International

Kremlin retakes control of the patriotic 'black' PR networks 

Faced with economic and military difficulties, the Russian presidential administration is looking to tighten up its control over the information sphere. The effects have already been felt by media groups controlled by the powerful factions headed by the country's elite.

First economic diversification, now defence, MbS's trust in Nejd families grows 

Determined as ever to seal his future position as king, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been dishing out sovereign duties to families from the central region, the Nejd, and the east coast. In doing so, he is straying from the Sauds' long-standing ties with the great families of the historic west coast, the Hejaz.

European far-right hired Beltway lobbyists to build US political ties 

Logan Circle Group brokered introductions for European politicians with a constellation of far right wing counterparts in Washington and Arizona.

Israel Aerospace Industries caught up in Argentinian anti-corruption probe 

Argentina's anti-corruption bureau is investigating potential price fixing in a 2016 government-led acquisition of Israel Shipyards patrol boats equipped with Israel Aerospace Industries systems.

• NEW YORK/LONDON - Jenna Burton switches from Raedas to Nardello.

• PARIS - French armed forces ministry sanction against corporate intelligence consultant confirmed
  

• LONDON - Crystal Blockchain opens up in the UK
  

• LONDON - Kikkar Advisory opens up for asset recovery
  

• PARIS/WASHINGTON - Under fire in France, Avisa expands in Washington
  

MbS's reform of Saudi space sector homes in on Saudi Space Commission 

Tightening his grip on Saudi Arabia's space sector, Mohammed bin Salman ordered the restructuring of the Saudi Space Commission (SSC) into an agency at the expense of strategic prerogatives.

Abu Dhabi opens its arms to LIG Nex1's new satellite observation radars 

LIG Nex1 has set up shop in the United Arab Emirates. The South Korean company, which is looking to develop synthetic-aperture radars for the space industry, is betting on Abu Dhabi, where a number of earth observation programmes are looking for industrial partners.

France seeks Qatar defence cooperation amid tensions 

As strains emerge from criticism and legal action targeting prominent Qataris, France's defence ministry is hoping for a breakthrough in defence cooperation with the Gulf country, which has requested help from a French state armament agency to boost procurement.

• UNITED KINGDOM - Ben Wallace and the Defence Committee cross swords over parliamentary control of UK Special Forces.

• FRANCE - DGSI to have permanent access to criminal records file.

• UNITED KINGDOM - The Joint Intelligence Organisation creates an OSINT "insights hub".
  

• HUNGARY - Budapest scans TurkStream for sabotage risks.

• FRANCE - Is DGSE now keeping an eye on ex-Air Force staff abroad following Intelligence Online's revelations?

French foreign trade advisers take tentative steps in Islamabad 

In a bid to revive a bilateral relationship that has all but come to a standstill, French business representatives in Pakistan are trying to build a new business channel between both countries. Paris, so far, has not lent the initiative much support.

MBS's hound hired by FTI Consulting 

The PR and investigation firm FTI Consulting has recently hired Madji Al Madani, a key figure in Mohammed bin Salman's anti-corruption purge.

Kazakh government prospects Turkish cyber and space sectors 

In the wake of recent defence deals with Turkish companies, the Kazakh government is now prospecting in the Turkish cyber and satellite spheres with the intent of modernising its communications and surveillance apparatus.

Alaco investigator retained to assist plaintiff seeking damages for alleged sexual assault by fleeing Jordanian diplomat 

Commissioned by an alleged victim of a Jordanian diplomat, the investigations firm succeeded in finding contact information from the defendant, who had proved difficult to track down.

China tests waters with Meloni's Italy 

The Chinese Communist Party is looking to see if Giorgia Meloni's government will open Italy to Chinese investment again. Its overtures have been ignored for the moment but bi-lateral cooperation opportunities are real.

Long-delayed ruling in assassination and corruption case awaits new Iraqi PM 

Former CIA director David Petraeus, among other retired intelligence and military officials, offered testimony in the case of Wye Oak v. Iraq. Dale Stoffel, the CEO of the US firm Wye Oak, was murdered in the country in December 2004.

New Cyber-focused Private Equity firm Gallos Technologies seconded by Security establishment 

Gallos, a new and rapidly rising investment company specialised in security technology, has just made its first investment. It is financially backed by major pillars in British security circles.