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Author: Mario Bekes
“The end and aim of spying in all its five varieties is knowledge of the enemy; and this knowledge can only be derived, in the first instance, from the converted spy.” — Sun Tzu, The Art of War Introduction Espionage is one of the world’s oldest professions. Long before satellites,... View Article
Author: Mario Bekes
Introduction For some time, I’ve noticed that we are not learning from history. Not because knowledge is unavailable, but because we spend more time being educated by strangers on social media—people chasing their promotion, likes, and followers. And in that endless flow of content, I recently saw the most telling... View Article
Author: Mario Bekes
A Season of Calm—and Criminal Opportunity For most Australians, Christmas represents stability. It is the one period when business slows, households unwind, and attention shifts from routine to celebration. But in fraud investigations—as in intelligence operations—this seasonal slowdown creates the perfect conditions for exploitation. During the 2024–25 holiday period, Australians... View Article
Author: Mario Bekes
Introduction—When Desperation Becomes a Business Model I was one of those naïve people who believed in everything and anything—especially when desperation was my closest companion. During the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), Ilost everything. I lost not just money or stability, but everything. At one point, I was sleeping in my... View Article
Author: Mario Bekes
Introduction—Death in the Age of Digital Gold A few days ago, in a local Facebook community group, a well-meaning gentleman posted something that caught my eye. He announced that he’d be away from home for eight to nine weeks over December and January. He kindly asked if any local kids... View Article
Author: Mario Bekes
Introduction A few days ago, in a local Facebook community group, a well-meaning gentleman posted something that caught my eye. He announced that he’d be away from home for eight to nine weeks over December and January. He kindly asked if any local kids might want to “pop by once... View Article
Author: Mario Bekes
Introduction—From Silence to the Screen I do remember that day when I walked to the army barracks, and then the sign was on top of the gate, stating, “Sweat Saves Blood.” I was unaware of the significance of that sign. When I served in the military, the unwritten rule was... View Article
Author: Mario Bekes
Introduction—From Cold War Interrogations to Code Wars When I began my career in military security and diplomatic intelligence, information was a weapon—but it was expensive, considering the time, money, and assets allocated toacquire knowledge. It required spies, handlers, and nights of waiting in the rain for a single document exchange.... View Article
Author: Mario Bekes
Introduction I’ve spent a lifetime asking questions in rooms where the wrong answer could cost more than a reputation. I learned one universal law from my experiences in military and intelligence operations, corporate investigations, and interrogation rooms where truth was often hidden behind fear: people don’t tell you what you... View Article
Author: Mario Bekes
Introduction: Loyalty, Not Firewalls Last year, while interviewing specialists in Berlin about the STASI, I heard a simple truth: their greatest weapon wasn’t technology; it was devotion. Loyalty serves as a silent multiplier in both espionage and business. In my career—from military security and diplomatic intelligence to corporate investigations—I’ve learned... View Article