Drunken Spy: Busted

Hi Global Recap readers,

The Paris Olympics began today. Despite the seemingly smooth opening, it was marred by controversies and violence.

• To keep the Parisian streets pristine, armed police removed migrants and homeless people.

• Coincidentally, there were also coordinated attacks on the train networks.

And then there was this drunken spy… 👇

🇫🇷 FRANCE
Russian Spy Chef Arrested

Imagine being a spy who spills everything because you’re drunk.

This actually happened.

Arrest and Charges

A Russian reality TV chef, Kirill Gryaznov, was arrested in Paris for allegedly plotting to sabotage the Paris Olympics.

• Two months ago, Gryaznov bragged about planning to cause mayhem at the Paris Olympics during a drunken phone call to his handler in Moscow.

• He was arrested at his Paris flat following months of surveillance by European intelligence agencies.

• French police found “diplomatic material” linking him to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB).

• He faces up to 30 years in prison for “intelligence with a foreign power with a view to incite hostilities in France.”

Love of Alcohol

It seems Gryaznov was too fond of his drinks.

• In May, he was barred from boarding a flight from Istanbul to Paris due to intoxication.

Background

Gryaznov’s background is as colorful as his alleged espionage activities.

• Before living in Paris, he graduated with a law degree from Russia’s Perm State University.

• He had been living in France for 14 years when he was arrested.

• 2010: he trained as a chef at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, one of the world's most prestigious culinary schools.

• 2011: He worked at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Courchevel, a luxury ski resort.

• He has gained over 10.5K Instagram followers after appearing on the Russian show “Choose Me,” which is similar to “The Bachelor.”

🇫🇷 FRANCE
Olympics: Train Sabotage

Unfortunately, France isn’t out of the woods yet.

As the Paris Olympics was preparing to kick off, the country suffered a series of coordinated sabotage attacks on its high-speed rail network.

Sabotage Disrupts Rail Network

• French intelligence is investigating intentional vandalism on several high-speed rail routes.

• The incidents have caused significant disruptions, affecting routes to Lille, eastern, and western France.

• Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo assured that the sabotage would not impact the Olympic opening ceremony.

High-Speed Lines Targeted

• The national rail operator SNCF reported a series of arson attacks that destroyed cabling boxes at strategic junctions.

• Traffic between Lille and Paris, and Paris to eastern France, was severely disrupted.

• Eurostar canceled a quarter of its services, advising passengers to postpone travel.

Passengers Stranded

• Around 800,000 passengers were affected by the disruptions.

• Commuters and holidaymakers from other European countries faced delays and cancellations.

• Passengers were advised to postpone their trips and not go to the stations.

Possible Culprits

• French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal labeled the acts as “prepared and coordinated” sabotage.

• Security forces are on high alert to prevent further disruptions during the Olympics.

• Suspicion falls on far-left anarchists and possibly Russia, with a Russian man recently arrested in Paris.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Obama Endorses Harris

Rumors had been circulating online, speculating why the Obamas hadn’t endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris yet.

• Is there infighting within the Democratic Party?

• Is Michelle Obama fighting to become the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate?

Well, that ends today.

Endorsement

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming presidential election.

• Barack said, “Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse you and to do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office.”

• Harris expressed her gratitude and excitement for their support.

Joint Statement

The Obamas praised Harris’ vision, character, and strength in their joint statement, stating, “Kamala has more than a resume. She has the vision, the character, and the strength that this critical moment demands.”

Democratic Nomination Process

• The Democratic Party is moving quickly to nominate Harris, with voting likely to begin on August 11.

• The party adopted rules for the nomination process, including ceremonial votes during the Democratic convention in Chicago from August 19 to 22.

• Many have criticized this process as akin to an anointment, noting that Harris has never been elected in a primary. The prevailing question is, if she wasn’t popular enough to be the candidate in her 2020 presidential bid, what makes her qualified now?

Vice Presidential Search

• Harris has not yet selected a running mate, with a goal to announce a nominee before August 7.

• A team of lawyers and advisers is conducting an accelerated search for the vice presidential candidate.

🇵🇭 PHILIPPINES
Oil Spill Disaster

The Philippine Coast Guard is racing against time to contain an oil spill from the capsized MT Terra Nova, which could become the worst in the country’s history.

Oil Spill Details

The MT Terra Nova capsized during monsoon rains, leaking oil from its engine.

• The ship was carrying close to 1.5 million liters of industrial fuel.

• The spill stretches over several kilometers.

• The leak is from the engine, not the cargo tank.

• One crew member died, but 16 were rescued.

Response Efforts

Authorities are working to contain the spill and prevent further damage.

• Floating barriers have been deployed.

• Oil is being siphoned from the water.

• The cleanup is expected to take a week.

• Authorities are investigating the cause of the capsizing.

Comparison to Previous Incident

Comparisons are being made to a similar incident last year.

• Last year, the MT Princess Empress sank with 800,000 liters of fuel.

• The deeper waters made this cleanup more difficult.

• Comparatively, the current spill is in relatively shallow waters.

🇧🇾 BELARUS
German Citizen Seeks Mercy

A German citizen sentenced to death in Belarus has made a public plea for mercy from President Alexander Lukashenko.

Plea for Mercy

• Rico Krieger, a 30-year-old German, appeared on Belarusian state television asking for a pardon from President Lukashenko.

• He had been employed as a security officer at the US embassy in Berlin and also worked as a medic for the Red Cross.

• He expressed deep regret for his actions and relief that no one was harmed.

• Krieger claimed he felt abandoned by the German government.

Conviction Details

• Krieger was convicted under six articles of the criminal code, including terrorism.

• He was accused of photographing Belarusian military sites and placing an explosive device on a railway line in Minsk.

• His trial was held in secretive conditions, with the verdict made public a month later.

Human Rights Concerns

• Several human rights organizations have urged Belarus not to carry out the execution.

• The Viasna Human Rights Centre highlighted the secretive nature of the trial and Krieger’s previous employment with the US embassy in Berlin and the Red Cross.

German Government’s Stance

• The German embassy in Minsk is providing consular services to Krieger and advocating on his behalf.

• Germany rejects the death penalty under any circumstances and is making intensive representations to Belarusian authorities.

Belarus and the Death Penalty

• Belarus has carried out about 400 executions since gaining independence in 1991.

• Executions of foreign citizens are very unusual.

• Lukashenko’s government has recently cracked down on dissent and detained thousands who oppose him.