Podcasts > Shawn Ryan Show > #198 Blerim Skoro - CIA & FBI Asset / Al-Qaeda Infiltrator

#198 Blerim Skoro - CIA & FBI Asset / Al-Qaeda Infiltrator

By Shawn Ryan Show

In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, guest Blerim Skoro shares his experiences as both a CIA and FBI asset who infiltrated terrorist organizations. Skoro discusses his early life during the Balkan Wars of the 1990s, where he served as a conscript in the Yugoslav army, and describes how he later became involved with the CIA following the events of 9/11.

The conversation covers Skoro's work establishing and infiltrating an Al-Qaeda cell in the Balkans, his involvement in weapons trafficking operations, and his role in gathering intelligence on terrorist networks. Skoro also details his relationship with the CIA, including his training in weapons and explosives, and describes how this relationship changed after an assassination attempt in 2010 and subsequent events leading to 2020.

#198 Blerim Skoro - CIA & FBI Asset / Al-Qaeda Infiltrator

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#198 Blerim Skoro - CIA & FBI Asset / Al-Qaeda Infiltrator

1-Page Summary

Blerim's Experiences During Balkan Wars and Witnessing Atrocities

Blerim Skoro shares his harrowing experiences as a conscript in the Yugoslav army during the early 1990s Balkan Wars. At age 19, he witnessed brutal violence perpetrated by Chetnik paramilitaries, including civilian killings and ethnic cleansing. While guarding his military base, Skoro shot at entering Chetnik paramilitaries, leading to potential severe punishment. He eventually managed to escape with help from Captain Kablinowicz-Wajau, though his family initially believed him dead after his arrest.

Blerim's Recruitment as a CIA Asset in Terrorist Infiltration

Following the 9/11 attacks, Skoro became a valuable CIA asset while in prison, where he served as a muezzin and gained access to terrorist networks. The CIA provided him with extensive training in weapons, explosives, and communication. His deep involvement led to offers of leadership positions within ISIS and Al-Qaeda, enabling him to gather intelligence and disrupt terrorist activities.

Blerim's Involvement in Criminal and Weapons/Uranium Smuggling Activities

To fund his family's escape from Kosovo, Skoro engaged in smuggling operations, developing connections with the Albanian mafia. Working with CIA oversight, he participated in weapons trafficking and uranium interception operations. The CIA strictly monitored his activities, particularly regarding uranium intended for Al-Qaeda, warning him against direct handling of nuclear materials.

CIA's Treatment of Blerim, Assassination Attempt, and Abandonment

While initially supporting Skoro with payments and training, the CIA's relationship with him deteriorated after a 2010 assassination attempt. Skoro reports being abandoned during the attack and subsequently cut off from support. Despite his service, the CIA refused to assist with his 2016 immigration case, advising him to maintain a low profile after 2020.

Blerim's New Al-Qaeda Cell in the Balkans for the CIA

Under CIA direction, Skoro established an Al-Qaeda cell in the Balkans, using his connections and aviation skills to recruit members. His role involved identifying radical individuals at Muslim community events while providing intelligence to the CIA. His activities drew attention from Pakistani intelligence, leading to his interrogation as a suspected spy or Al-Qaeda member.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Skoro's recruitment as a CIA asset while in prison involved him providing valuable intelligence on terrorist networks due to his role as a muezzin. The CIA trained him extensively in various skills to gather information and disrupt terrorist activities. This unique position allowed him to gain insights that were crucial for counterterrorism efforts. His involvement as an asset in prison led to offers of leadership roles within extremist groups, enabling him to further infiltrate and gather intelligence.
  • Blerim Skoro's involvement in criminal activities and smuggling operations was driven by his need to fund his family's escape from Kosovo. He developed connections with the Albanian mafia and engaged in weapons trafficking and uranium interception operations under CIA oversight. Skoro's activities were closely monitored by the CIA, especially concerning the handling of nuclear materials intended for groups like Al-Qaeda.
  • Skoro's establishment of an Al-Qaeda cell in the Balkans under CIA direction involved him setting up a network of individuals sympathetic to Al-Qaeda's ideology. This operation was conducted with the knowledge and oversight of the CIA, who used Skoro's connections and skills to gather intelligence on extremist activities in the region. Skoro's role included identifying and recruiting potential members for the cell, all while reporting back to the CIA on his findings. This initiative aimed to monitor and potentially disrupt terrorist activities in the Balkans, leveraging Skoro's unique position and insights within the local Muslim community.
  • Skoro's interrogation by Pakistani intelligence as a suspected spy or Al-Qaeda member could have occurred due to his involvement in establishing an Al-Qaeda cell in the Balkans under CIA direction. This activity may have raised suspicions in Pakistan, a country with a history of combating terrorism. The interrogation could have been a standard procedure to verify Skoro's affiliations and activities in the region. Pakistan's intelligence agencies are known for their vigilance in monitoring and countering extremist threats, which could explain their interest in questioning Skoro.

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#198 Blerim Skoro - CIA & FBI Asset / Al-Qaeda Infiltrator

Blerim's Experiences During Balkan Wars and Witnessing Atrocities

Blerim Skoro served in the Yugoslav army during the Balkan Wars and has shared harrowing details of the violence and ethnic conflicts he witnessed, followed by his attempted desertion and subsequent flight to avoid severe punishment.

Blerim's Yugoslav Army Service in Early 1990s Ethnic Conflicts

During the early 1990s, Blerim Skoro was conscripted into the Yugoslav army, a period he describes as witnessing the worst war in the Balkans. Throughout his service, Skoro was exposed to horrific violence, including the beheadings of civilians, rapes, and merciless killings by paramilitary groups like those led by the war criminal known as Arkon.

At the age of 19, Skoro began witnessing these atrocities. On his 20th birthday, he saw his first beheading. He recounts incidents where Chetnik paramilitaries, Serbian nationalists likened to radical Islamic groups, like Al Qaeda, carried out brutal acts against civilians, including Croats and even their own people. Skoro recalls an incident when a baby was murdered in front of soldiers, its mother raped and subsequently killed, and another where Chetniks executed a former soldier and his father.

There was also a case where Chetniks threw grenades into a basement, killing the women and children hiding inside. Skoro and a Bosnian officer discovered their bodies. He also remembers trying to help an injured elderly woman, who succumbed to shrapnel wounds, marking his grim acclimatization to war.

Despite these horrors, Skoro emphasizes that he and his comrades never targeted innocent civilians and felt more empathy towards Croats. He describes the Chetniks as Serbian fanatics who targeted Croats and later waged war against Albanians in Kosovo.

Witnessed Horrific Violence: Beheadings, Rapes, and Civilian Killings by Paramilitary Groups

Skoro witnessed the collapse of the Croatian city of Vukovar and labeled the conflict he experienced as "very ruthless" and equivalent to "clear genocide." He felt powerless to intervene in the atrocities he witnessed, due to threats against his family posed by the paramilitaries. If an Albanian harmed a Serb or Chetnik, retaliation was a certainty.

Blerim's Role In Shooting At Entering Chetnik Paramilitaries

Blerim Guarded the Base, Using Sharpshooting to Block Chetniks

Stationed as a guard at the military base, Skoro was recognized as a skilled soldier. He was responsible for preventing unauthorized entry, notably by the violent and criminal Chetnik volunteers. During an incid ...

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Blerim's Experiences During Balkan Wars and Witnessing Atrocities

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Actionables

  • You can deepen your empathy by volunteering with organizations that support war veterans or refugees. By offering your time at local shelters or veteran centers, you'll gain a personal understanding of the struggles faced by those affected by war, similar to the experiences shared by Skoro. This could involve simply listening to their stories, helping with daily tasks, or providing companionship, which can be a powerful way to connect and apply the human aspects of the historical events you've learned about.
  • Start a personal journal to explore your feelings about conflict and powerlessness. Writing down your thoughts and emotions after learning about Skoro's experiences can help you process complex feelings about violence and injustice. This reflective practice can lead to a greater understanding of your values and how you might respond in challenging situations, fostering a sense of personal growth and awareness.
  • Engage in informed discussions with ...

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#198 Blerim Skoro - CIA & FBI Asset / Al-Qaeda Infiltrator

Blerim's Recruitment as a CIA Asset in Terrorist Infiltration

Blerim Skoro’s recruitment by the CIA showcases his intricate dual life infiltrating terrorist organizations.

Blerim Joined CIA Post-9/11 to Lower His Prison Sentence

Embarking on a journey with the CIA was Blerim's avenue to unite with his family and lower his prison sentence, as he sought to clear his slate with the Americans.

Blerim Provided Intelligence on Terrorists in US Prisons

After the 9/11 attacks, Blerim became an indispensable CIA asset, providing intelligence on terrorists within US prisons. Blerim distinguished himself as a muezzin in prison, a leadership role that facilitated his access to terrorist networks like Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Al-Qaeda. This allowed him to vet new prisoners' affiliations with terror groups, discerning between real threats and potential innocents, while dutifully reporting to the CIA.

Blerim Trained with the CIA on Weapons, Explosives, Communications, and Building Networks

The CIA equipped Blerim with extensive training in weapons, explosives, communications, and network building. This training played a vital role in Blerim's infiltration efforts, as he successfully established himself among the most dangerous terrorist groups, not just at a superficial level, but in significant capacities.

Blerim Infiltrated Al-Qaeda and Other Terrorist Groups as a Recruit

Blerim's recruitment by the CIA coincided with his dedication to disrupting terrorist activities. His deep involvement in the intricate web of terrorist networks was recognized by high-ranking members, offering him significant positions within ISIS and Al-Qaeda.

Blerim Gained the Trust and Leadership Offer of ISIS and Al-Qaeda

He was offered a leadership role within ISIS and tested on his Islamic knowledge by Al-Qaeda's high-ranking members. This was ...

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Blerim's Recruitment as a CIA Asset in Terrorist Infiltration

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Blerim's recruitment by the CIA aligned with his commitment to combatting terrorist activities. This means that his decision to work with the CIA was driven by his desire to actively disrupt and counter terrorist organizations. The timing of his recruitment coincided with his strong dedication to fighting against terrorism, showcasing his willingness to contribute to these efforts.
  • Blerim was approached by ISIS and Al-Qaeda for leadership roles due to his perceived dedication and knowledge of Islamic teachings. This involved a process where Al-Qaeda's senior members evaluated his understanding of Islamic principles to assess his suitability for a significant position within their organization.
  • Blerim's cover as a strict Salafi involved portraying himself as a devout follower of a conservative branch of Islam known for its literal interpretation of the Quran and strict adherence to Islamic teachings. This cover w ...

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#198 Blerim Skoro - CIA & FBI Asset / Al-Qaeda Infiltrator

Blerim's Involvement in Criminal and Weapons/Uranium Smuggling Activities

Blerim Skoro's journey into criminal and weapons/uranium smuggling activities is a tale of one man's efforts to fund his family's escape from Kosovo and the repercussions that followed.

Blerim Smuggled to Fund His Family's Escape From Kosovo

Blerim Skoro skillfully used a fake passport to leave Yugoslavia and reach Switzerland, a journey that displayed his street smarts and that he claims led to recruitment by the CIA. Traveling through Macedonia, Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, Hungary, Germany, Belgium, and France, mainly by local buses to keep costs down, he spent approximately 2300 marks ($2300). Skoro managed the smuggling operation himself, leveraging his connections and innate courage.

Blerim supported his family back in Kosovo by sending money from the United States, enduring hardships to sustain approximately 10 to 15 unemployed family members.

Blerim Networked With the Albanian Mafia and Italian Crime

Without questioning the Albanian mafia's methods, Skoro learned their ways of conducting criminal activities due to the risk of raising government suspicions. He became close to the Albanian mafia, known for their ruthlessness and quick use of lethal force, often taken very seriously by the Italian mafia. Although he had friends in the Italian mafia, his work did not cross over into their sphere of operations.

Skoro developed his criminal network through drug running, beginning with trips to Albania and then expanding to Italy. In the criminal underworld of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York, Skoro became respected due to his military background and experience in war. Acquaintances respected him, aware of his knowledge of and proximity to acts of violence.

Blerim Smuggles Uranium From Russia to Al-qaeda via Germany and Italy

Blerim Skoro engaged in the smuggling of uranium from Russia to Al-Qaeda, with the uranium traveling through Germany and Italy. He emphasized the need for professionalism in dealing with uranium due to its dangerous nature.

Cia Aware, Involved In Blerim's Weapons, Uranium Smuggling Monitoring ...

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Blerim's Involvement in Criminal and Weapons/Uranium Smuggling Activities

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Actionables

- You can enhance your problem-solving skills by practicing escape room challenges, which simulate high-pressure situations requiring quick thinking and resourcefulness, similar to using a fake passport to navigate complex scenarios.

  • Escape rooms are designed to challenge your critical thinking and adaptability. By regularly participating in these games, you can develop a mindset that's better equipped to handle real-life situations that require street smarts and quick decision-making. For example, you might find yourself better equipped to navigate bureaucratic red tape or negotiate in high-stakes situations.
  • Improve your financial management by adopting a "travel hacker" mindset for everyday expenses, using strategies like couponing, reward programs, and budget travel tips to minimize costs.
  • By applying the same principles that Blerim used to keep travel costs low, you can significantly reduce your daily expenses. Start by researching and utilizing coupons, signing up for reward programs that offer cashback or points, and learning budget travel hacks that can be applied to everyday life, such as using public transportation more efficiently or finding discounts for local events.
  • Develop a deeper understanding of global issues by participating in online simulations or strategy games that involve g ...

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#198 Blerim Skoro - CIA & FBI Asset / Al-Qaeda Infiltrator

Cia's Treatment of Blerim, Assassination Attempt, and Abandonment

Blerim's story outlines his tumultuous relationship with the CIA, highlighting instances of perceived support followed by betrayal and abandonment.

Cia Backed Blerim With Financial and Logistical Support As an Asset

Blerim Received Significant Payment and Training From the Cia

Blerim started working with the CIA and received payments ranging from 400 to 2,500 euros a month, as well as being promised safety. His CIA training included how to communicate effectively with people, language skills, and how to handle weapons deals, particularly when dealing with Al Qaeda. He also learned to handle various explosives, and he personally loaded these explosives onto trucks for the CIA to destroy.

Blerim Betrayed by Cia After 2010 Shooting

Cia Agents Abandoned Blerim During Attack, Cutting Off Contact and Support

Blerim survived an assassination attempt in 2010, during which he was serving as a CIA informant. He implies that CIA agents abandoned him after this encounter, and feeling betrayed, he describes being abandoned "like a dog." During the attack, a colleague named Chris called for a rescue, but the local and secret police nearly clashed, and after being taken to the hospital, Blerim was left without further support. Following the incident, he found two tracking devices on his car, which indicated that he was left to fend for himself without direct support from the CIA.

Blerim Claims the Cia Spread Lies to Justify Abandoning Him

Blerim Skoro expresses frustration over the CIA abandoning him and suggests the agency tried to discredit him by spreading rumors. He also hints that the CIA might use the fact that he's speaking out against them to further justify their actions related to abandoning him.

Blerim's Efforts to Reconnect With the Cia Were Rejected, Leaving Him to Fend For Himself

Cia Denies Helping Blerim in Immigration Case ...

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Cia's Treatment of Blerim, Assassination Attempt, and Abandonment

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Blerim had a complex relationship with the CIA, initially receiving financial support and training from them as an asset. However, after surviving an assassination attempt in 2010, he felt abandoned by the CIA, leading to a breakdown in their relationship. Despite his past service, the CIA did not intervene to assist him with his immigration case in 2016, further strai ...

Counterarguments

  • The CIA may have had legitimate security or operational reasons for withdrawing support from Blerim, which are not disclosed in the text.
  • The decision to cut off contact with Blerim during the attack might have been based on protocols that prioritize the safety of a larger operation or other assets.
  • The spread of rumors or lies by the CIA, as claimed by Blerim, could be unsubstantiated without concrete evidence, and there may be misunderstandings or miscommunications involved.
  • The CIA's lack of intervention in Blerim's immigration case could be due to legal constraints or policies that prevent the agency from interfering in judicial processes.
  • The advice to live a low-profile life c ...

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#198 Blerim Skoro - CIA & FBI Asset / Al-Qaeda Infiltrator

Blerim's New Al-qaeda Cell in the Balkans for the Cia

Blerim Skoro, operating under CIA direction, has been involved in the formation of an al-Qaeda cell in the Balkans with the objective of infiltrating and monitoring the terrorist network's activities.

Cia Assigned Blerim to Form Al-qaeda Cell in Balkans to Monitor and Disrupt Activities

Blerim's role involved establishing a terrorist cell under the guise of an al-Qaeda operation. The CIA allocated funds to Blerim for his mission in the Balkans, masking the CIA’s involvement by making it appear as though the backing came from al-Qaeda itself. Blerim leveraged his Caucasian appearance and aviation skills to gain the trust of potential recruits, positioning himself as an efficient leader capable of effectively reinforcing al-Qaeda’s presence in the region.

Blerim Used Connections to Recruit Al-qaeda Members

Skoro tapped into his network to recruit members for the al-Qaeda cell, targeting individuals who were eager to join the cause. He sought out the most fanatical individuals at Muslim community events, those who expressed a determined intent to attack Americans. Blerim's unique profile made him a highly valuable asset and even led to speculations that he might eventually meet with Osama bin Laden due to the strategic importance of nurturing a leadership role in the Balkans.

Blerim Updated Cia On Al-qaeda Cell Activities and Plans

While advancing in his assignment, Blerim provided the CIA with updates on his activities which involved trips that caught the attention of Pakistani intelligence — an encounter tha ...

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Blerim's New Al-qaeda Cell in the Balkans for the Cia

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • You can enhance your critical thinking by analyzing the strategies used in covert operations. Dive into historical cases similar to Blerim Skoro's and evaluate the ethical and strategic implications. This will help you understand the complexities of such missions and improve your ability to assess multifaceted situations.
  • Develop your observational skills by creating a game where you identify patterns and anomalies in your environment. Pretend you're gathering intelligence like Blerim did, but apply it to a harmless context, such as people-watching in a public space, to spot unusual behaviors or routines.
  • Improve your netwo ...

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