Lecture Notes: The Real News Network - Black Cube's Covert Actions

Introduction

• Presenter: Greg Wilpert in Baltimore
• Topic: Investigative TV show Oofta revealing covert actions by private intelligence firm Black Cube
• Key Incident: Black Cube hired in 2014 by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer to smear then Finance Minister Yair Lapid
• Reputation: Known for corporate espionage and covert operations similar to Israeli Mossad
• Notable Clients: Harvey Weinstein, various corporations and state officials

Background

• Methodology: Uses techniques from Mossad and other security agencies (deception, surveillance, sting operations)
• Infamy: Hired by Harvey Weinstein to discredit women alleging sexual assault; recommendation came from former Israeli PM Ehud Barak
• Journalist's Statement: Ilana Dayan illustrated the shadowy and dangerous nature of Black Cube's operations

Revelations from Oofta Documentary

• Focus: Black Cube’s controversial practices, targeting Israeli as well as international figures
• Company’s Modus Operandi: Deception, surveillance, fake characters to gain trust
• Public Reaction: Shock and fear over internal Israeli targets being within Black Cube’s scope
• Response from Black Cube: Lawsuit against Oofta for 15 million British pounds

Expert Analysis

• Guest: Shir Hever, correspondent for The Real News Network, author of The Privatization of Israeli Security
• Key Points from Hever:
  • Reputation: Black Cube famous since 2010 alongside other firms like NSO and Psy Group
  • Risk and Fear: Israeli fear due to usage of Mossad-like techniques against internal targets
  • Journalist Motivation: Expose the misuse of such powerful techniques for profit, against Israelis

Ethical Concerns and Industry Analysis

• Clientele: Includes controversial figures and regimes (Kabila of Congo, Harvey Weinstein)
• Comparative Insight: Israeli private firms (NSO, Psy) known for working with authoritarian regimes (Saudi Arabia, UAE)
• Industry Vulnerabilities: Crisis in Israeli security organizations; desperation leading to problematic contracts
• Success Rate: Often unsuccessful (e.g., Weinstein still persecuted)

State Regulation and Privatization Issues

• Challenges in Regulation: Analogous issues in the US with privatized intelligence
• Consequences: Difficult regulation, increased power of private intelligence firms
• Regulatory Failures: Naïveté in assuming loyalty and ethics from former state employees
• Snowball Effect: Increased difficulty for governments to control the privatized sector

Recommendations for Governments

• Immediate Actions:
  • Shutdowns: Revoke licenses of companies like Black Cube
  • Transparency: Inform victims of espionage by private firms
  • Licensing Oversight: Stricter controls on private security and surveillance firms
• Long-term Strategies: Avoid excessive privatization of security to prevent loss of control over sensitive intelligence operations

Conclusion

• Call to Action: Governments need to balance security and privacy by maintaining strict control over private intelligence activities.
• Final Thoughts: Highlight the risks of privatizing national security and the need for transparency and robust regulation.