Sam Jones

In this fascinating discussion, Sam Jones, a European security correspondent for the Financial Times, dives into the labyrinthine world surrounding Jan Marsalek, Wirecard's elusive COO. Alongside Paul Murphy, FT's head of investigations, they unpack the breathtaking scale of Wirecard's fraud and Marsalek's double life linked to Russian espionage. Jones explores modern spy narratives and their revelations about societal weaknesses, while Murphy shares his gripping encounters with Marsalek, including a cheeky bribe offer. This tale of intrigue weaves through espionage, charm, and corruption.

Anna Stavrianakis, international-relations professor focused on arms trade and security politics, and Sam Jones, Financial Times European security correspondent, discuss Europe’s new rearmament consensus. They trace gradual shifts in defence thinking, probe what increased spending will actually buy, debate industry influence versus state strategy, and consider democratic accountability and intelligence in wartime.

Sam Jones, a Financial Times reporter, dives into the shadowy world of Jan Marsalek, the fugitive COO of Wirecard. They discuss how Marsalek allegedly facilitated Russian covert operations while orchestrating a €2 billion fraud. Listeners will learn about his complex upbringing in Vienna and the deeply intertwined narratives of espionage and corporate malfeasance. The intriguing ties to the Wagner group and the operations behind arms trafficking reveal a landscape of international intrigue, making this tale of chaos and mystery utterly captivating.