meticulously crafted public persona.

How Much is Worth Self-Help Industry?!

On 30th November 2023, “Custom Marketing Insight” predicted that the global self-improvement market would experience substantial expansion between 2023 and 2032, propelled by the growing emphasis on individual growth, psychological wellness, and continuous education.

It is anticipated that the market will expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of roughly 8% throughout this time frame. The market is anticipated to increase in value from US$41.2 billion in 2023 to US$81.6 billion by 2032.

Perhaps this explains why businesses and life coaching are the most profitable businesses.

The Historical Shadows of Coaching Fraud

Notably, Dan Lok, a self-proclaimed entrepreneur and business coach, has faced criticism for his high-ticket sales classes, which some former students believe give little value.

Similarly, Rachel Hollis, a motivational speaker and author, received criticism for plagiarizing quotes and misrepresenting her personal background, casting doubt on her authenticity.

The wellness business has not been immune to these debates. Belle Gibson, an Australian wellness guru, admitted to inventing her cancer diagnosis, casting doubt on the reliability of her health advice and recipes.

Additionally, Elizabeth Holmes, CEO of Theranos, was charged with huge fraud for misleading investors and the public about her company’s technological capabilities.

These examples serve as cautionary stories, underlining the importance of alertness and due diligence while analysing the claims of internet personas. They emphasise a growing worry over influencers’ lack of transparency and accountability, emphasising the necessity of legitimate credentials and ethical behavior in the digital era.

Jay Shetty: Monk or Moneymaker?

To the uninitiated, Shetty presents a compelling figure. He is celebrated globally as a best-selling author, the charismatic host of the “On Purpose” podcast, and a former monk turned purpose-driven entrepreneur.

With an impressive following of more than 50 million across various social media platforms, Shetty has successfully translated ancient wisdom into practical, accessible knowledge, profoundly impacting countless lives worldwide.

Yet, the foundation of Shetty’s narrative begins to wobble under scrutiny.

Born in London in 1987, his journey from the classrooms of Queen Elizabeth’s School in Barnet to the esteemed halls of Cass Business School at the City University of London seems straightforward enough. However, the authenticity of the story Shetty shares on tours, podcasts, and chat shows has come into question.

Shetty’s tale of transformation from a wayward youth in North London’s Wood Green, marked by drug use and binge drinking, to a seeker of spiritual truths under the tutelage of a monk, is indeed captivating.

He claims his life was forever changed after attending a lecture by a monk named Gauranga Das, leading him to spend significant time in an ashram in Mumbai, training to become a monk himself.

However, The Guardian’s investigation suggests a different narrative. It accuses Shetty of fabricating significant elements of his life story, plagiarizing content from lesser-known creators, and making grand promises of prosperity with little to back them up.

A Closer Look at the Controversy

Shetty’s influence and reach are undeniable. His discussions on the benefits of meditation, the power of visualisation, and the importance of mindfulness resonate with millions.

He has attracted the attention of celebrities, politicians, and sports figures alike, interviewing notable personalities such as Michelle Obama, Kim Kardashian, and the late Kobe Bryant.

Despite his success, Shetty’s rise has not been without criticism.

Allegations of content theft and doubts about the veracity of his monastic life have raised questions about the integrity of his advice and teachings. In 2019, he faced backlash for purportedly using content without attribution, helping him build his vast social media empire.

Moreover, The Guardian’s investigation challenges the narrative that Shetty lived as a monk in India for four years, revealing discrepancies in his story.

Friends and acquaintances suggest that Shetty was more focused on creating social media content than on monastic practices during his time in India.

These revelations prompt a reassessment of Shetty’s work and the broader implications for social media influencers.

As Shetty’s brand teeters on the brink of capitalism and spirituality, it reflects a larger trend of oversimplifying complex concepts for marketing purposes.

Reflecting on Influence and Authenticity

The saga surrounding Shetty underscores the delicate balance between influence and authenticity in the digital age.

It raises pertinent questions about the sources of our inspiration and the criteria we use to select the voices we allow into our lives.

As consumers of digital content, our choices reflect our values and the type of world we wish to create.

The controversy also highlights a broader societal issue: the erosion of critical thinking in the face of appealing narratives.

In an era where quick fixes and soundbites dominate, the allure of simple solutions can often overshadow the need for substantiated claims and genuine expertise.

As the story unfolds, the absence of a response from Shetty or his celebrity acquaintances leaves the public in limbo, waiting for clarity.

The silence is telling, prompting reflection on the nature of celebrity endorsements and the responsibility of influencers to their audiences.

Moving Forward: A Call for Discernment

Shetty’s journey, from his rapid ascent to fame to the current scrutiny, serves as a case study in the complexities of digital influence.

It invites us to reconsider our engagement with online content and the figures who populate our social media feeds.

As we navigate the vast landscape of information and entertainment, the importance of discernment and critical thinking cannot be overstated.

The digital age presents unparalleled opportunities for learning and connection, but it also demands a higher standard of accountability from both content creators and consumers. In the pursuit of wisdom and authenticity, we must be vigilant, questioning, and, above all, discerning in our choices.

As we await further developments in Shetty’s story, the controversy serves as a reminder of the imperatives of integrity and truth in the quest for meaningful influence.

In a world saturated with voices clamoring for our attention, the challenge is not only to find those who speak truth but also to cultivate the wisdom to listen discerningly.

In the arena of human endeavour, confronting one’s concerns demonstrates the strength of the human spirit. This difficult challenge is both universal and distinctive to everyone.

My life, which has included almost 1800 continuous days of conflict, positions in intelligence operations, and innumerable personal struggles, provides as the backdrop for a profound analysis of fear and courage.

A life in the shadow of Danger

Conflict and Survival: My journey began during war 1991-1996, where survival was uncertain and had to be snatched day by day.

War is a relentless educator of dread. It does more than just introduce you to dread; it causes you to become intimately acquainted with it.

Amidst this ongoing threat, a paradox emerges: as your knowledge of fear grows, so does your grasp of resilience. This persistent dance with danger sharpens instincts and reveals a store of strength within.

Intelligence Work: The transfer from the open battlegrounds of war to the secret corridors of intelligence did not represent an escape from fear, but rather a reacquaintance with it under a different disguise.

The foe may be unseen in the shadowy realms of intellect, but the stakes are still huge.

This arena put my resilience to the test, pushing not just my physical ability but also the boundaries of my mental endurance.

Battles Beyond the Battlefield: The conflicts moved beyond these spectacular settings and into the realm of daily life.

Here, I fought relentlessly for basic requirements, recognition, and love, with each battle serving as a microcosm of the larger internal conflict. These events reinforced a critical lesson: the most powerful conflicts are fought within one’s own head.

The Internal Arena: Confronting Self

The realisation that the final conflict is within oneself is both liberating and intimidating. This internal conflict is characterised by a range of feelings, including fear, anxiety, and uncertainty.

However, the most formidable opponent in this volatile mix is frequently oneself.

Recognising that we are our own worst enemy reveals the true essence of courage: the ability to face not just outward adversity but also the shadows within.

Strategies for Facing Fear

Facing fear is both an art and a science, requiring a combination of recognition, preparation, and, unexpectedly, a dose of delight.

Recognising that fear is universal is the first step towards defeating it.

Fear is not a sign of weakness, but rather a common human feeling. This realisation was essential for me, as it transformed dread from a looming opponent to a trusted friend on my journey.

Preparation is essential, whether for a covert operation or for everyday life’s fights. In the quiet times of planning and scheming, we gain the strength to face our concerns directly.

This preparation is not only physical, but also fundamentally psychological, giving us the strength to face what comes ahead.

Objective Clarity understanding one’s aims is critical for navigating the landscape of dread.

This sense of purpose has been my guiding light, illuminating the route through the darkest times. This persistent concentration on the goal converts enormous hurdles into manageable barriers.

Finding Joy in the Battle -one of the most unexpected strategies for dealing with fear is to find joy in the conflict. Embracing the conflict with enthusiasm and excitement alters the path, transforming fear into a catalyst for growth and discovery.

Lessons Learned and Forward momentum

The journey overcoming fear is one of continuous development and empowerment.

Each conflict, whether in the real trenches of war or the metaphorical theatre of personal suffering, teaches lessons about resilience, self-discovery, and the tenacious human spirit.

This route, paved with wins and disappointments, reveals the essence of courage: the bravery to face the unknown, the resilience to persevere, and the knowledge to learn from each experience.

Reflecting on this journey reveals a clear message: addressing our anxieties, particularly those that lurk within, is a great act of courage.

This clash reveals our inner strength, teaching us that the biggest battles are conducted not against external forces, but against the shadows within.

Accepting this challenge is more than just a survival tactic; it demonstrates the enduring ability of the human spirit to overcome, thrive, and triumph.

With today’s mostly networked world, which includes 4G and 5G signals, optical connections, and a variety of satellites ranging from GPS to digital TV signals, gathering data of all types has become the major task of all intelligence services and organisations throughout the world.

Though agents from various services are often portrayed as “superheroes” in Hollywood films and television shows, they are actually data analysts, IT specialists, and frequently psychologists who assess the behaviour of adversarial nations and their leaders—and, on occasion, ordinary citizens.

Chinese Intelligence Services

“They have mobilised literally everyone; even if someone doesn’t want to, they have to.”

China’s intelligence services operate internationally. China’s intelligence agencies maintain a tight eye on the United States, Australia and Europe.

The Norwegian government has issued a warning about the security threat posed by Chinese espionage networks in Europe, according to its annual security report.

According to the findings, China leverages cyber space as its principal gateway for political and industrial espionage.

The Netherlands, a separate NATO member, stated in its assessment that state-sponsored Chinese hackers installed dangerous malware on the Dutch military computer network the previous year.

Botnet

The US FBI has stated that it has shut down a “botnet,” which was set up by Beijing-approved hackers to conceal reports that they were planning to assault “critical infrastructure.”

The phrase “botnet” is a play on the words “robot” and “network,” and it refers to a group of computers infected with malicious software and controlled by a malevolent actor.

Duty to help authorities

The heads of intelligence in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have issued warnings, alleging that Beijing is stealing intellectual property on an unprecedented scale.

China’s intelligence agencies use a variety of widely available tools and digital infrastructure to mask their operations while conducting business all over the world.

It is stated that civilian actors such as “diplomats, tour operators, private individuals, companies, and various interest groups” assist them in carrying out their responsibilities.

It is also worth noting that these intelligence services rely on their close relationships to Chinese corporate companies and that Chinese enterprises and nationals are legally compelled to comply with their government’s intelligence-collecting activities when requested.

According to a NATO ally assessment, given the involvement of China, Russia, and other Iranian-sponsored militant groups such as Hamas, the West faces a “more dangerous security situation” than it did a year earlier.

Value Chain Issues

According to the article, these states have a “revisionist agenda of undermining Western influence and establishing an international order in which liberal values such as democracy and freedom of speech do not determine direction”.

Aside from intelligence gathering, the report highlighted concern about China’s and its allies’ reliance on supply networks and value chains that are disproportionately dominated by a few individuals. China’s impact on mineral beneficiation technologies was cited as an example.

Norway’s intelligence service has identified China as a prominent participant in the context of Western sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. China has the “ability and will” to use these dependencies to apply political pressure.

A prudent choice

In recent years, US authorities have discovered 100 Chinese individuals who approached military sites and other sensitive locations, including a missile launch site in Florida, under the guise of being tourists.

Most certainly, testing US security standards is at stake.

Military and security professionals see it as a concerning and growing trend.

Some attempted to gain access to a missile facility in New Mexico, while others were seen diving and recording near a missile complex in Key West, Florida.

Numerous people have been apprehended while attempting to breach military locations.

Certain incidents are harmless, such as the Chinese visitors who claimed to have found the nearest Burger King or McDonald’s using Google Maps, only to realize that it was next to a military station.

Some cases are more severe. In one occasion, a group of Chinese nationals pretended to be tourists and sought to evade security at Fort Wainwright in Alaska by claiming they had arrangements for a hotel stay on a military base. That installation is home to the United States Army’s 11th Airborne Division.

Some in the United States have expressed concern that Beijing is gathering intelligence in nontraditional ways, such as near bases or using commercially available Chinese-made equipment that could be spied on.

The Pentagon stated that it has conducted repeated security examinations of military locations since 2018.

Every day, about 10,000 people are turned away from military facilities. These are usually drivers who are unclear about their location, and they are safely returned.

Nevertheless, there are some serious cases

Chinese people are routinely spotted at the US military training facilities.

Assume they visit White Sands National Park, go sledding down sand dunes, and then travel to an area where people shoot rockets.

Chinese nationals have occasionally been seen filming with drones.

The People’s Republic of China has a “bigger hacking program than any other major nation”.

This gives China considerable power, in addition to traditional espionage and trade secret theft from private companies and research institutions.

China is considerably supporting Russia’s war machine as the stalemate with Ukraine enters its third year.

This support does not consist of ready-to-use weapons, as North Korea and Iran are accused of providing, but rather of a large number of vehicles, other machinery, parts, and electronic components.

The FBI reported a fatal fall by a person of influence, Christina.

Being an influencer, these days is straight-forward, and anyone who works a little harder may be able to acquire that position, assuming it exists at all.

Influencers in The Service of World War Two vs Now

To mobilise popular support, promote morale, and disseminate propaganda, influencers in the Second World War were mostly political leaders, military personalities, and state-propagandized media such as newspapers, radio broadcasts, and film reels.

On the other hand, modern influencers largely function online, influencing everything from politics and social concerns to style and lifestyle via channels such as social media, blogs, and video-sharing websites.

Modern influencers shape public opinion and trends in a decentralized, frequently more personal way through peer-to-peer interchange, in contrast to WWII influencers who used top-down communication channels controlled by governments and institutions.

What exactly does the term “influencer” mean?

An influencer is someone who, by their position, authority, skill, or connection to their audience, can influence other people’s decisions.
It is critical to remember that these people function as both social and marketing tools, allowing for the achievement of extra goals.
Over the last decade, social media has risen in popularity.

According to the most recent forecasts, the number of social media users worldwide is likely to exceed 5.00 billion by 2024 in contrast to that there are 64 million Instagram influencers in 2023.

Social media influencers are people who have built a reputation for their knowledge and experience in each field.

They routinely post on the subject on their preferred social media platforms, attracting a large number of devoted, engaged followers who pay close attention to their viewpoints.

But what if the story goes the other way?

Kristina Puzyreva, a 32-year-old Russian Canadian Instagram influencer and traveller, pleaded guilty to conspiring to carry unmanned aerial vehicle and guided missile system components from the United States to Russia.

Who is Kristina Puzyreva?

There is little data available on social media.

Kristina is a young, stylish woman who adores fashion and travel. She speaks three languages and has lived in Canada for more than half of her life.

She also states that she is a businesswoman.

However, the history of this case adds to its intrigue.

Puzyreva pleaded guilty to money laundering two days ago as part of a multimillion-dollar plan that involved sending millions of dollars worth of US electronic components to Russia for drones and missiles.

She is suspected of money laundering on behalf of numerous Brooklyn-based shell corporations that export US-made equipment to Russian groups.

The US Department of Justice’s KleptoCapture Task Force was formed to implement export controls, sanctions, and other measures in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. This is only one of many cases that have come to light because of this initiative.

Excellent work in the US

Puzireva was charged with smuggling, violating sanctions, and committing fraud at the end of October last year.

Kristina Puzireva and her co-defendants are accused of purchasing and transporting millions of dollars in technology from the United States to facilitate Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

Her money laundering scam was directly linked to the transportation of 298 $7 million in prohibited technologies to the Russian military.

Semiconductors are the cornerstone of the world, and American companies produce a big number of the best. Any nation’s military requires chips, and Russia has spent a significant percentage of its supply on missiles, drones, and other weaponry in its fight with Ukraine.

Moscow launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, prompting Washington and the rest of the West to tighten sanctions on Russia.

Despite the trade sanctions, recently developed American semiconductors were nonetheless employed in Russian armaments in Ukraine.

It is obvious that trade takes all possible forms, and financial flows are unaffected by war.

The lawsuit filed against Puzireva and her friends reveals how some electrical components ended up in other nations.

Puzireva and her husband Nikolai Goltsev, both Canadian-Russian citizens, did business with Salimdzhon Nasriddinov, a Russian-Tajik citizen based in Brooklyn.

According to the story, the two would fly from Canada to New York, buy devices from shady businesses, and then carry them to Russia.

Naturally, serial numbers were affixed to many of the goods carried, making it easy to link the shipments and parts to the scheming three.

The three were hauled into jail in late October of last year.

Puzireva and her husband gained a lot of money by transferring electronics to Russia, according to FBI agents.

According to court documents, she once complained that she needed to open 80 different accounts to hold $3 million for an accomplice.

As the rockets descended on Mykolaiv, she posed

The agents tracked their correspondence to determine where they were.

Agents seized $20,000 in cash during a search of her hotel room in New York.

She built an image of a couple enjoying the life of an influencer, travelling the world and making a lot of money while protecting Russia from sanctions in the weeks leading up to her arrest on October 21, last year.

Despite her guilty plea, Puzireva has not yet been punished. Nasriddinov and her husband are still awaiting trial.

Have we really reached our limit when we try every possible way to earn money?

Is there humanity, or is it all about money?

Where is the world heading now, and most importantly, do you use influencers to represent your business, product, or service?!

These are questions that everyone should think about.