James Smith

📣 New blog alert: The hidden threat within ☠️ In his latest blog Adam Shortall looks at the challenges organisations face in conducting sometimes complex, and often sensitive internal investigations. It's not just the awkwardness or lack of impartiality of colleagues investigating 'their own', there is also the more practical matter of in-house IT teams not always having the requisite forensic capabilities. So what are your options? #internalinvestigations #dfir #digitalforensics #cybersecurity https://lnkd.in/ezTGASXR

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What’s the Difference Between Crime Scene Investigators and Death Investigators? If you’re passionate about forensics or exploring a career in investigative science, you’ve probably heard of Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs) and Death Investigators (DIs). But have you ever wondered what sets these two professions apart? Both are crucial to solving crimes, but their roles are quite different. Let’s break it down: Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs) CSIs are the ones meticulously combing through a crime scene, collecting and preserving physical evidence like fingerprints, trace materials, and DNA. They’re focused on ensuring that every piece of evidence is documented and prepared for analysis. Their job is all about telling the story of a crime through evidence—a responsibility that requires extreme precision and attention to detail. Death Investigators (DIs) DIs step in when someone dies under suspicious or unclear circumstances. Working closely with medical examiners or coroners, they investigate the cause and manner of death. Their role often involves interviewing witnesses, reviewing medical history, and coordinating forensic pathology examinations. They’re the link between the crime scene and the autopsy table, providing vital context to help determine what happened. While both roles require critical thinking, teamwork, and a strong stomach for the realities of crime scenes, their goals and daily tasks differ. CSIs are evidence-focused, while DIs zero in on the bigger picture surrounding a person’s death. Why does this matter? Understanding these roles is essential if you’re pursuing a career in forensic science or law enforcement. Knowing where your skills and interests align can help you choose the right path—and make a meaningful impact. Curious to learn more? This article dives deeper into the differences between these roles: Read More. So, tell me—are you more intrigued by collecting evidence or uncovering the story behind a death? Share your thoughts below! #ForensicScience #CrimeSceneInvestigation #DeathInvestigation #CriminalJustice #CareerInForensics #CSICareer #DeathInvestigator #ForensicCareers #LawEnforcement #LifelongLearning

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There is plenty of open-source reporting on CBRN: from terrorist prosecutions and white powder events to industrial accidents and state use. Here at CHC Global Advisory, we scrape the web looking for such data; but rather than simply regurgitating it, we sift, prioritise, analyse and socialise it. The value is not only our professional considerations; but the fact we produce digestible reporting that answers our Clients' questions. #cbrn #cbrne

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This afternoon I’ve been with Adrian Searle and senior investigators from the National Crime Agency (NCA) to brief journalists about the latest operation to tackle fraud. The NCA-led operation, supported by City of London Police, targeted “Russian Comms”, a criminal platform built in the UK that sold spoofing services. The platform enabled criminals to make calls and appear on the victims’ handsets as if they were calling from banks and other legitimate businesses. With the perception of legitimacy, criminals then manipulated up to 170,000 victims by putting them under pressure to make payments from their accounts. 🕵️‍♂️🕵️ Law Enforcement in the UK is turning the table on criminals by infiltrating and dismantling the platforms that enable them to commit fraud at scale. We then use their own information to hunt them down. 👀🫵 Criminals are being sold a lie when they buy into these platforms. They’re not secure and they’re not anonymous. 📱 🏦 📞 We’re working in partnership with tech companies, banks and telecommunications companies to design out these types of fraud, share intelligence, and take action swiftly when new threats emerge. 💷 We not only go after criminals, we also go after the proceeds of their crimes, working with agencies and banks overseas to do so. 💳 Remember, your bank will never request detailed personal information or ask you to transfer money to another account. Even if a call appears to be from your bank, politely inform them you’ll call them back from the number on the back of your bank card or by using the number available on their main website. NEVER accept being “put through”; terminate the call and call them yourself from a trusted number. 💻☎️ If you’ve been a victim or someone has tried to target you, please report to Action Fraud. Only 1 in 7 crimes are reported and without your help we cannot develop the vital intelligence we need to target offenders. 🛗 If you’re a victim, we’re here for you. When you report to Action Fraud, we will provide prevention advice and safeguarding support to help deal with the emotional and financial impact of the crime. Remember, it’s not your fault; criminals are cunning, cruel and sophisticated. The tables are turning, and it’s the partnership between law enforcement, the private sector and the public, each doing their bit, that is making the difference. https://lnkd.in/ewtx65VH

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🇬🇧 The National Crime Agency (NCA) has published the National Strategic Assessment 2024 of Serious and Organised Crime 🤷‍♀️ What does it say?  ✦ Serious and organised crime (SOC) remains the most harmful national security threat to the UK ✦ Cheaper and more potent drugs are driving a lot of the harm from SOC, as is the extent to which we now live our lives online making us more vulnerable to frauds and children to exploitation ✦ It is highly likely that £12 billion of criminal cash is generated every year in the UK, with over £100 billion laundered through and within the UK and UK registered corporate structures each year ✦ Cryptoassets are increasingly used to launder non-digital proceeds of crime such as cash, and are acquired via increasing levels of cybercrime, such as theft, malware, and ransomware. ✦ Electronic money institutions and payment institutions, including money service businesses, feature prominently in investigations. Some are used to transfer criminal proceeds globally by organised crime groups, likely attracted by simpler and quicker procedures for opening accounts. ✦ Abuse of corporate structures and the use of professional enablers, over the counter methods, money mules, cash intensive businesses and international controller networks remain the prominent channels for money laundering ✦ Extended reality technologies, such as augmented and virtual reality, have been identified as evolving technology threats, particularly in child sexual abuse. LLMs are already being used for fraud, child abuse and cybercrime. 👀 Read the assessment in full here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eTYEa_aR #aml #scams #cryptoassests 

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Ben Keith, alongside Rt Hon Sir Robert Buckland KBE KC MP and Rhys Davies have published a report examining the national security implications of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s stake in Vodafone. With clear evidence of the UAE’s sophisticated intelligence gathering apparatus and its history of spying, there are serious concerns about Emirati ownership of Vodafone and other businesses. Where foreign ownership comes from states which have a history of repressive activity and espionage, real caution and scrutiny is required. The report sets out the risks and concerns surrounding the UAE’s ownership of Vodafone and calls for vigilance. To read the full report, click here: https://bit.ly/3ynS4CD #humanrights #nationalsecurity

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UK's incecurity (my recent analysis of the UK'sc security and defence issue) "Keir Starmer has so far refused to set a deadline for such a spending increase, even though: - His own new army chief, General Sir Roland Walker, says Britain needs to be ready to fight a war in three years; - Ben Wallace, the former defence secretary, says it’s only matter of time before Putin turns his “war machine” on Britain; and  - if Ukraine is defeated and the US is unwilling to defend Europe properly, Russia could invade a Nato country within the next three to five years, Justin Bronk of Royal United Services Institute thinks. Meanwhile, the UK army is understaffed (it is smaller than during the war with Napoleon). The UK may be waiting to see how the Ukraine war progresses and whether Trump is re-elected before deciding on the defence spending increases. But the longer Ukraine has to wait for weapons, the harder it will be to win the war. A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said the government would “set out the path to investing 2.5 per cent as soon as possible”. But when?" Full text here: https://lnkd.in/eJXgaEWm

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Looking forward to speaking on the webinar this Thursday. On the heels of the #SuperComplaint on the #Police Response to #Stalking from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. The report from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), College of Policing and Independent Office for Police Conduct highlighted inconsistencies and the need for forces to do more to address the way that #online behaviour has transformed stalking, as well as the #investigative opportunities presented by the #digitalfootprint left by #perpetrators. We will be looking at these challenges and opportunities, and what good looks like in addressing a horrendous crime with massive impact on #victims and #survivors where there is an acknowledged need for a #stepchange in the policing response. https://lnkd.in/eTGFWwxp #digitalinvestigation #VAWG #cyberstalking #harassment #onlineharms #safeguarding #trustandconfidence

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🚨 Should Victims of Terrorist Attacks Be Able to Sue National Security Agencies? 🚨 See the BBC article here: https://lnkd.in/eSPaiwUv In this week’s episode of Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up, we’re diving into a case that’s sparking intense debate in the UK and beyond. Families affected by the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing—a horrific terrorist attack that claimed 22 lives and injured hundreds—are now suing MI5, MI6, and GCHQ. They allege that MI5 missed key intelligence on the bomber, Salman Abedi, and misrepresented what it knew in the attack’s aftermath. 📌 The Attack: In May 2017, a homemade bomb detonated at the end of an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, targeting an arena full of young fans. The survivors and bereaved families claim MI5’s lack of action, despite prior intelligence, may have prevented the attack. Recent public inquiry findings indicated that MI5 had received two pieces of intelligence about Abedi in the months before the bombing, but these were dismissed as “non-terrorist” in nature. 📌 The Case Against MI5: The families argue that MI5’s handling of intelligence was flawed and that the agency’s post-attack responses were marked by “institutional defensiveness” instead of transparency. They’re now seeking accountability and damages, pushing the question of whether intelligence agencies can—or should—be held liable when lives are lost. 📊 I want to hear your thoughts on this contentious topic: 💼 Yes, intelligence agencies should be held accountable in court 🔒 No, protecting classified information is the top priority 🤔 It depends on the situation - provide an example! 📢 Don’t miss this week’s episode, where we’ll examine this case in detail and discuss the difficult balance between national security and public accountability. Stay curious, stay informed, and stay engaged. 🕵️‍♂️🔍 #GlobalIntelligence #WeeklyWrapUp #ManchesterArena #MI5 #CounterTerrorism #NationalSecurity #PublicAccountability #Intelligence #Podcast #NeilBisson #TerrorismResponse #LinkedInPoll

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🌍 UK Crime Report: July & August 2024 🕵️‍♀️ This report is generated from the dataset obtained from the official UK Police Archive (https://lnkd.in/e6Y2S5Mz). I’ve filtered out all records with "crime type not stated" and here are my findings: 📊 June - July Comparison: There was a 21.66% increase in crime records in July compared to June: June: 338,165 July: 411,410 (+21.66%) 📈 🏙️ Top 3 Cities by Crime Records (July): Birmingham: 12,836 Leeds: 9,099 Westminster: 6,438 🔍 Top 3 Crime Types by Records (July): Violence and Sexual Offences: 173,026 Shoplifting: 39,185 Public Order: 37,878 🌍 Crimes by Region (July): London: 62,006 South East: 60,727 Yorkshire and The Humber: 50,159 West Midlands: 47,167 East of England: 39,488 South West: 36,239 East Midlands: 34,917 North West: 32,678 North East: 24,553 Wales: 23,476 ⚖️ Outcomes Records in July: Under investigation: 148,657 Investigation complete, no suspect identified: 123,627 Unable to prosecute: 104,160 Awaiting court outcome: 17,587 Local resolution: 7,186 Further investigation not in public interest: 2,336 Action to be taken by another organization: 3,933 Offender given a caution: 1,651 Formal action not in public interest: 1,321 Further action not in public interest: 602 📉 July - August Comparison: There was an 11.69% decrease in crime records in August compared to July: August: 363,332 July: 411,410 (-11.69%) 📉 🏙️ Top 3 Cities by Crime Records (August): Leeds: 8,805 Bradford: 6,180 Bristol: 5,636 🔍 Top 3 Crime Types by Records (August): Violence and Sexual Offences: 152,019 Shoplifting: 35,475 Public Order: 35,135 🌍 Crimes by Region (August): South East: 59,708 London: 50,114 Yorkshire and The Humber: 48,609 East of England: 38,485 South West: 36,316 East Midlands: 33,612 North West: 31,467 North East: 24,285 Wales: 22,603 West Midlands: 18,133 ⚖️ Outcomes Records in August: Under investigation: 211,464 Investigation complete, no suspect identified: 79,510 Unable to prosecute: 52,638 Awaiting court outcome: 11,049 Local resolution: 3,802 Further investigation not in public interest: 1,401 Action to be taken by another organization: 1,264 Offender given a caution: 952 Formal action not in public interest: 821 Further action not in public interest: 195 📊 Key Insights: The increase in July's crime records and the drop in August offer fascinating insights into trends across different regions and crime types. The rise in under investigation outcomes in August is notable, suggesting a focus on ongoing investigations. #DataAnalytics #CrimeTrends #UKCrime #DataDrivenInsights #July2024 #August2024 #PublicSafety #Analytics Metropolitan Police Bristol Hospice Birmingham City University Leeds Beckett University Bradford City Village #leeds #bradford #bristol Westminster City Council #Westminster #london #manchester Liverpool Football Club #liverpool

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This laboratory appears to be in urgent need of external support to enhance their capabilities. The use of specialised scientific equipment without proper expertise poses risks of incurring high expenses (if they are not using it correctly) and misinterpreting test results. Seeking assistance from professionals could safeguard against potential equipment damage and inaccurate result analysis. #LaboratorySupport #TechnicalExpertiseNeeded''' https://buff.ly/3M49Nme

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The Coolest Forensic Fact from Iceland I just stumbled across this gem: Iceland's only forensic pathologist, Pétur Guðmannsson, found himself inundated with questions from the country's crime writers. These writers were so eager to get the forensic details right in their stories that Pétur decided to hold a seminar to answer all their burning questions. And guess what? The seminar sold out immediately, so he had to hold another one, which also sold out just as quickly! The story gets even better. Pétur teaches these seminars through the University of Iceland, where he covers everything from estimating time of death to how bodies decompose. One of the crime writers took his course to understand how a body would look after being in an airtight suitcase for three years. Pétur's approach to teaching about death was described as strangely poetic and respectful, making it not just informative but also deeply moving. This got me thinking about the importance of credibility in storytelling. Just like those crime writers wanting their stories to be as realistic as possible, we in the business world need to ensure our narratives are grounded in solid facts. It's all about doing our homework and digging a little deeper. 😊 When you're crafting your next business pitch, marketing plan, or any story really, take a page from Pétur’s book! Double-check your facts, consult the experts, and make sure your story holds up. It’s not just about making it engaging, it’s about building trust with your audience. In the end, the best stories resonate because they’re real. Let’s keep that in mind and make our stories not just compelling, but rock-solid and trustworthy. #Storytelling #ForensicFacts #BusinessCredibility #Inspiration You can dive deeper into this fascinating story here… https://lnkd.in/gnA7RfNi

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This highly disturbing case perfectly demonstrates why I am so passionate about background checks. Sadly many employers in the UK rely solely on DBS and Right to Work checks in their hiring process, however these are not effective risk mitigation without conducting them alongside a range of other background check services. So much more could have been done to prevent this dangerous predator from being employed to work as a children's lifeguard at a holiday camp. The most obvious failing here was the lack of international criminal record checks from either South Africa or Australia, both of which would have highlighted Carelse's obvious ineligibility for the role. Screening standards for regulated sectors in the UK sensibly stipulate the need for international criminal record checks for anybody who has lived outside of the UK during the screening period. And where were the reference checks? Crucially, many regulators now also require open source internet checks (social media searches, online reputation checks, adverse internet searches, media checks, etc.) as part of robust screening procedures to address the different world we live in now. Why? Because Carelse's own defence team stated, "the case had attracted enormous international media attention" due to his previous roles as a teacher, housemaster, and rugby coach to the current Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi. Professional open source internet checks checks WOULD have identified the risk. Period. Traditional background checks and screening policies need bolstering to keep up with a world that evolves at an alarming pace. Leading background screening companies have all the tools and checks that organisations need to protect themselves, but it's up to employers to implement those checks into their screening policies. Is your organisation doing enough?

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Following the failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump there has been a slew of poorly composed fakes appearing online. These fakes come from both extremes of the political spectrum and are poorly created/cobbled together using images from open source media. Whilst most of these like the one below are easy to spot for those of us who know what to look for , they are finding a footing in the extreme right wing and left wing community online. The strange way this post is written has more in common with an action movie than the speech of a secret service agent on a presidential protection detail. It also demonstrates a poor understanding of the team involved and their policy in an imminent threat to life situation. Analysts report that the far right in the US has seen overwhelming levels of online chatter calling for "violence and urging our patriots to fight back". The same forums/message boards that perpetuated the QANON fake news story are running with this stuff and it's likely to be a mainstay of the so called "alt right" in the run up to the US election. Assist Security Group and our Assist Pivotal Intelligence team provides best in class #intelligence. We monitor a wide variety of sources for our clients to help them understand their risk landscape and better mitigate risk. Understanding the veracity of sources and deep fakes is critical in maintaining security posture. Reach out to me for more info on your organisations risk landscape. [email protected] #Trump #assassination #altright #deepfakes #risk

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📉 The Impact of Budget Cuts on London’s Fight Against Violent Crime London’s safety is facing a critical juncture as the Metropolitan Police Service grapples with significant budget cuts, amounting to £450 million. This includes the loss of 2,000 officers, 400 civilian staff, and a reduction in specialist crime detectives who are pivotal in tackling organised crime, gangs, and violent offences like gun and knife crime. Despite persistent challenges, such as a steady homicide rate, resources are being stretched thinner than ever. Plans to cut 60 murder detectives across London highlight the immense strain on the force’s ability to address violent crime effectively. Specialist Crime Comnand detectives are being sent back to Borough’s to shore up local policing leaving no one to tackle organised crime gangs involved in drugs, gun and knife crime. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has described the situation as “eye-watering,” emphasising the exhaustion of financial buffers and warning of the impact these cuts will have on public safety. Now, more than ever, senior police leaders must recalibrate priorities to focus on what Londoners need most—effective, visible policing that combats violent crime and fosters public confidence. 🔍 What can be done? • Transparent communication with the public about the challenges ahead. • Strategic allocation of resources to areas where they are needed most. • Collaboration with community organisations and private security partners to fill gaps where possible. The safety of our communities must remain at the forefront of every decision made during these challenging times. London deserves a police force that is equipped, funded, and focused on keeping its streets safe. What are your thoughts on the way forward for policing and public safety in London? #PublicSafety #Policing #London #BudgetCuts #CrimePrevention https://lnkd.in/e73ECs8z

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The National Crime Agency (NCA) have busted a huge, multi-billion dollar Russian money laundering network, operating predominantly in the UK. Vast quantities of cash, the proceeds of drug dealing, were exchanged by the networks for crypto, some of which was generated from ransomware attacks. The crypto was then used to buy more drugs and firearms. What happened to the cash? It was used by these Russian networks to fund espionage activities and Russian campaigns of mis- and disinformation. The same network was used to launder money on behalf of the notorious Kinahan cartel. It also provided services to Russian oligarchs and elite, allowing them to purchase properties in the UK and evade sanctions. There's so much to unpick here, not lease the very close links between the Russian state and activities of these money laundering networks. There's a clear line to be drawn from street-level drug dealing in the UK to Russian espionage activities, and other ways in which Russia threatens our national security. https://lnkd.in/ehfXvzQ9

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#Ceasefire negotiations: Where have I seen this farce before? "Blinked urges Hamas to accept BRIDGING PROPOSAL to return to the agreed-upon FRAMEWORK for ceasefire NEGOTIATIONS …" Rewind to 2001-2005: This is what I wrote in Fugitive Dreams: “The Mitchell Report, and what documents followed, looked like an obstacle course designed to thwart a peaceful solution, under the illusion of a process. Mitchell was the first of a series of American envoys (Tenet, Zinney, and others), each devising a plan to get the parties back to the point where the implementation of the previous plan could begin. The number of unnecessary conditionalities multiplied. The long, drawn-out, process is the antithesis of Peace. Israel has always relied on its asymmetric military power to enforce the Occupation, seeing no advantage in a negotiated agreement. By prolonging the status quo, those ‘plans’ in effect advanced Israeli policy.” from Ramsey Hanhan’s #book, Fugitive Dreams: Chronicles of Occupation and Resistance من #كتاب رمزي حنحن،      الأحلام الشارده: يوميات الإحتلال والنضال https://fugitivedreams.us/ Where to Buy: https://lnkd.in/eDs7pJb4   #literature #novel #biography #creativenonfiction #history #life #nature #peace #justice #palestine #القدس #فلسطين #freepalestine #palestinalibre #humanrights #freedom #truth #love #caption Roadmap to Nowhere, Cartoon by Ramsey Hanhan, 2004

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