Blog


He who betrays his wife, betrays the state.

Author: Mario Bekes

True Cold War story: Because the British did not trust his wife, the most efficient Russian spy was able to depart. Because British intelligence misinterpreted the intriguing features of his ex-wife’s comments as jealously, they ignored a message that may have revealed one of the most experienced Soviet operatives, Harry... View Article


The Night the World Almost Ended Able Archer 83: The Vicious Circle

Author: Mario Bekes

It was a vicious circle. The Soviets refused to believe that the Americans were bluffing; in turn, the Americans suspected that the Soviets were bluffing, even if they did not believe the Americans were doing so. How did a regular military rehearsal come dangerously close to causing a nuclear exchange?... View Article


You’ve Got Mail

Author: Mario Bekes

I recall my father saying as a kid, “Walls have ears.” This was not in reference to secret police spying on everyone and each citizen; rather, it was in reference to your own neighbour spying on you. Later, when I applied to military school (high school), my grandfather took me... View Article


The Italian Kardashians or the Christmas cake-induced avalanche

Author: Mario Bekes

While your eyes are hooked to the TV screen, mobile device, or tablet, and you are enjoying watching content generated by “average Joe turned celebrity from America (list is too long),” individuals you respect are robbing you of your money, dreams, and desires. You are probably wondering how. This article... View Article


The Suez Canal Crisis

Author: Mario Bekes

I remember standing in front of the local grocery store from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., then my mother from 2 p.m. to midnight, and then my father from midnight to 7 a.m. the next day in order for my parents to buy one kilo of salt, sugar, and coffee,... View Article


Ferdinand Waldo Demara was “The Greatest Con Artist”

Author: Mario Bekes

He expertly severed a soldier’s leg while playing a surgeon, but no one realised who he was until his image emerged in a newspaper article praising his abilities. In primary school, we were always taught that “history is the teacher of life.” In retrospect, I see how much I missed... View Article


Sarma Melngailis, Bad Vegan Queen: Celebrity, deception, and fugitives

Author: Mario Bekes

Most of you have probably heard of and watched the Netflix documentary about vegetarianism, con artists, fraud, romance, and perpetual pets. To those who haven’t experienced it, I believe this all sounds a little, um, strange. So let us go sequentially. Scams, swindles, and frauds She was prosperous, her employees... View Article


Belle Gibson, the World-Deceived by a Cancer Con Artist

Author: Mario Bekes

In my professional job, I investigated traitors, spies, and high-level organised crime, and I have seen scammers of all kinds over the years in both my personal and professional life. The worst type of fraudster, however, is one who takes advantage of people by falsely about having “Cancer” in order... View Article


Anna Sorokin “I lied, but I’m not a liar”

Author: Mario Bekes

Have you ever heard of Anna Delvey, also known as Anna Sorokin? If you watch Netflix, you’ve probably seen some proposals for the show Inventing Anna. Have you double-checked? We investigate, examine, and respond to what is true in the story of the con artist. Who is Anna Sorokin, the... View Article