Jess Davis
@jessmarindavis.bsky.social
PhD. Social scientist and entrepreneur combining research and practice. Illicit finance expert, newsletter writer, consultant. Working to stop bad people from doing bad things with money. Co-host of Secure Line podcast.
Just a casual reminder on this Thursday in January that I don't do pro-bono work for for-profit companies. 🫠
January 29, 2026 at 2:39 PM
Just a casual reminder on this Thursday in January that I don't do pro-bono work for for-profit companies. 🫠
Quoted in this piece on terrorist financing disruption, car exports, and Hizballah in Canada: “I think it’s really important that Canadians understand that this kind of stuff is happening in this country even when we don’t see law enforcement action,”
globalnews.ca/news/1164129...
globalnews.ca/news/1164129...
Toronto car exporter accused of laundering money for Hezbollah | Globalnews.ca
Canada has declared Fahed Sowane a danger to Canada.
globalnews.ca
January 29, 2026 at 2:14 PM
Quoted in this piece on terrorist financing disruption, car exports, and Hizballah in Canada: “I think it’s really important that Canadians understand that this kind of stuff is happening in this country even when we don’t see law enforcement action,”
globalnews.ca/news/1164129...
globalnews.ca/news/1164129...
Another interesting read, particularly for those interested in dollar dominance and alternative financial systems:
www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-at...
www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-at...
What’s the Trump administration’s dollar strategy? It depends on who you ask.
Within the White House, there appear to be competing and fractured views of the dollar’s role. This dissonance could result in harm to the currency’s long-term dominance.
www.atlanticcouncil.org
January 29, 2026 at 12:41 PM
Another interesting read, particularly for those interested in dollar dominance and alternative financial systems:
www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-at...
www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-at...
This might be true, but Carney's gov should still demarche the ambassador over this. Unacceptable.
Given how bumbling the Trump Admin is, they are far more likely to do damage to the separatists in Canada.
Being seen as tools of Americans (any Americans really but especially Trump) would do far more damage than $500b could help.
Being seen as tools of Americans (any Americans really but especially Trump) would do far more damage than $500b could help.
1/ Trump Administration officials have reportedly held several secret meetings with Canadian separatists, who are seeking US$500 billion to bankroll their efforts. It suggests that the Administration is interested in breaking up Canada and absorbing the remnants. ⬇️
January 29, 2026 at 12:24 PM
This might be true, but Carney's gov should still demarche the ambassador over this. Unacceptable.
Very interesting article on the rise of AI in terrorist financing. I increasingly think? that meaningful regulation of crypto is unattainable....particularly as our policy solutions fail to keep pace with illicit finance techniques
gnet-research.org/2026/01/28/a...
gnet-research.org/2026/01/28/a...
“Agentic Smurfing”: How AI-Autonomous Micro-Laundering is Outpacing Traditional Terrorist Financing Detection - GNET
gnet-research.org
January 29, 2026 at 11:55 AM
Very interesting article on the rise of AI in terrorist financing. I increasingly think? that meaningful regulation of crypto is unattainable....particularly as our policy solutions fail to keep pace with illicit finance techniques
gnet-research.org/2026/01/28/a...
gnet-research.org/2026/01/28/a...
Reposted by Jess Davis
“As Canadians face unprecedented levels of sophisticated fraud, ransomware attacks and geopolitical uncertainty, it’s time for the government to set an ambitious and clear mandate to protect Canadians and our financial sector.” - @jessmarindavis.bsky.social www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Opinion: As Canada prepares to go it alone on critical issues, a financial crimes agency is key
It’s an opportunity to create a world-class system to protect our financial sector
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 28, 2026 at 8:26 PM
“As Canadians face unprecedented levels of sophisticated fraud, ransomware attacks and geopolitical uncertainty, it’s time for the government to set an ambitious and clear mandate to protect Canadians and our financial sector.” - @jessmarindavis.bsky.social www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
From yesterday's Insight Monitor, the growing challenge of meaningfully regulating cryptocurrency to prevent terrorist financing:
January 28, 2026 at 3:12 PM
From yesterday's Insight Monitor, the growing challenge of meaningfully regulating cryptocurrency to prevent terrorist financing:
In 2022, terrorist financing changed.
Crypto moved from the fringe to the frontline: now in 8–12% of documented cases.
It’s visible, traceable, and reshaping how terrorist money moves—more than hawala or cash ever did.
The implications for policy, research, and investigation are profound.
👇
Crypto moved from the fringe to the frontline: now in 8–12% of documented cases.
It’s visible, traceable, and reshaping how terrorist money moves—more than hawala or cash ever did.
The implications for policy, research, and investigation are profound.
👇
Beyond Anecdotes: Terrorist Financing Has Moved to Crypto
Six years of data on terrorist financing proves it
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com
January 27, 2026 at 2:25 PM
In 2022, terrorist financing changed.
Crypto moved from the fringe to the frontline: now in 8–12% of documented cases.
It’s visible, traceable, and reshaping how terrorist money moves—more than hawala or cash ever did.
The implications for policy, research, and investigation are profound.
👇
Crypto moved from the fringe to the frontline: now in 8–12% of documented cases.
It’s visible, traceable, and reshaping how terrorist money moves—more than hawala or cash ever did.
The implications for policy, research, and investigation are profound.
👇
🌍 Master the Fundamentals of Financial Intelligence
Turn financial data into actionable insight.
In Introduction to Financial Intelligence, you’ll build the skills to analyze, interpret, and contextualize financial data to support investigations and threat assessments.
Turn financial data into actionable insight.
In Introduction to Financial Intelligence, you’ll build the skills to analyze, interpret, and contextualize financial data to support investigations and threat assessments.
Introduction to Financial Intelligence
What is financial intelligence (FININT), and how can it be used? This lesson explains what FININT is and how it fits into the intelligence cycle, and how it advances intelligence analysis and operatio...
insightthreatintelligence.thinkific.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:01 PM
🌍 Master the Fundamentals of Financial Intelligence
Turn financial data into actionable insight.
In Introduction to Financial Intelligence, you’ll build the skills to analyze, interpret, and contextualize financial data to support investigations and threat assessments.
Turn financial data into actionable insight.
In Introduction to Financial Intelligence, you’ll build the skills to analyze, interpret, and contextualize financial data to support investigations and threat assessments.
Black markets are extortive, exhibit A: “those involved in the Iranian oil trade are demanding even higher fees for handling the crude. Buyers are also increasingly exploiting the restrictions on Iran to get the sanctioned oil at even deeper discounts”
apple.news/AbS2Xyc9USw-...
apple.news/AbS2Xyc9USw-...
Iran Is Selling More Oil but Making Less Money — The Wall Street Journal
Middlemen and buyers take advantage of embattled regime’s limited options for unloading crude
apple.news
January 27, 2026 at 12:59 PM
Black markets are extortive, exhibit A: “those involved in the Iranian oil trade are demanding even higher fees for handling the crude. Buyers are also increasingly exploiting the restrictions on Iran to get the sanctioned oil at even deeper discounts”
apple.news/AbS2Xyc9USw-...
apple.news/AbS2Xyc9USw-...
I have come to the conclusion that we are 100% having a spring election.
Because if we don't, there's an actual chance that the Canadian Financial Crimes Agency will see the light of day.
Because if we don't, there's an actual chance that the Canadian Financial Crimes Agency will see the light of day.
I think someone once said that Ottawa has two seasons:
Cabinet Shuffle Speculation season and Election Speculation season.
I think that is painfully, and regrettably, true.
Cabinet Shuffle Speculation season and Election Speculation season.
I think that is painfully, and regrettably, true.
January 27, 2026 at 12:51 PM
I have come to the conclusion that we are 100% having a spring election.
Because if we don't, there's an actual chance that the Canadian Financial Crimes Agency will see the light of day.
Because if we don't, there's an actual chance that the Canadian Financial Crimes Agency will see the light of day.
STRONG AGREE.
(Also: billionaires, including Canadian ones, should not exist)
(Also: billionaires, including Canadian ones, should not exist)
I'm not going to applaud the government for funding food banks because food banks are by definition, a policy failure 🙃
January 27, 2026 at 12:46 PM
STRONG AGREE.
(Also: billionaires, including Canadian ones, should not exist)
(Also: billionaires, including Canadian ones, should not exist)
Further to my op ed in the Globe and Mail today, if you want to understand the threat posed by professional money laundering networks in Canada, here's your background reading:
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com/p/the-real-h...
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com/p/the-real-h...
They’re Washing Billions. You’re Paying the Price.
Money laundering makes us less safe and poorer. There's a simple solution.
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com
January 26, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Further to my op ed in the Globe and Mail today, if you want to understand the threat posed by professional money laundering networks in Canada, here's your background reading:
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com/p/the-real-h...
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com/p/the-real-h...
New from me for the Globe and Mail: I outline what Canada's new financial crimes agency's mandate should be.
Spoiler: it's not just fraud.
Have a read!
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Spoiler: it's not just fraud.
Have a read!
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Opinion: Canada prepares to go it alone on critical issues, a financial crimes agency is key
It’s an opportunity to create a world-class system to protect our financial sector
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 26, 2026 at 7:12 PM
New from me for the Globe and Mail: I outline what Canada's new financial crimes agency's mandate should be.
Spoiler: it's not just fraud.
Have a read!
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Spoiler: it's not just fraud.
Have a read!
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
🚨 Master Financial Intelligence with 49 Expert Lessons 🚨
(And new lessons added regularly!)
(And new lessons added regularly!)
Financial Intelligence Sources
Financial intelligence is the foundation of illicit finance investigations. Understanding it, and knowing where to find it, is the first step in disrupting illegal activity. This course introduces doz...
insightthreatintelligence.thinkific.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:37 PM
🚨 Master Financial Intelligence with 49 Expert Lessons 🚨
(And new lessons added regularly!)
(And new lessons added regularly!)
We could also consider sanctioning Noem and Lyons for gross human rights violations.
There is not a lot Canadians can do about ICE, but we can ask Parliament to investigate Canadian companies doing business with them, like Hootsuite. Call or email your MP - or contact the INDU House committee MPs. Will post link below. www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...
Hootsuite CEO says ICE contract will stand as long as agency honours terms and conditions
‘We did nothing wrong here,’ head of Vancouver social media company said in internal call with employees
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:12 PM
We could also consider sanctioning Noem and Lyons for gross human rights violations.
I’m seeing lots of social media posts of people attacking/outing the children of Iranian regime officials living in the West. This isn't productive, but it is driven in part by the reality that we have done little to curtail Iranian activity in our financial sector.
www.ft.com/content/c28d...
www.ft.com/content/c28d...
Sanctioned Iranian banker amassed €400mn European property empire
Ali Ansari, accused of financing Revolutionary Guards, owns Mallorca golf club and Frankfurt hotels via offshore companies
www.ft.com
January 26, 2026 at 12:04 PM
I’m seeing lots of social media posts of people attacking/outing the children of Iranian regime officials living in the West. This isn't productive, but it is driven in part by the reality that we have done little to curtail Iranian activity in our financial sector.
www.ft.com/content/c28d...
www.ft.com/content/c28d...
I think planning for a US civil war is much more of an urgent priority than planning for a potential US invasion of Canada.
Borders, trade, humanitarian crises... how will Canada cope?
Borders, trade, humanitarian crises... how will Canada cope?
Patrick Lennox asks how Canada should prepare for escalating, violent conflict within the United States:
open.substack.com/pub/plennox/...
open.substack.com/pub/plennox/...
Is Canada Ready for American Civil War?
I write this in follow up to my post from January 16th, ICE, The Rule of Law, and Totalitarianism - America on a precipice. In that essay, I argued that the rule of law is being radically subverted by...
open.substack.com
January 26, 2026 at 11:58 AM
I think planning for a US civil war is much more of an urgent priority than planning for a potential US invasion of Canada.
Borders, trade, humanitarian crises... how will Canada cope?
Borders, trade, humanitarian crises... how will Canada cope?
Important read: www.nytimes.com/2026/01/24/o...
Opinion | State Terror Has Arrived
www.nytimes.com
January 26, 2026 at 11:55 AM
Important read: www.nytimes.com/2026/01/24/o...
Reposted by Jess Davis
A few days ago, I said I was more worried about the possibility of civil war due to events in Minnesota than about Greenland, and I got pushback--that the US is already in a state of civil war. No, not yet. I explain here saideman.blogspot.com/2026/01/is-i...
January 25, 2026 at 10:18 AM
A few days ago, I said I was more worried about the possibility of civil war due to events in Minnesota than about Greenland, and I got pushback--that the US is already in a state of civil war. No, not yet. I explain here saideman.blogspot.com/2026/01/is-i...
Big Incel energy coming from this GG's footguards soldier.....
"Then the video shows the soldier talking about women. “But if a female walks into my house though,” he says as he puts a magazine into his Canadian Forces rifle. “What you want huh? Shut your b–ch ass,” he adds as he points the rifle at the camera.”
Canadian Forces investigates after video appears to show Ottawa soldier threatening women with military rifle
The video appears to show a soldier from the Governor General's Foot Guards videotaping himself in uniform.
ca.news.yahoo.com
January 26, 2026 at 11:47 AM
Big Incel energy coming from this GG's footguards soldier.....
From the Insight Monitor archives, here's a look at how Iran uses its crypto economy to finance terrorism and WMD development:
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com/p/the-axis-o...
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com/p/the-axis-o...
The Axis of Illicit Finance: Iran’s Crypto Strategy Explained
Part 1 of a new 8-part series on Iran's use of cryptocurrency for sanctions evasion
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com
January 25, 2026 at 4:50 PM
From the Insight Monitor archives, here's a look at how Iran uses its crypto economy to finance terrorism and WMD development:
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com/p/the-axis-o...
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com/p/the-axis-o...
If the UK were to sanction Noem, Canada could join in on the fun....
our SEMA sanctions can be applied when "gross and systematic human rights violations have been committed in a foreign state or acts of significant corruption involving a national of a foreign state have been committed."
our SEMA sanctions can be applied when "gross and systematic human rights violations have been committed in a foreign state or acts of significant corruption involving a national of a foreign state have been committed."
Let’s start by sanctioning Kristi Noem for starters, HMG.
January 25, 2026 at 12:17 PM
If the UK were to sanction Noem, Canada could join in on the fun....
our SEMA sanctions can be applied when "gross and systematic human rights violations have been committed in a foreign state or acts of significant corruption involving a national of a foreign state have been committed."
our SEMA sanctions can be applied when "gross and systematic human rights violations have been committed in a foreign state or acts of significant corruption involving a national of a foreign state have been committed."
Reposted by Jess Davis
I recommend not watching the videos, which are chaotic and gut-wrenching, and instead going through Bellingcat's analysis.
This man appeared to be zero threat, while the officers were overly-aggressive, agitated, and clearly primed to used lethal force.
This man appeared to be zero threat, while the officers were overly-aggressive, agitated, and clearly primed to used lethal force.
Multiple federal agents can later be seen struggling with the man who is shot. One federal agent is seen approaching with empty hands, before reaching around the man’s waist.
January 24, 2026 at 7:10 PM
I recommend not watching the videos, which are chaotic and gut-wrenching, and instead going through Bellingcat's analysis.
This man appeared to be zero threat, while the officers were overly-aggressive, agitated, and clearly primed to used lethal force.
This man appeared to be zero threat, while the officers were overly-aggressive, agitated, and clearly primed to used lethal force.
Reposted by Jess Davis
Like anything, it's both. Ubiquitous surveillance generally favors the state, but the social interactions around citizen documentation are also powerful. If it was one or the other, they wouldn't be expending so much capital to buy and control platforms and news organizations.
This makes it easier to do fascism. There is a sense of ubiquity and constant menace that’s created by the hyper visibility of their crimes on social media.
They dare us to oppose them. And when we struggle to oppose beyond protesting, they benefit from our sense of hopelessness.
They dare us to oppose them. And when we struggle to oppose beyond protesting, they benefit from our sense of hopelessness.
I wonder if the 21st century fascists ever stopped to consider that it's harder to do fascism when almost everyone is walking around with a video camera in their pockets.
January 24, 2026 at 11:54 PM
Like anything, it's both. Ubiquitous surveillance generally favors the state, but the social interactions around citizen documentation are also powerful. If it was one or the other, they wouldn't be expending so much capital to buy and control platforms and news organizations.