Chapter 1973 - 1436: Impenetrable Net (Part 2)

"We have resources both in Elbil and Sulaimaniyah Province," Lemont said. "I can mobilize the local intelligence network to monitor all large storage facilities and transport convoys. If the equipment is really going to be smuggled across the border, I can locate it quickly."

"Don't alert the enemy," Robin warned. "After locating, just have your agents continue to monitor, without taking any action. We need to make Song Heping believe that his hiding place is safe."

Lemont understood this logic: "Wait until he starts the transfer, then we take action?"

"During his transfer process," Robin said precisely. "Either at the Iraq-Turkey border or on the transport routes in the Siria Desert. At that time, the equipment is in a legal 'ownerless state,' neither under US Army control nor officially transferred to any government. We can intercept it under the pretext of 'preventing weapons proliferation.'

Lemont felt a chill.

This plan is not only meticulous but almost legally perfect.

International law allows the interception of weapons suspected of illegal transport, particularly weapons of mass destruction and advanced portable anti-air systems.

"But evidence is needed," Lemont pointed out. "To prove that these equipments will be used for illegal purposes or will flow to sanctioned entities."

Robin pulled out a photograph from the notebook and pushed it in front of Lemont.

The photo shows an Arabic man in traditional robes dining with a group in a restaurant in Damascus.

"Jamal Al-Nasser," Robin said. "Deputy Director of Cilia's Military Intelligence Bureau, responsible for coordination with Lebanon's Hezbollah. We've been monitoring his communications for six months."

Lemont looked closely at the photo: "What does he have to do with this matter?"

"Two weeks ago, Nasser's nephew met with people from Song Heping's company in Baghdad," Robin presented another document, which was the interception record of the communication: "The content of the conversation was encrypted, but our people analyzed the communication patterns and believed it involved 'logistics arrangements.' If that sensitive equipment ultimately flows into Siria..."

Lemont understood.

The Cilia Government is under US and international sanctions, and any act of transferring weapons to Siria violates UN resolutions.

If Song Heping's equipment eventually appears in Siria, that would be a fatal violation.

"But this chain of evidence is too indirect," Lemont said cautiously. "We need more direct evidence to prove that Song Heping intends to transfer these equipments to sanctioned entities."

Robin's smile became mysterious: "So we need to create an opportunity for him to expose his intentions himself."

The atmosphere in the office grew heavy.

Robin walked to the liquor cabinet but didn't pour a drink.

He stood there, gazing at the assorted expensive whiskeys inside as if pondering something.

"Lemont, do you know anything about fishing?" He suddenly asked a seemingly unrelated question.

"Not much," Lemont replied truthfully.

"The key to fishing is not how good the rod is, but how enticing the bait is," Robin turned around, eyes gleaming with strategy. "If you want to catch big fish, you must use the bait they like most, placed in waters they often frequent."

He walked back to the map, tracing his finger along the Iraq-Siria border: "Here is the water where the big fish frequent. And the bait we need to prepare..."

Robin paused, ensuring that Lemont was fully following his line of thought: "is a 'buyer urgently needing sensitive equipment, willing to pay a high price without questioning the source.'

Lemont understood immediately: "You want to create a fake buyer to lure Song Heping into selling the sensitive equipment to him?"

"Not a fake buyer," Robin corrected. "A real, credible buyer who would ultimately hand the equipment over to us."

"Such a buyer is hard to find," Lemont frowned. "Song Heping is very cautious; he would do background checks."

"So the buyer must be real," Robin said. "In fact, I already have a candidate."

He took another file from the safe.

Lemont noticed that every document Robin presented today seemed pre-prepared, like a meticulously rehearsed performance where each prop appeared at the correct time.

"Muhammad Al-Fadil," Robin introduced. "A private security contractor from Saudi Arabia, seemingly providing security services to the Saudi Royal Family, but in reality also engaged in 'grey zone' weapon procurement. He has business in Iraq, a good reputation, and most importantly, he owes me a personal favor."

Lemont knew the name Fadil.

This Saudi contractor indeed has extensive business in Iraq, reportedly connected with multiple factions, with a complex background yet has never been caught or exposed.

"Will Fadil cooperate with us?" Lemont asked doubtfully. "This kind of operation is highly risky; once exposed, his business is finished."

"Three years ago, Fadil's transport convoy was ambushed by an 'Islamic State' branch in Anbar Province," Robin narrated calmly. "It was through my relations with AAFES that US drones were called in for support, saving him and his twelve men. Since then, he owes me a life. And more importantly..."

Robin's gaze turned sharp: "I have some 'business records' of his, proving his involvement in transferring military supplies to Yemen's Houthi Armed Forces between 2014 and 2016. If these records are handed to the Saudi authorities, he'd be immediately executed."

Lemont took a deep breath.

Robin not only had plans A, B, and C but had also prepared carrots and sticks for each participant's cooperation.