CONTESTED GROUND: The intersection of finance, organised crime, terrorism and foreign interference, with Keith Bulfin

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, host Steve Kuper speaks with financial intelligence expert and author, Keith Bulfin, as they unpack the intricacies of the global financial systems and the weaponisation of the institutions by organised crime, terrorist and state-backed networks.

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, host Steve Kuper speaks with financial intelligence expert and author, Keith Bulfin, as they unpack the intricacies of the global financial systems and the weaponisation of the institutions by organised crime, terrorist and state-backed networks.

The pair discuss a range of subjects, including the ramifications of lax regulation and enforcement, which has resulted in significant funding, resources and technology making its way to organised crime and rogue regimes, especially Iran.

  • Bulfin’s experience working for the US Department of Justice and consulting with law enforcement and intelligence communities on the financial networks of organised crime organisations like the Mexican cartels and their overlap with terror organisations.
  • The interconnected ecosystems linking organised criminal enterprises, paramilitary and terror groups through hubs in the Middle East, particularly via hubs in Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Asia and Africa.
  • The diverse areas of growth focus for these organisations as they seek to collaborate and circumvent traditional law and intelligence countermeasures to expand their operational impact and revenue streams.
  • The challenges presented by the growing symbiotic relationship between traditionally isolated organisations that now share common objectives and means for furthering their business or political reach.
  • The continuing flow of “black money” from nations like China and India that continue to flow into Australia, exposing our economy to major vulnerabilities across areas like real estate, consumer goods and services.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Contested Ground team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: SPOTLIGHT: Building mass, capability and trust with autonomous and uncrewed systems, with Michael Mitchell, Elysium EPL director
Episode 10: PODCAST: Defence policy, domestic manufacturing and military culture, with Senator Malcolm Roberts
Episode 9: SPOTLIGHT: LAND 156, counter-drone warfare and electronic warfare capability, with Department 13’s Ben Westgarth
Episode 8: PODCAST: Australia’s first 3D printed autonomous USV, with Josh Wigley and Harry Hubbert
Episode 7: PODCAST: Australia’s shipbuilding future, landing craft pipeline and autonomous vessels, with Austal CEO Paddy Gregg
Episode 6: CONTESTED GROUND: Assessing the fallout and implications of the latest Trump–Xi meeting for Iran, Taiwan and Australia
Episode 5: PODCAST: Missile manufacturing, Collins LOTE upgrades and submarine base east
Episode 4: PODCAST: Aerobatics, military aviation and Australian air shows, with Paul Bennet
Episode 3: CONTESTED GROUND: Australia and the West must ask themselves new questions in the face of the modern world, with Robbin Laird
Episode 2: PODCAST: Black Hawk capability, B-21 bomber debate, and upcoming budget