International

Ambassador Sabino Vaca Narvaja promotes Chinese interests in Argentina 

While the US watches on with keen interest, the federal prosecutor in Buenos Aires has opened an investigation into the role played by an Argentinian ambassador in helping Chinese companies win government contracts.

Chevron appoints David Merkel, defender of Kazakhstan's jailed ex-spymaster Massimov 

A former State Department official who was close to the Nazarbayev administration, David Merkel has been campaigning for the release of Karim Massimov, who was Chevron's key contact in Kazakhstan.

Moscow's shadow advisers, intelligence officers and lobbyists lay low 

As the hunt for those responsible for Russia's setbacks in Ukraine continues, lobbyists, private consultants and advisers close to the Kremlin, as well as former and current civil servants, are fearing a wave of purges.

Thales and Airbus compete for Polish spy satellites contract 

Poland's plans to acquire two observation satellites for its armed forces from French partners have opened a new chapter in the rivalry between the two industrial groups Thales and Airbus.

Battle rages for security contracts in Libya 

European Border Assistance Mission, ENI, EU External Action Service... one after another, major armed security contracts are becoming the subject of intense battles between specialist service providers, while the situation on the ground remains critical.

Contract-hungry industry tries to weigh in as Interpol charts standards for anti-drone measures 

Interpol will soon be issuing its first recommendations on anti-drone measures. The industry is involved in this process that will structure the global market, and is trying to make its voice heard.

Norwegian sovereign wealth fund targets cyber-intelligence 

Norway's Government Pension Fund Global's modest investments are gradually being consolidated in the areas of cyber and data processing. These new opportunities are all the more timely as the fund is being pushed to divest its Russian assets.

French, Americans, Chinese and Russians vie for Kazakhstan's nuclear programme 

With numerous competitors, Orano is counting on its long-standing presence in Kazakhstan to secure its place in the nuclear power plant project being promoted by the authorities in Nursultan.

• IRAQ - PKK renews high command's mandate and reaffirms strategic priorities

• FRANCE - DGSI's role in counterterrorism secured

• RUSSIA/CHINA - Beijing counts on Russia to promote SCO

• USA/GEORGIA - Washington confirms its commitment to Tbilisi

• FRANCE/UKRAINE - Florence Parly sticks to low estimate on Paris's Ukraine spending

• LONDON, SINGAPORE - Control Risks Group snaps up Big Four veteran investigator Michael Peer. 

• PARIS - Ex-head of international cooperation at ANSSI joins India's Tata Consulting Services. 

• PARIS - US firm Volexity steps into French market with hire of Kaspersky CTI specialist Paul Rascagnères. 

• TEL AVIV, LONDON - Report highlights Israeli anti-poaching specialist Maisha Group.

RCS Lab leads new owner Cy4gate's European growth goals 

Now a part of the Italian cyber intelligence specialist Cy4gate, RCS Lab will be leading the group's expansion across Europe with a focus on government interceptions contracts.

Gary Creighton to help Ricklefs' Namea Group grow in the Gulf 

Australian ex-soldier Gary Creighton, an Iraq veteran who now works in the Emirati business world, has joined the advisory board of Norman Ricklefs' Namea Group, the successor to Iraq Advisory Group.

ENRC trio and KNB win against US oil company 

Kazakhstan's recent victory over Big Sky Energy at the ICSID has brought to an end years of investigation involving both the founders of ENRC and the country's intelligence service.

InterProbe launches Turkish cyber-intel in Silicon Valley 

The all-rounder cyber intelligence and cyber defence company Interprobe is continuing its westward deployment from Ankara, and is even making advances into the US. It will soon set up shop in Silicon Valley, California.

Riyadh uses Spire Solutions deal to attract fresh cyber education capacity 

Dubai-based cyber systems distribution group Spire Solutions, which has teamed up with Saudi Arabia's leading cyber training body, the SAFCSP, brings with it its own army of experts. This will enable Riyadh to reduce its dependence on US instructors, and boost Haboob, the company running its cyber offensive activities.

US defence industry preps ahead of German contracts rush 

Washington's military industrial and diplomatic complex is rallying to make sure it stands a good chance to snap up opportunities created by plans to upgrade the German military.