Overview
The operation looks at the case of Keytone, who was arrested in Belgium in 2018. He was accused of a money-laundering service linked with criminal companies in the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Turkey, and Lebanon. Keytone is a high intelligence worth because of his connection with the enterprises. The operation also focused on Kimia Salehi, who is a freelance writer for important newspapers. There was a suspicious connection between Kimia, Keytone, and Magenta, an SVR officer, which a surveillance team proved through some pictures. While neither Salehi nor Magenta is the primary target of Operation Aubrey, they both maintain existing communication lines between themselves, with Salehi acting as the connector.
The operation focuses on how to use Keytone to make contact with Omid Hashem Khorasani, who is a person of interest because of his position in SEMAJA. Keytone has a personal connection with Khorasani, and the operation executives want to confirm whether he is applicable or not. Keytone will meet with Khorasani in a villa located in Oman (Location Diamond). During the meeting, the two villas nearby should be empty.
Looking at the background of Omid Hashem Khorasani, you can see that he was listed in the army from his childhood. He ranked up until he became a colonel, but he was demoted in the military due to some issues with his superiors. Later, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and then to full colonel. It is important to note that his personal life played an essential role in his career.
Objectives
- To enhance the levels of state security and minimize the possibility of an attack from the SEMAJA;
- To determine whether Keytone had kept up contact with any international groups;
- To inspect the opportunities that may be had from recruiting Khorosani as the undercover agent who could assist the state in fighting against SEMAJA;
- To decide whether Khorasani is fit for the agent-in-place position;
- To carry out the actual recruitment process and create a connection between the organization and Khorasani for further management and relay of essential information about SEMAJA.
Rationale
The primary purpose of an intelligence service is to collect information that can help the government to people with security. People who are working in the intelligence services know what is valued and what is not for these intentions and purposes (Stark). Looking at the assessment on Khorasani, they cited that he has no intelligence experience, but he was excellent at his military job. He maintains his connection with Keytone, who is a high value in intelligence due to his association with the criminal companies that helped him to gather the information needed. Thus, the government services think it will be easy for Khorasani to get the required intelligence and prove that he is fit for the job.
When recruiting new agents, particularly for intelligence jobs, it is essential to appraise the benefits they can bring against their motivation. As someone dissatisfied with their recurring treatment in the military, Khorasani may be open to a line of work where he is valued and can be of service without being excluded. However, the scope of information he may provide could be limited. His persisting expulsions from important meetings limit the range of intelligence available to him. Thus, hiring Khorasani as an intelligence agent relies on the gamble of him receiving the position of brigadier general. His behavior began improving in 2016, and he is a viable candidate for this position, considering his experience and loyalty, regardless of his history of staff abuse.
It may be essential to recruit Khorasani considering the probability of his appointment to chief of staff in SEMAJA. His credibility will most likely not be questioned at such a high rank. The intelligence he may provide can outline SEMAJA’s plans and actions effectively. His prospective stationing, current dissatisfaction with his treatment, and potential access to information make him an excellent candidate for the position of a foreign intelligence agent.
Work Cited
Stark, Ben. “The Ultimate Guide to Becoming an Intelligence Officer… (With FAQs).”Intelligence 101. 2017, Web.