The Spy Who The Spy Who Putin Poisoned | Uncovering The Truth With Bellingcat | 5
Nov 19, 2024
Elliot Higgins, founder of Bellingcat, delves into the gripping investigation of the Skripal poisoning. He discusses the role of digital tools and open-source intelligence in revealing the identities of Russian operatives. The conversation exposes the complexities of espionage, highlighting the blunders of Russian agents and the challenges faced by investigative journalists. Higgins emphasizes the importance of accountability and transparency, particularly in today's climate of disinformation, urging a proactive approach to uncovering the truth.
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Buying Black Market Data Sparked The Breakthrough
- Christo Grozev spent about €50 on Russian black‑market data to buy the suspects' registration forms.
- The forms arrived with photos and details that immediately looked suspicious and opened investigative leads.
Open Source Filled Government Gaps
- Bellingcat believed UK security services hadn't publicly exploited these leads, so independent open‑source work could reveal truths the state might not disclose.
- They reasoned that corruption in Russia made hidden data purchasable, enabling investigations outsiders couldn't do before.
Paranoid Reaction To A Suspicious Gift
- After publishing about Russian agents, Higgins received a hotel gift of cookies and sweets that made him fear poisoning and flush them down the toilet.
- He checked his pupils that night and later learned staff casually referenced the gift.
