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Spy Way of Life

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Thailand
The Amari Bangkok, a hub for security diplomacy

Officials from Thailand's National Security Council regularly hold meetings at the luxury hotel known for its Italian wines, to outline their strategy on Cambodia, scam centres on the border with Myanmar, and separatists in the south of the country.

LogoSubscribers only 29.05.2026
A view of the Thai capital from the Amari Bangkok hotel.

Thailand
The Amari Bangkok, a hub for security diplomacy

A view of the Thai capital from the Amari Bangkok hotel.
A view of the Thai capital from the Amari Bangkok hotel.© Eugene Tang/Alamy

Officials from Thailand's National Security Council regularly hold meetings at the luxury hotel known for its Italian wines, to outline their strategy on Cambodia, scam centres on the border with Myanmar, and separatists in the south of the country.

LogoSubscribers only 29.05.2026

China
National security ever present at sites of Party archives

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous places to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online looks at the Chinese Communist Party archives, document repositories where preservation, political control and the production of official narratives intertwine.

LogoSubscribers only 15.05.2026
The Chinese government headquarters in Beijing, 18 May 2020.

China
National security ever present at sites of Party archives

The Chinese government headquarters in Beijing, 18 May 2020.
The Chinese government headquarters in Beijing, 18 May 2020.© Nicolas Asfouri/AFP

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous places to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online looks at the Chinese Communist Party archives, document repositories where preservation, political control and the production of official narratives intertwine.

LogoSubscribers only 15.05.2026

Ukraine
'Only', Kyiv's secret strip club for spies, mafia figures and Western contractors

Operating outside any legal framework, the 'Only' draws SBU agents, criminals and Western contractors wanting to mingle with locals in a cosy venue that happily ignores the curfew.

LogoSubscribers only 24.04.2026
On the right, one of the strippers at Only. On the left: foreign mercenaries fighting with the Ukrainian GUR, flying the Forward Observation Group (FOG) flag. Centre: the SBU logo.

Ukraine
'Only', Kyiv's secret strip club for spies, mafia figures and Western contractors

On the right, one of the strippers at Only. On the left: foreign mercenaries fighting with the Ukrainian GUR, flying the Forward Observation Group (FOG) flag. Centre: the SBU logo.
On the right, one of the strippers at Only. On the left: foreign mercenaries fighting with the Ukrainian GUR, flying the Forward Observation Group (FOG) flag. Centre: the SBU logo.© Intelligence Online - Photo editing and assembly: Bénédicte Gouttebroze/Indigo Publications

Operating outside any legal framework, the 'Only' draws SBU agents, criminals and Western contractors wanting to mingle with locals in a cosy venue that happily ignores the curfew.

LogoSubscribers only 24.04.2026

Pakistan, United States
The Roosevelt Hotel, Pakistan's $1bn bargaining chip in Manhattan

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous places to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online delves into the recent history of the Pakistan-owned Roosevelt Hotel, which is now the subject of real estate negotiations between Islamabad and Washington.

LogoSubscribers only 10.04.2026
The Roosevelt Hotel, in New York.

Pakistan, United States
The Roosevelt Hotel, Pakistan's $1bn bargaining chip in Manhattan

The Roosevelt Hotel, in New York.
The Roosevelt Hotel, in New York.© Kylie Cooper/Reuters

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous places to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online delves into the recent history of the Pakistan-owned Roosevelt Hotel, which is now the subject of real estate negotiations between Islamabad and Washington.

LogoSubscribers only 10.04.2026

Russia
Darbazi, a gourmet haven for French diplomats in Moscow

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online visits a high-end Georgian restaurant in Moscow, where a French diplomatic delegation sent to revive mediation efforts with Vladimir Putin dined in February.

LogoSubscribers only 27.03.2026
The Georgian restaurant Darbazi, in Moscow, Russia.

Russia
Darbazi, a gourmet haven for French diplomats in Moscow

The Georgian restaurant Darbazi, in Moscow, Russia.
The Georgian restaurant Darbazi, in Moscow, Russia.© darbazi.ru

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online visits a high-end Georgian restaurant in Moscow, where a French diplomatic delegation sent to revive mediation efforts with Vladimir Putin dined in February.

LogoSubscribers only 27.03.2026

China
The Yin Xi teahouse in Shanghai, where Guoanbu officials mix intimidation with pleasure

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online explores Yin Xi in Shanghai, a favourite tea room amongst Guoanbu officials in China.

LogoSubscribers only 13.03.2026
The Yin Xi tea room in Shanghai Tower, a favourite establishment of Guoanbu officials in China.

China
The Yin Xi teahouse in Shanghai, where Guoanbu officials mix intimidation with pleasure

The Yin Xi tea room in Shanghai Tower, a favourite establishment of Guoanbu officials in China.
The Yin Xi tea room in Shanghai Tower, a favourite establishment of Guoanbu officials in China.© The Bund Finance Center

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online explores Yin Xi in Shanghai, a favourite tea room amongst Guoanbu officials in China.

LogoSubscribers only 13.03.2026

Romania
The English Bar in Bucharest, where a century of espionage gazes back at you

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online explores The English Bar in Bucharest, a legendary spy hub still frequented by intelligence professionals.

LogoSubscribers only 27.02.2026
The English Bar, located within the InterContinental Athénée Palace in Bucharest.

Romania
The English Bar in Bucharest, where a century of espionage gazes back at you

The English Bar, located within the InterContinental Athénée Palace in Bucharest.
The English Bar, located within the InterContinental Athénée Palace in Bucharest.© InterContinental Athénée Palace

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online explores The English Bar in Bucharest, a legendary spy hub still frequented by intelligence professionals.

LogoSubscribers only 27.02.2026

Ukraine
Abrams apparel store in Kyiv, where fighters hang out and talk shop

Located in an unassuming commercial quarter, Abrams military store has expanded rapidly during the war, in part due to shortcomings in the standard issue clothing assigned to soldiers. But many visitors here seek more than just apparel, Intelligence Online discovered on a recent visit.

LogoSubscribers only 13.02.2026
The Abrams military equipment shop in Kyiv.

Ukraine
Abrams apparel store in Kyiv, where fighters hang out and talk shop

The Abrams military equipment shop in Kyiv.
The Abrams military equipment shop in Kyiv.© Intelligence Online

Located in an unassuming commercial quarter, Abrams military store has expanded rapidly during the war, in part due to shortcomings in the standard issue clothing assigned to soldiers. But many visitors here seek more than just apparel, Intelligence Online discovered on a recent visit.

LogoSubscribers only 13.02.2026

Thailand
The BKK Social Club, a fashionable hub for Bangkok's corporate intelligence community

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online visits the BKK Social Club in Thai capital, a favourite haunt for international consultants.

LogoSubscribers only 30.01.2026
The bar at the BKK Social Club, a favourite haunt for international consultants in Bangkok.

Thailand
The BKK Social Club, a fashionable hub for Bangkok's corporate intelligence community

The bar at the BKK Social Club, a favourite haunt for international consultants in Bangkok.
The bar at the BKK Social Club, a favourite haunt for international consultants in Bangkok.© fourseasons.com

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online visits the BKK Social Club in Thai capital, a favourite haunt for international consultants.

LogoSubscribers only 30.01.2026

France
Paris 'Spy Week' and luxury hotels' geopolitical balancing act

Ten days before Paris Fashion Week, the French capital hosted a memorable ‘spy week'. Ukrainians, Russians, Israelis, Syrians, Turks, Americans: the city welcomed the largest gathering of spymasters in recent memory. Luxury hotels had to accommodate different foreign security delegations, some of which were at each other's throats, in a ballet skilfully coordinated by the French authorities.

Free access 16.01.2026
Place de la Concorde in Paris where the Hôtel de Crillon is located.

France
Paris 'Spy Week' and luxury hotels' geopolitical balancing act

Place de la Concorde in Paris where the Hôtel de Crillon is located.
Place de la Concorde in Paris where the Hôtel de Crillon is located.© Anzeletti/iStock

Ten days before Paris Fashion Week, the French capital hosted a memorable ‘spy week'. Ukrainians, Russians, Israelis, Syrians, Turks, Americans: the city welcomed the largest gathering of spymasters in recent memory. Luxury hotels had to accommodate different foreign security delegations, some of which were at each other's throats, in a ballet skilfully coordinated by the French authorities.

Free access 16.01.2026

Germany, Switzerland, United States
Intelligence Online's spy gift list for the festive season

Across the globe, after long months of hushed conversations and quiet meetings in iconic locations, spies are now also busy looking for holiday gifts. Intelligence Online has unearthed a selection of tradecraft goodies, from pop culture spy gear to big ticket items.

LogoSubscribers only 19.12.2025
Intelligence Online's 2025 selection of festive gifts.

Germany, Switzerland, United States
Intelligence Online's spy gift list for the festive season

Intelligence Online's 2025 selection of festive gifts.
Intelligence Online's 2025 selection of festive gifts.© I. Hrechkina/A. Phraisan/Liliboas/iStock//National Bank of Ukraine/Facebook//eBay//800tonnes//Tarpehheser//Flipper Devices

Across the globe, after long months of hushed conversations and quiet meetings in iconic locations, spies are now also busy looking for holiday gifts. Intelligence Online has unearthed a selection of tradecraft goodies, from pop culture spy gear to big ticket items.

LogoSubscribers only 19.12.2025

Switzerland
Geneva's InterContinental Hotel, the setting for tense US-European talks on Ukraine

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online reveals behind-the-scenes details of the secret negotiations between US, Ukrainian and European delegations which took place at the InterContinental in Geneva on 23 November.

LogoSubscribers only 12.12.2025
A diplomatic security officer secures the entrance of the InterContinental hotel as US and Ukrainian officials prepare for closed-door talks on ending Russia's war in Ukraine.

Switzerland
Geneva's InterContinental Hotel, the setting for tense US-European talks on Ukraine

A diplomatic security officer secures the entrance of the InterContinental hotel as US and Ukrainian officials prepare for closed-door talks on ending Russia's war in Ukraine.
A diplomatic security officer secures the entrance of the InterContinental hotel as US and Ukrainian officials prepare for closed-door talks on ending Russia's war in Ukraine.© Pierre Albouy/Reuters

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online reveals behind-the-scenes details of the secret negotiations between US, Ukrainian and European delegations which took place at the InterContinental in Geneva on 23 November.

LogoSubscribers only 12.12.2025

China, Thailand
Phuket's Tropical Resort, where Chinese spies handle French sources under the coconut trees

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online explores the four-star Tropical Resort in Phuket, where, over several years, a double agent from France's DGSE was 'handled' by China's secret services.

LogoSubscribers only 28.11.2025
The charming swimming pool at Tropical Resort, Phuket.

China, Thailand
Phuket's Tropical Resort, where Chinese spies handle French sources under the coconut trees

The charming swimming pool at Tropical Resort, Phuket.
The charming swimming pool at Tropical Resort, Phuket.© Vitaliy Markov/Alamy

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online explores the four-star Tropical Resort in Phuket, where, over several years, a double agent from France's DGSE was 'handled' by China's secret services.

LogoSubscribers only 28.11.2025

Armenia
Yerevan's EVN Café, where our reporter was tracked down by a Russian spy

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online stopped by the upscale EVN Café in the Armenian capital, the site of an attempted compromise of a journalistic investigation.

LogoSubscribers only 14.11.2025
EVN Café on Abovyan Street, an upscale thoroughfare in the centre of Yerevan, Armenia.

Armenia
Yerevan's EVN Café, where our reporter was tracked down by a Russian spy

EVN Café on Abovyan Street, an upscale thoroughfare in the centre of Yerevan, Armenia.
EVN Café on Abovyan Street, an upscale thoroughfare in the centre of Yerevan, Armenia. © Facebook EVN Café & Drink House

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online stopped by the upscale EVN Café in the Armenian capital, the site of an attempted compromise of a journalistic investigation.

LogoSubscribers only 14.11.2025

Laos
Vientiane's Five April International Shooting Range draws Chinese firms, Russian generals

Across the globe, spies love to gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online explores the Laotian capital's Five April International Shooting Range and its adjoining hotel.

LogoSubscribers only 31.10.2025
The Five April International Shooting Range in Vientiane is a site for Laos's secret diplomacy with China and Russia.

Laos
Vientiane's Five April International Shooting Range draws Chinese firms, Russian generals

The Five April International Shooting Range in Vientiane is a site for Laos's secret diplomacy with China and Russia.
The Five April International Shooting Range in Vientiane is a site for Laos's secret diplomacy with China and Russia.© Five April International Shooting Range/Marketing Dept

Across the globe, spies love to gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online explores the Laotian capital's Five April International Shooting Range and its adjoining hotel.

LogoSubscribers only 31.10.2025

France
The 1919 Paris speakeasy, a secret refuge for the president's men

Across the globe, spies love to gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online soaks up the atmosphere in the 1919, a secret bar near the Elysée palace where Macron's advisers seek refuge from the political turmoil, cigar in hand.

LogoSubscribers only 17.10.2025
The 1919 bar in Paris, France.

France
The 1919 Paris speakeasy, a secret refuge for the president's men

The 1919 bar in Paris, France.
The 1919 bar in Paris, France.© Gentlemen 1919

Across the globe, spies love to gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online soaks up the atmosphere in the 1919, a secret bar near the Elysée palace where Macron's advisers seek refuge from the political turmoil, cigar in hand.

LogoSubscribers only 17.10.2025

UAE
The plush Dubai skyscraper at the centre of the Middle East investigations sector

Across the globe, spies love to gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online takes a snoop around Index Tower, in the Dubai International Financial Centre, where corporate sleuths rub shoulders in the lifts while competing for engagements on the biggest legal fights in the region.

LogoSubscribers only 03.10.2025
The Index Tower in Dubai.

UAE
The plush Dubai skyscraper at the centre of the Middle East investigations sector

The Index Tower in Dubai.
The Index Tower in Dubai.© Obstando Images/Alamy

Across the globe, spies love to gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online takes a snoop around Index Tower, in the Dubai International Financial Centre, where corporate sleuths rub shoulders in the lifts while competing for engagements on the biggest legal fights in the region.

LogoSubscribers only 03.10.2025

China, France
How a French double agent worked with Chinese spies at a luxurious Indian Ocean hotel

Across the globe, spies love to gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online visits the Veranda Pointe aux Biches hotel on the island of Mauritius, where a renegade DGSE officer met Chinese intelligence officers over the course of several years.

LogoSubscribers only 19.09.2025
The Veranda Pointe aux Biches Hotel, on the island of Mauritius.

China, France
How a French double agent worked with Chinese spies at a luxurious Indian Ocean hotel

The Veranda Pointe aux Biches Hotel, on the island of Mauritius.
The Veranda Pointe aux Biches Hotel, on the island of Mauritius.© Veranda Pointe aux Biches

Across the globe, spies love to gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online visits the Veranda Pointe aux Biches hotel on the island of Mauritius, where a renegade DGSE officer met Chinese intelligence officers over the course of several years.

LogoSubscribers only 19.09.2025

Thailand, United States
At Bangkok's Athenee Hotel, US seeks to sell drones to regional partners

Across the globe, spies love to gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online explores the Athenee Hotel, where the Indo-Pacific Irregular Warfare Symposium took place amid a US military-diplomatic charm offensive in Bangkok.

LogoSubscribers only 05.09.2025
The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok.

Thailand, United States
At Bangkok's Athenee Hotel, US seeks to sell drones to regional partners

The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok.
The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok.© Athenee Hotel

Across the globe, spies love to gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online explores the Athenee Hotel, where the Indo-Pacific Irregular Warfare Symposium took place amid a US military-diplomatic charm offensive in Bangkok.

LogoSubscribers only 05.09.2025

Canada
Ottawa's Château Laurier, the setting for delicate US-Canada negotiations

Across the globe, spies love to gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online visits the Château Laurier in Ottawa, where tensions with the United States are upsetting the Canadian capital's usual tranquility.

LogoSubscribers only 18.07.2025
The Château Laurier in Ottawa.

Canada
Ottawa's Château Laurier, the setting for delicate US-Canada negotiations

The Château Laurier in Ottawa.
The Château Laurier in Ottawa.© Intelligence Online

Across the globe, spies love to gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online visits the Château Laurier in Ottawa, where tensions with the United States are upsetting the Canadian capital's usual tranquility.

LogoSubscribers only 18.07.2025

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