What’s in This Week’s Issue…

Good morning. Most people think getting arrested abroad is something that happens to dumb tourists who break the law.

But what if I told you that there’s a whole strategic industry behind kidnapping foreign adversaries?

This is the reality of hostage diplomacy. And for some governments, it’s become a highly profitable business model.

So this week…

• 🏆 The Big Play: The Dark Money patterns behind Hostage Negotiations

• 💪 The Power Move: How you can win negotiations when you have NO power

• 💵 Follow the Money: Russia is using horses and donkeys for war resupply!!

-GEN

🏆 The Big Play

The biggest money power story of the week.

The Hostage Economy: Who Pays, Who Profits, Who Suffers?

Hostage diplomacy used to be rare. Today, it’s one of the most powerful financial and political weapons in global politics.

The rules are simple:

• Arrest a foreign national

• Slap them with espionage or terrorism charges

• Demand money, weapons, or geopolitical leverage in exchange

Every time it works, the price of the next hostage goes up. Here’s how this system works:

1. The Setup: Creating a Legal Cover

The first step is creating a legal cover, because no country admits to taking hostages. That would make them look bad.

So instead, they manufacture charges - espionage, terrorism, or vague “threats to national security“.

Take China’s “Two Michaels“ case:

• In 2018, Canada arrested Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou at the U.S.’s request.

• Days later, China detailed two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, on espionage charges.

• For three years, China denied it was a retaliation. Then, the day Meng was released, both Michaels were freed.

It is hardly a coincidence.

Russia used the same playbook with WNBA star Brittney Griner. They jailed her for carrying a cannabis vape pen. She was then swapped for a convicted arms dealer known as the “Merchant of Death“.

These governments aren’t finding spies and criminals. They’re creating them. Because a prisoner with the right passport is worth real money.

2. The Negotiation: Who Pays (and Who Profits)

Once the hostage is in custody, it’s time to negotiate. And governments aren’t just demanding a “fair trade.” They’re playing for massive payouts:

• Iran’s latest deal: $6 billion from the U.S. for five detained Americans.

• North Korea’s move: They use hostages as leverage to negotiate sanctions with the U.S.

• Venezuela’s demand: Arrested six U.S. oil executives to pressure the U.S. into lifting energy sanctions.

But while governments say they don’t negotiate with terrorists, they find loopholes.

They hire middlemen and brokers who profit in secret and get a cut out of these massive deals. So who exactly are these people?

3. The Release: Who’s Making Money on the Side

Every billion-dollar hostage deal comes with hidden fees, commissions, and backdoor payments:

• Brokers: Anonymous “negotiators” who connect governments and take a cut of the final deal.

• Lawyers: Who make sure everything looks legit on paper.

• Financial middlemen: Banks and third-party firms that handle the movement of ransom money.

This is exactly how the $6 billion US-Iran deal played out in 2023.

So while politicians frame these deals as humanitarian, the reality is there’s money being made on every side. But not every hostage gets a deal.

Which brings us to the case that I covered in my most recent video - German-American Jamshid Sharmahd.

And Jamshid’s case proves anyone can be targeted…and why YOU need to be careful too.

So, what happened with Jamshid and why should YOU care?

💪 The Power Moves

Playbook for understanding the game of power.

How to Negotiate When You Have NO Power

Ever felt like you’re negotiating from a losing position? Like the other person holds all the cards, and you’re just hoping for scraps?

Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, has a simple trick for getting an upper hand in negotiations: Give them control.

Sounds counterintuitive, but here’s how it works:

Most people think leverage in negotiations comes from making demands. Voss learned it’s the opposite.

If you want someone to agree to your terms, make them feel like they’re in charge. Use strategic “How“ questions:

• “How am I supposed to do that?” or

• “How do I know this will work for me?”

These questions will force the other side to explain their reasoning and will also make them feel like they are in control.

Voss used this tactic with kidnappers: “How do we know our guy is still alive?” suddenly put the pressure on them.

And this works everywhere: salary talks, business deals, even relationships.

So, don’t argue. Ask the right questions. Let them talk themselves into giving you what you want.

💵 Following the Money

Few of the wildest financial and corruption stories from around the world.

#1 - Russia relying on horses, donkeys for resupply in war with Ukraine 🐎

#2 - Saudi royal family partners with UFC’s Dana White to create new boxing league 🥊

#3 - Canada’s next prime minister vows to win trade war with US 💲

✨ Poll time!

📰 Keep Reading…