But this particular government in place in Moscow under Vladimir Putin, I think is only capable of viewing the West, in particular, of the United States as an adversary.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Change Agents and Ironclad Original, presented by Firecracker Farm.

Today we're going to be talking about Russia's spy factory in Brazil.

My guest today is Michael Schwartz.

He is an award-winning investigative journalist and global intelligence correspondent for The New York Times.

He has spent nearly two decades reporting on global security, intelligence, and justice,

with assignments ranging from Russia and Ukraine to New York City's criminal justice system.

His recent work focuses on covert Russian spy networks, including a major investigation uncovering

how Russian operatives use Brazil to fabricate identities and deploy deep cover agents into the West.

Let's dive into this. I got to say I was fascinated by the most recent article that you wrote.

Not new to the idea of espionage by any stretch, not new to the idea of other countries wanting to gather information, infiltrate, whatever it may be.

And for clarity, let's also admit that the United States is probably doing that elsewhere as well.

I believe this is a two-way street.

But what they uncovered in Brazil, I was just reading it as part of the show notes, it was

fascinating.

And maybe the best way to enter into the conversation is if you can, I mean,

you know,

obviously I have to cover the entire article as the opening.

But if you could kind of put some brackets on what it is that,

not only yourself,

but, you know,

the Brazilian government,

...