Safe Havens discussion

For readers who may like learning a bit more about the Pond.

https://www.cia.gov/library/center-fo...

J.T. wrote: "For readers who may like learning a bit more about the Pond.

https://www.cia.gov/library/center-fo..."
Fascinating. So it's the world's first private intelligence gathering firm. Brad Thor alluded to such a group in his thriller BLACKLIST. He called it Sentinel and unlike The Pond in real life, in his book, it survived and went into SIGINT, becoming a private contractor for the NSA.

Hi Samuel. It's actually more common than you would think. Most espionage throughout history was platformed from commerce, diplomatic outreach and advisory roles. The diplo circuit was clearly the cushy haute society angle. While many scoff at this as old school, it still has it's place when the officers, assets, and agents are able to gain such access, vetting and respect. Sending a 25-30yo in as a staffer doesn't cut it. The OSS was founded on a blend of military, businessmen, and lawyers. While the Pond was more defense-based with war dep. ties, it took the cover fronts to new levels. Mossad has been doing this better than most. Iran (and others to include China) continues today with its bonyad holding companies whose execs all come from intel/mil.