Jane Street boss Robert Granieri pays for $7mln of AK-47s and Stinger missiles for Sudan Coup Attempt
"Granieri is a longtime supporter of human rights causes," his lawyer was quoted as saying
In a plot ripped from a Hollywood thriller, Robert Granieri, co-founder of Wall Street trading giant Jane Street, wired $7 million to purchase AK-47s, Stinger missiles and grenades to fund a coup in South Sudan, according to court proceedings in a federal case against Peter Ajak and reported on by Bloomberg News and VOA.
The leader of the coup scheme was Peter Biar Ajak, a Visiting Fellow at the CIA-linked National Endowment for Democracy (NED). According to his LinkedIn profile and other sources, Ajak held these roles until recently before January 26, 2024. His testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in March 2021 identifies him as a Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellow, indicating he was affiliated with NED at that time.
After his release from detention in South Sudan in January 2020, Ajak was also employed by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, U.S. Department of Defense institution funded by Congress, and was listed on their website before his page was removed in 2024. (Wayback Machine)
Wayback Machine screenshot (fair use)Jane Street boos Ganieri claims he was hoodwinked into funding the coup believing he was supporting humanitarian causes. This scandal, implicates a Harvard scholar, a South Sudanese activist, and even chess legend Garry Kasparov, now a geopolitical activist.
The saga began in February 2024, when Granieri met Peter Biar Ajak, a Harvard Fellow and prominent South Sudanese economist, at a Midtown Manhattan condominium. Ajak, introduced to Granieri through Kasparov, pitched what Granieri claims was a noble cause: aiding human rights efforts in South Sudan, and what Ajak says was a coup attempt.
Granieri, known for backing initiatives like the Equal Justice Initiative and Republican candidate Nikki Haley, transferred the funds in two installments, claiming to be unaware they would allegedly fuel a violent scheme to overthrow South Sudan's government.
Federal prosecutors in Arizona charged Ajak and activist Abraham Keech in March 2024 with conspiring to illegally export military-grade weapons, including automatic rifles, rocket launchers, and Stinger missile systems, in violation of the Arms Export Control Act and the Export Control Reform Act. Both men pleaded not guilty, with their lawyers arguing the case reeks of selective prosecution, pointing out that Granieri and Kasparov face no charges despite their roles. The defense claims Granieri's $7 million was “vital to the plan,” without which the conspiracy would have collapsed.
Granieri's legal team insists he was “defrauded” by Ajak.
The financier's low-profile status - barely mentioned on Jane Street's website despite its $20.5 billion in 2024 trading revenue - adds intrigue to his involvement. His wealth has fueled ventures like a Mississippi casino resort and political donations, but this scandal threatens his reputation and Jane Street's.
Garry Kasparov, as recently as Januray 2024, referred to Peter Ajak as his “colleague”. The former chess world champion, a vocal Russian dissident and former Human Rights Foundation chair, denies any knowledge of coup plans. Yet, Ajak's lawyers allege U.S. State Department officials knew of the plot. Kasparov's silence on specifics fuels speculation about his role.
This week's focus remains on Granieri, with critics arguing his failure to vet Ajak's intentions highlights lax due diligence in Wall Street's elite circles. The fallout tarnishes Jane Street's reputation, already under scrutiny for past ties to figures like Sam Bankman-Fried, the disgraced FTX founder hired by the firm in 2013.
Social media discourse on X reflects public shock, with users like @Mayhem4Markets marveling at the “ultrarich” living in “a completely different world.”
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Scott Christenson🌴
Born and raised in Milwaukee WI, living in Hong Kong. Hoping to share some of my experiences w short story & non-fiction writing. Have a few shortlisted on Reedsy:
https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/author/scott-christenson/
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Envious of Israel's Perks, Mormons Demand Their Own Religious State in Lebanon
On Thursday, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints formally petitioned the U.S. government for the creation of a new religous state in Lebanon, citing America's "no-questions-asked" support for Israel as precedent.
By Scott Christenson🌴7 months ago in The Swamp
Japan and the Philippines Sign New Defense Pact Amid Rising China Tensions
Japan and the Philippines have taken a significant step toward strengthening security cooperation by signing a new defense pact, a move widely seen as a response to growing Chinese assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. The agreement signals a deepening alignment between two key U.S. allies and reflects a broader shift in regional defense dynamics as nations seek to safeguard sovereignty, sea lanes, and stability. As tensions rise in the South China Sea and surrounding waters, this pact underscores how middle powers are increasingly working together to counterbalance Beijing’s expanding influence. Why This Defense Pact Matters Now The timing of the agreement is critical. In recent years, China has intensified its military activities across the Western Pacific, including frequent patrols, maritime confrontations, and expansive territorial claims. For both Japan and the Philippines, these developments have raised serious concerns about national security and freedom of navigation. Japan faces growing pressure in the East China Sea, particularly around the disputed Senkaku Islands, while the Philippines has repeatedly accused China of aggressive behavior near contested reefs and shoals in the South China Sea. These shared challenges have created strong incentives for closer military and strategic coordination. The new defense pact formalizes that cooperation, sending a clear message that Tokyo and Manila are prepared to act collectively in defense of regional order. What the Agreement Includes Although not a full military alliance, the defense pact significantly expands bilateral cooperation. Key elements include: Enhanced joint military exercises, allowing both forces to train together more frequently and realistically. Improved intelligence sharing, particularly on maritime security and regional threats. Easier access for troops and equipment, enabling smoother cooperation during exercises, humanitarian missions, or security operations. Defense capacity building, with Japan providing training and technical support to strengthen Philippine forces. This framework is designed to increase interoperability and readiness without committing either country to automatic military action. Japan’s Evolving Security Role Japan’s participation reflects a broader evolution in its defense policy. Traditionally constrained by its post-World War II pacifist constitution, Japan has gradually expanded its security role in response to changing regional threats. In recent years, Tokyo has increased defense spending, strengthened ties with regional partners, and taken a more proactive stance on security cooperation. The pact with the Philippines fits squarely within this strategy, positioning Japan as a key stabilizing force in Southeast Asia. For Japan, working closely with the Philippines also helps protect critical sea lanes through which much of its trade and energy supplies pass. The Philippines’ Strategic Calculus For the Philippines, the agreement represents an effort to diversify security partnerships beyond its long-standing alliance with the United States. While Washington remains central to Manila’s defense strategy, closer ties with Japan provide additional diplomatic leverage and military support. The Philippines has faced repeated maritime standoffs with China, including incidents involving coast guard vessels and fishing boats. By strengthening cooperation with Japan, Manila aims to deter coercive behavior and reinforce its claims under international law. This pact also reflects a broader recalibration in Philippine foreign policy, emphasizing multilateral cooperation and regional solidarity. China’s Reaction and Regional Implications Unsurprisingly, the agreement has drawn criticism from Beijing. Chinese officials have warned against what they describe as “bloc politics” and external interference in regional affairs. From China’s perspective, deeper Japan-Philippines cooperation — especially when aligned with U.S. strategy — threatens its influence and strategic freedom. However, supporters of the pact argue that it is defensive in nature and aimed at preserving stability rather than provoking confrontation. They emphasize that the agreement upholds international law, particularly the principles governing freedom of navigation and territorial sovereignty. Across Southeast Asia, the deal is being closely watched as a potential model for future security partnerships. The Broader Regional Context The Japan-Philippines defense pact is part of a larger pattern unfolding across the Indo-Pacific. Countries such as Australia, South Korea, and India are also strengthening ties through bilateral and multilateral agreements, reflecting shared concerns about regional security. These partnerships do not replace existing alliances but instead form a networked security architecture. Rather than relying on a single dominant power, countries are increasingly weaving together overlapping relationships to enhance resilience. In this sense, the pact represents a shift toward collective deterrence — where cooperation itself serves as a stabilizing force. What This Means for the Future The long-term impact of the agreement will depend on how it is implemented. Joint exercises, intelligence cooperation, and defense assistance will need to translate into tangible improvements in readiness and coordination. Politically, the pact reinforces the idea that regional security challenges require regional solutions. It also signals that countries directly affected by maritime disputes are unwilling to remain passive in the face of pressure. For China, the agreement complicates strategic calculations, as it faces a more unified and coordinated regional response. Conclusion: A Strategic Signal in Uncertain Times The new defense pact between Japan and the Philippines is more than a diplomatic formality. It is a strategic signal — one that reflects growing concern over China’s actions and a determination to uphold a rules-based regional order. By strengthening cooperation, Tokyo and Manila are asserting their shared commitment to security, sovereignty, and stability in the Asia-Pacific. While the agreement stops short of a formal alliance, its implications are clear: regional powers are increasingly willing to stand together as the balance of power continues to shift. In an era of uncertainty, this partnership may prove to be a cornerstone of future regional security.
By Muhammad Hassan5 days ago in The Swamp
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been getting a bit too much into "the news" this week... will get back to fiction and humorous essays soon.