As global demand for energy surges, so do the risks for those working to meet it. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Elisa is joined by Kieran Ramsey, Chief Investigative Officer at Global Reach and former Director of the FBI’s Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, to explore the dangers facing energy professionals operating abroad. Together, they examine the rise of hostage diplomacy, the targeting of Americans by state actors like Russia, China, and Iran, and the intelligence challenges facing companies operating in high-risk regions like Africa.

Kieran Ramsey is Chief Investigative Officer at Global Reach, a private company that deals with individuals wrongfully held or taken hostage around the world.

References:

Alterman, Jon B., and Jason Rezaian. Combating State Hostage Taking and Wrongful Detention. Center for Strategic and International Studies, 4 June 2025