Michael Sweeney

UAE
Crypto investors claiming ties to UAE royals set up rival to Trump's USD1

Crypto networks (2/3) – A group of Emirati sheikhs has been drumming up interest in a "sovereign-asset backed" stablecoin this year. While they have drawn interest from significant investors, the project's link to the Al Nahyan and Al Maktoum families remains uncertain.

UAE, United Kingdom
London confirms cyber consultant's imprisonment in UAE

Friends of UK-Australian national Andrew Grunstein say they have not heard from him since his arrest in the UAE on suspected national security charges in January. Abu Dhabi authorities remain silent, but the UK government has confirmed Grunstein's plight.

United Kingdom
UK government struggling with security classification of its fake news unit

Downing Street continues to wrestle with the question of how secret is the work of its disinformation agency, the National Security Online Information Team (NSOIT). The government's indecision points to a deeper issue over how to classify fake news, and work to combat it.

Malaysia, Philippines
Sulu heirs double down on threat to invite other countries to occupy Sabah state

The heirs to the Sultanate of Sulu are firmly on the back foot in their $15bn legal fight against Kuala Lumpur. But their representatives say even negative court decisions in the dispute have confirmed their lessor rights over Sabah in northeastern Malaysia.

UAE
Sharjah graft probe hits dozens of consultants with travel bans and asset freezes

A criminal enquiry launched in July in the emirate led to the naming of as many as 80 potential suspects in the matter, Intelligence Online has learned. The case is the latest to emerge from the spectacular collapse of the UAE-based private equity titan Abraaj.

Malaysia, Spain
Heirs of Sulu v Malaysia: influence and intel campaigns intensify ahead of critical court verdicts

Two cornerstone judgments are due in the $15bn legal fight between Malaysia and the heirs of the Sultanate of Sulu, who claim historical ownership of the country's northeastern oil state of Sabah. As the dispute comes to a head, a host of advisory firms have been put to work.

The Corporate Intelligence Gazette
Éric Léandri splits with comms partner, ex-CIA launches into 'Quantum consulting', former CIA worked for Iskandar Safa

Appointments, financial results, new contracts: every Wednesday, we report on events big and small that matter in the global corporate intelligence community.

Abu Dhabi Éric Léandri splits with comms partner after financial spat

WashingtonSenior CIA official launches into ‘quantum consulting'

WashingtonFormer CIA official reveals work for Iskandar Safa

UAE
K2 and Deloitte awarded anti-money laundering mandate in UAE

K2's Chip Poncy, the former head of the US delegation to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), is advising the UAE on its preparations for the body's next visit to Abu Dhabi. He has already won engagements from two other MENA governments.

United Kingdom, United States
Amid changing priorities, US government turns to UK for AI safety guidance

The UK government's AI Security Institute (AISI) has quietly established itself as a global leader in AI security and ethics, insiders say. The US equivalent, impoverished by government strictures against red tape, is said to be taking notes.

United Kingdom
Libyan family members sue MI6 in London High Court

Solicitors firm Birnberg Peirce is leading a Libyan family's complaint against five UK government bodies, including intelligence agencies and the Attorney General's Office, in a new action filed at the King's Bench Division.

Qatar, United Kingdom
Key broker in Qatari-UK trade deals takes up role at strategic London fund

Forta Advisors, which is owned by registered diplomats, claims to be privately held. Its new chief executive has played an important role in climate deals between Qatar and the UK.