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.
🚨Tomorrow: breaking down the financing behind the Bondi Beach attack.
We can't wait months or years for official inquiries to understand how this happened. Practitioners need to know now: what did this attack cost, how was it financed, and could financial intelligence have disrupted it?
We can't wait months or years for official inquiries to understand how this happened. Practitioners need to know now: what did this attack cost, how was it financed, and could financial intelligence have disrupted it?
February 4, 2026 at 12:42 PM
🚨Tomorrow: breaking down the financing behind the Bondi Beach attack.
We can't wait months or years for official inquiries to understand how this happened. Practitioners need to know now: what did this attack cost, how was it financed, and could financial intelligence have disrupted it?
We can't wait months or years for official inquiries to understand how this happened. Practitioners need to know now: what did this attack cost, how was it financed, and could financial intelligence have disrupted it?
Find out what you missed from Insight Monitor last month! New analysis drops Thursday, so get caught up now!
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com/p/following-...
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com/p/following-...
Following the Money
Recap of Insight Monitor for January 2026
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com
February 3, 2026 at 9:51 PM
Find out what you missed from Insight Monitor last month! New analysis drops Thursday, so get caught up now!
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com/p/following-...
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com/p/following-...
💡 Learn to See What the Numbers Are Really Telling You
Financial intelligence is more than spreadsheets—it's strategy.
Introduction to Financial Intelligence trains you to go beyond surface-level analysis.
Financial intelligence is more than spreadsheets—it's strategy.
Introduction to Financial Intelligence trains you to go beyond surface-level analysis.
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
February 3, 2026 at 7:56 PM
💡 Learn to See What the Numbers Are Really Telling You
Financial intelligence is more than spreadsheets—it's strategy.
Introduction to Financial Intelligence trains you to go beyond surface-level analysis.
Financial intelligence is more than spreadsheets—it's strategy.
Introduction to Financial Intelligence trains you to go beyond surface-level analysis.
Reposted by Jess Davis
The French offices of Elon Musk's X have been raided by the Paris prosecutor's cyber-crime unit, as part of an investigation into suspected offences including unlawful data extraction and complicity in the possession of child pornography.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Musk's X office in France raided by Paris prosecutor
The raid, involving cyber-crime officers, represents a dramatic escalation of an investigation that began in January 2025.
www.bbc.com
February 3, 2026 at 1:25 PM
The French offices of Elon Musk's X have been raided by the Paris prosecutor's cyber-crime unit, as part of an investigation into suspected offences including unlawful data extraction and complicity in the possession of child pornography.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
This was very good -- from articulating some of the real harms of Ponzi schemes (suicide, illness, financial ruin) to explaining in accessible language two key rulings (Stinchcombe and Jordan), a must-read for anyone interested in fighting crime in Canada.
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Opinion: In fighting organized crime, Canada is losing its way
Prosecutorial time limits are providing an unintended advantage to criminal enterprises
www.theglobeandmail.com
February 3, 2026 at 12:26 PM
This was very good -- from articulating some of the real harms of Ponzi schemes (suicide, illness, financial ruin) to explaining in accessible language two key rulings (Stinchcombe and Jordan), a must-read for anyone interested in fighting crime in Canada.
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
"The Islamic State’s short statement simply claimed that its forces launched a “surprising and coordinated” assault on the airbase."
www.longwarjournal.org/archives/202...
www.longwarjournal.org/archives/202...
Islamic State claims assault on airport in Niger’s capital
The Islamic State has officially claimed last week’s assault on Niger’s Diori Hamani International Airport in the capital of Niamey, which also hosts the military Air Base 101. Niger claims the assaul...
www.longwarjournal.org
February 3, 2026 at 11:39 AM
"The Islamic State’s short statement simply claimed that its forces launched a “surprising and coordinated” assault on the airbase."
www.longwarjournal.org/archives/202...
www.longwarjournal.org/archives/202...
From the Insight Monitor archives, here's a look at JNIM and its threat to Mali. Yes, this situation remains ongoing:
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com/p/jnims-50-m...
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com/p/jnims-50-m...
JNIM's $50 million windfall
And how it will impact terrorism in the region
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:20 PM
From the Insight Monitor archives, here's a look at JNIM and its threat to Mali. Yes, this situation remains ongoing:
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com/p/jnims-50-m...
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com/p/jnims-50-m...
Reposted by Jess Davis
"Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree says he won’t pass judgment on the U.S. crackdown by federal forces in Minnesota that resulted in the deaths of two residents."
The 🇨🇦 government is looking to amend & pass sweeping surveillance legislation. Minister, you might want to have an opinion.
The 🇨🇦 government is looking to amend & pass sweeping surveillance legislation. Minister, you might want to have an opinion.
‘Canada is not Minnesota,’ minister says in reaction to U.S. immigration raids
Ottawa removed more than 22,000 people last year "in a compassionate and humane manner," said the public safety minister.
www.thestar.com
February 1, 2026 at 9:21 PM
"Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree says he won’t pass judgment on the U.S. crackdown by federal forces in Minnesota that resulted in the deaths of two residents."
The 🇨🇦 government is looking to amend & pass sweeping surveillance legislation. Minister, you might want to have an opinion.
The 🇨🇦 government is looking to amend & pass sweeping surveillance legislation. Minister, you might want to have an opinion.
Reposted by Jess Davis
A good look at the debate around the creation of a so-called British FBI & why merger won't solve the issues. "the crisis for UK policing appears existential." www.rusi.org/explore-our-...
Police Reform at a Glance: Centralisation and a ‘British FBI’?
UK Home Secretary Mahmood presented a long-awaited police reform plan. Still at the starting line, here is what the plans entail – and what they do not.
www.rusi.org
February 2, 2026 at 8:48 AM
A good look at the debate around the creation of a so-called British FBI & why merger won't solve the issues. "the crisis for UK policing appears existential." www.rusi.org/explore-our-...
Reposted by Jess Davis
Sobering reporting on the risk of Iranian civil war. 'According to multiple accounts, masked men armed with knives killed basijis, the regime’s volunteer vigilantes. “It’s already a civil war,” says a young woman in Mashhad. “We’re just not saying it.”' www.economist.com/middle-east-...
The violence in Iran could lead to civil war
As America masses an armada, the regime’s response to recent protests is radicalising Iranians
www.economist.com
February 2, 2026 at 9:14 AM
Sobering reporting on the risk of Iranian civil war. 'According to multiple accounts, masked men armed with knives killed basijis, the regime’s volunteer vigilantes. “It’s already a civil war,” says a young woman in Mashhad. “We’re just not saying it.”' www.economist.com/middle-east-...
From the Insight Monitor archives, here's a look at the recently disrupted Quebec terrorism plot. Background context for the new documents that were released last week:
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com/p/canadian-m...
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com/p/canadian-m...
Canadian Military Members Arrested on Anti-Government Terrorism Charges
Serving military members arrested for terrorist activity facilitation (ideologically-motivated)
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com
February 1, 2026 at 4:53 PM
From the Insight Monitor archives, here's a look at the recently disrupted Quebec terrorism plot. Background context for the new documents that were released last week:
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com/p/canadian-m...
newsletter.insightthreatintel.com/p/canadian-m...
Reposted by Jess Davis
More than 120 dead after multiple suicide and gun attacks in Pakistan, officials say
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
More than 120 dead after multiple suicide and gun attacks in Pakistan, officials say
Military says ‘terrorists’ carried out attacks in Balochistan province in what analysts described it as the deadliest day for militants in decades
www.theguardian.com
February 1, 2026 at 2:05 PM
More than 120 dead after multiple suicide and gun attacks in Pakistan, officials say
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
The motivation might sound (in part) far-fetched or stupid, but it can still meet the definition of terrorism under Canadian law.....
(Also: I'd argue this is true for a lot of terrorist plots....)
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
(Also: I'd argue this is true for a lot of terrorist plots....)
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Military men facing terrorism charges prepared for zombie apocalypse, informant alleges | CBC News
New information from an informant in the case involving three men accused of facilitating terrorism in Quebec City revealed they were planning for a supposed zombie apocalypse. The information comes f...
www.cbc.ca
January 31, 2026 at 1:22 PM
The motivation might sound (in part) far-fetched or stupid, but it can still meet the definition of terrorism under Canadian law.....
(Also: I'd argue this is true for a lot of terrorist plots....)
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
(Also: I'd argue this is true for a lot of terrorist plots....)
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Jess Davis
There’s a lot that’s awful in the world right now. Tonight, I’m thinking of my hometown of Oshawa, which is losing 1200 GM jobs being transferred to the US as a result of Trump’s assault on Canada’s auto manufacturing. It’s so unnecessary and destructive. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
As GM Oshawa layoffs begin, workers leave the plant and enter an uncertain job market | CBC News
Friday marks the last day of work for up to 1,200 autoworkers, as GM cuts one of three shifts at its Oshawa plant. Some workers say they are looking out of province to find employment in the face of O...
www.cbc.ca
January 31, 2026 at 1:17 AM
There’s a lot that’s awful in the world right now. Tonight, I’m thinking of my hometown of Oshawa, which is losing 1200 GM jobs being transferred to the US as a result of Trump’s assault on Canada’s auto manufacturing. It’s so unnecessary and destructive. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
"Spanish police have detained a 38-year-old Chinese national who owned a hair salon near Barcelona on suspicion of financing the militant group Hamas through about 600,000 euros ($714,960) in cryptocurrency transfers"
www.reuters.com/world/china/...
www.reuters.com/world/china/...
Spanish police arrest Chinese hair salon owner accused of financing Hamas
Spanish police have detained a 38-year-old Chinese national who owned a hair salon near Barcelona on suspicion of financing the militant group Hamas through about 600,000 euros ($714,960) in cryptocur...
www.reuters.com
January 31, 2026 at 12:57 PM
"Spanish police have detained a 38-year-old Chinese national who owned a hair salon near Barcelona on suspicion of financing the militant group Hamas through about 600,000 euros ($714,960) in cryptocurrency transfers"
www.reuters.com/world/china/...
www.reuters.com/world/china/...
This is a great read from @justinling.ca about the impacts of US sanctions on ICC judges, including a Canadian judge. "the inter-connectedness of the global financial system means even non-U.S. companies may decide to heed them”
www.thestar.com/opinion/star...
www.thestar.com/opinion/star...
Justin Ling: Donald Trump is attacking a Canadian judge. Mark Carney has the power to stop him
The U.S. president is out to destroy the crown jewel of our international legal system.
www.thestar.com
January 31, 2026 at 12:30 PM
This is a great read from @justinling.ca about the impacts of US sanctions on ICC judges, including a Canadian judge. "the inter-connectedness of the global financial system means even non-U.S. companies may decide to heed them”
www.thestar.com/opinion/star...
www.thestar.com/opinion/star...
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.