The State of It Gabriel Pogrund speaks out on Labour Together scandal
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Feb 17, 2026 A journalist recounts being targeted by a think tank that hired private investigators and produced a secret report. The story covers covert organising, donor pitches and a campaign called Operation Red Shield. It explores how a paid smear chilled sources, reached security services, and reshaped political fallout around Labour connections.
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Investigation That Sparked The Fallout
- Gabriel Pogrund described how the Sunday Times exposed Labour Together's undeclared donations and covert activity.
- He recounted obtaining emails from South African journalist Paul Holden that raised questions about deliberate concealment.
Think Tank Used PR Firm For Opponent Research
- Labour Together hired APCO to probe how damaging emails reached The Sunday Times and to discredit reporters.
- The commissioned work sought reporters' backgrounds and motivations rather than genuine cybersecurity answers.
Report Falsely Linked Reporter To Russia
- Pogrund recounted how APCO's report included a ten-page section alleging sinister ties and falsely linked him to Russian influence.
- He described the report as grotesquely subverting his Jewish identity and mischaracterising his sources and work.
