On this episode of Russia Rising, we’ll visit the front-lines of a growing cyber-war, where hackers from Russia, Iran, China and other countries are battling for control of everything from your online bank account to your city’s hydro grid.

To understand how these hackers operate, we’ll speak with a guy who used to be one: Alexandr Varskoy is a former Russian hacker. We’ll also explore the underworld of financial crime cyber, by speaking with Nicholas Palmer, the Director of International Business at GroupIB, a private cyber-security firm based in Russia. Finally, we’ll explore Cyber warfare with Satyamoorthy Kabilan a leading expert in cyber security who has advised the Canadian government.

Contact:

Twitter: @JeffSempleGN

E-mail: RussiaRising@Curiouscast.ca

Guests:

Alexandr Varskoy, former hacker

Nicholas Palmer, the Director of International Business at GroupIB

Dr. Satyamoorthy Kabilan, Vice President, Policy at the Public Policy Forum 
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Russia Rising - Hackers | 3

Curiouscast and Global News present the “Rising” series:

Season 1 - In this series, Host Jeff Semple, the Europe Bureau Chief for Global News, talks to Russian Trolls, looks at Cyberwarfare and Hacking, KGB agents, and The Putin Generation.
Jeff is on the ground gathering stories to form pieces of a puzzle, to separate fact from fiction, and unravel the mystery behind Putin’s Russia.

Season 2 - Hosted by Global News Senior Correspondent Jeff Semple, this ten episode season investigates allegations Beijing is applying pressure and working to infiltrate the upper echelons of power in Western countries, including Canada. The Chinese government is accused of deploying a range of tactics, from disinformation to hostage diplomacy. How should Canada and its allies respond to China Rising?

History

Society & Culture

News

Politics

Government

On this special bonus episode of China Rising, we’ll investigate how the biggest story in Canada-China relations finally came to a head. On Sept. 24th, a nearly three-year geopolitical stand-off over the arrest of Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver ended after the Huawei executive struck a deal with U.S. authorities. Just hours after she was released, the Canadian Prime Minister announced the ‘Two Michaels’ – Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor – were also freed and on their way home to Canada. That frantic climax sent shockwaves around the world. We’ll explore what it means for the future of Canada-China relations and witness the emotional homecoming for the ‘Two Michaels’ and their families.

Contact:

Twitter: @JeffSempleGN

Email: jeff.semple@globalnews.ca
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China Rising - Freedom | 11

On Episode 10 of China Rising, we’ll discuss the dramatic rise in anti-Asian racism in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fuelled by misinformation about the virus and political rhetoric on both sides of the border, Canada saw a spike in reported hate crimes. Last year, anti-Asian hate crimes in Vancouver soared by more than 700%. We’ll hear from Canadians who’ve been targeted, including prominent figures in Canada’s political, arts and journalism communities, to shine a spotlight on the Canada’s hidden hate.

Contact:

Twitter: @JeffSempleGN

Email: jeff.semple@globalnews.ca
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China Rising - Racism | 10

On Episode 9 of China Rising, we’ll update the story that has cast a shadow over Canada-China relations for nearly three years. September 5th, 2021 marks 1,000 days since Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor were detained in China. Their arrests are widely seen as retaliation for the arrest of Chinese telecom executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver at the request of the United States. As Meng’s extradition hearing finally draws to a close and the ‘Two Michaels’ prepare to learn their fate, we’ll hear from the families and friends who are fighting desperately to bring them home.

Contact:

Twitter: @JeffSempleGN

Email: jeff.semple@globalnews.ca
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China Rising - Meng and the Two Michaels | 9

On Episode 8 of China Rising, we'll explore the growing tensions between China and Taiwan, which are fueling fears of a possible Chinese military invasion and an armed conflict that risks spilling far beyond the island's borders. Taiwan is widely considered by security analysts to be a flashpoint for a confrontation between China and the United States. Beijing considers Taiwan to be a breakaway province, which it has long wanted to bring under its rule. But public opinion polls show the vast majority of people in Taiwan consider themselves to be Taiwanese – not Chinese; They’re proud of their liberal democracy and do not want to become part of China. We’ll hear from Canadians living in Taiwan who are witnessing Beijing’s growing military aggression towards the island first-hand. And we’ll examine claims from some U.S. military leaders who predict China will launch a military invasion within the next six years. If that happens, how will Canada, the United States and their allies respond?

Contact:

Twitter: @JeffSempleGN

Email: jeff.semple@globalnews.ca
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China Rising - Taiwan | 8

On Episode 7 of China Rising, we'll take a trip to Hong Kong, where pro-democracy protesters are fighting back against a government crackdown. Since Beijing introduced a new national security law for Hong Kong in July 2020, more than 100 pro-democracy activists, lawmakers and journalists have been arrested. Hong Kong is home to 300,000 Canadians -- the largest Canuck community in any city outside of Canada. We'll meet the Canadian expats on the frontlines of the fight for Hong Kong.

Contact:

Twitter: @JeffSempleGN

Email: jeff.semple@globalnews.ca
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Russia Rising - Hackers | 3

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