Chapter 1974 - 1436: Tightening the Net (Part 3)

This comprehensive control is daunting.

"So Fadil will contact Song Heping and express interest in sensitive equipment?" Lemont asked.

"He's already made contact." Robbin checked his watch: "In fact, in an hour, Fadil will meet in Dubai with a department head from the 'Musician' defense, responsible for their company's arms smuggling operations, Nura. The discussion is 'exploring the possibility of joint security operations in Northern Illigo,' but the real topic is the batch of Javelin and Stinger systems."

Lemont looked at Robbin in shock.

All of this was happening without his knowledge; Robbin had been operating on multiple fronts.

"Don't worry," Robbin seemed to read his mind: "This is just initial contact, not an immediate transaction. We need Song Heping to believe there's a safe, high-profit alternative that can handle those sensitive pieces of equipment. This will make him less eager to go through official channels, giving us more time to prepare."

"But what if he really reaches an agreement with Fadil?" Lemont asked worriedly.

"Then we'll close the net." Robbin said simply: "Intercept during the transaction completion and equipment transfer. Evidence will be indisputable, and Song Heping won't be able to deny it. At that point, not only will the equipment be confiscated, but his entire company might be put on the sanctions list."

Lemont was silent for a moment, digesting this complex plan.

Then he asked one final question: "What if Song Heping doesn't take the bait? What if he insists on handling the sensitive equipment through legal channels, slowly and cautiously?"

Robbin walked to the window, looking at the distant Tigris River.

"Then we revert to our first-level strategy." He said: "Meticulously examine every document, every signature, every transfer he has with the Illigo Ministry of Defense. In a bureaucratic system, perfectly adhering to all procedures is nearly impossible."

He turned around, his face expressionless: "Lemont, in this game, Song Heping has only two paths: either through legal channels, in which case he will get lost in a maze of bureaucracy and legal clauses; or the gray channels, where he'll fall into the trap we've designed. Either way, the ending is the same."

The office clock struck one o'clock in the afternoon.

Lemont realized he had been here for nearly three hours, while the world continued to operate during this time.

Song Heping could be on his way back to Baghdad, and Safar might be preparing to report to his uncle.

"What do I need to do?" Lemont asked directly.

It's best to clarify his tasks when collaborating with Robbin.

"Three things." Robbin returned to his desk and began listing: "First, intensify monitoring of the Kurdish Autonomous Region's storage facilities, especially the newly built warehouse near Elbil. Use drones and ground personnel, but keep it covert."

"Second, coordinate the CIA's intelligence sources within the Ministry of Defense, especially over at Illigo Ministry of Defense Deputy Director Hashimi's side. I need details on all documents Song Heping submits, and any small violations must be recorded."

"Third," Robbin paused, his tone becoming serious: "Prepare an emergency team that can deploy within 24 hours to any location in Illigo upon notification. The personnel must be reliable, well-equipped, but not using the CIA's official setup. Use contractors, preferably those we have long-term cooperative relationships with."

Lemont nodded and took notes.

These were all within his capability, but combined they formed a powerful network for monitoring and intervention.

"What about the funding?" he asked. Such operations require a large budget.

Robbin pulled out a card from the drawer and pushed it to Lemont: "AAFES special project account, access has been granted. Monthly limit of 5 million US dollars, if more is needed, contact me directly."

Lemont took the card.

This was an anonymous electronic payment card, connected to several banks and currency exchange points in Baghdad.

In Illigo, cash still reigns supreme, and this card could mobilize large sums without leaving obvious traces.

"One last thing." Robbin stood up, indicating the discussion was ending: "Maintain your daily routine. Don't change your behavioral pattern because of this operation. Song Heping might have counter-surveillance measures, and any anomaly could alert him."

Lemont also stood up and organized his documents.

As he prepared to leave, Robbin spoke again.

"Lemont."

"Hmm?"

"In a place like Illigo, there are only two types of people—hunters and prey."

Lemont nodded: "So we need to be hunters."