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C0RI0LANUS

(2,771 posts)
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 01:47 AM Jan 13

ProPublica Report: Wilderness Survival Trainer Spent Years Undercover in Right-Wing Militias


(Photo: Courtesy of bridgemi.com)


The mole, John Williams, penetrated a new generation of militia leaders, which included doctors and government attorneys. Experts say that militias could have a renaissance under Donald Trump. He sent ProPublica a massive trove of documents. The conversations that he secretly recorded give a unique, startling window into the militia movement. The mole climbed their ranks but is now a fugitive from them.


This is a long read which reminded me of undercover FBI S/A Donnie Brasco and his penetration of the NYC mafia.

Basically, right-wing militia members are paranoid, dedicated, hateful, and can be found in law-enforcement and the military. John Williams indicates that other freelance civilians have infiltrated these militias without informing the FBI, like he did.



Oath Keepers training session, early 2023 (Photo: ProPublica)


Oath Keepers training session, early 2023 (Photo: ProPublica)


Sources:

https://www.propublica.org/article/ap3-oath-keepers-militia-mole

https://www.propublica.org/article/inside-secret-ap3-militia-american-patriots-three-percent

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donnie_Brasco_(film)
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ProPublica Report: Wilderness Survival Trainer Spent Years Undercover in Right-Wing Militias (Original Post) C0RI0LANUS Jan 13 OP
It's a very long read, but so very worthwhile, and eye-opening! CaliforniaPeggy Jan 13 #1
Important OP orangecrush Jan 13 #2
You're most welcome. C0RI0LANUS Jan 13 #3
You write... Think. Again. Jan 13 #4
Hello Think. Again. C0RI0LANUS Jan 13 #5

C0RI0LANUS

(2,771 posts)
3. You're most welcome.
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 03:41 AM
Jan 13

Through open source reporting, I am investigating whether these rightwing militias have been in contact with the notorious Wagner Group. They were designated a FTO by the State Dept and have been targeting US MAGA veterans for recruitment to fight against the Ukrainians. Last year, the British police linked the Wagner Group to rightwing extremists who conducted arson attacks in London against Ukrainian targets.


Alleged arsonist Dylan Earl recruited by the Wagner Group in London. (Photo: UK Met Police)

So far, there is NO open source reporting any linkages between these US rightwing militias and the Wagnerites.

Sources:

https://taskandpurpose.com/news/russia-wagner-group-recruiting-american-veterans/

https://news.sky.com/story/man-accused-of-working-for-russian-wagner-group-admits-arson-attack-on-london-business-13240863

Think. Again.

(21,382 posts)
4. You write...
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 05:32 AM
Jan 13

"So far, there is NO open source reporting any linkages between these US rightwing militias and the Wagnerites."

That's probably true, the leaders at the top of these groups, who probably are very well connected, wouldn't want to mix the lower minions together, for the purpose of avoiding sharing info with the other undercovers that are mingled into all the groups.

C0RI0LANUS

(2,771 posts)
5. Hello Think. Again.
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 05:44 AM
Jan 13

Exactly. Moreover, if the FBI, NSA, or CIA have SIGINT, wiretaps, or internet traffic evidence between the groups, we in the public would not have access to it. Investigative journalists have not uncovered anything which is what I have been scanning for.

A few weeks ago the US Border Patrol detained a Wagnerite who crossed at the US-Mexican border. Timur Praliev had a drone in his backpack and a Russian and Kazakhstan passport. I wrote an OP about it a few days ago. What the hell was his mission here in the US?





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