S04 E01 - OSINT in the Maritime Domain with Rae Baker
Rae Baker, a senior OSINT analyst specializing in maritime intelligence, discusses how open-source intelligence tools like AIS and satellite imagery can help detect suspicious shipping activity and sanctions evasion. Alongside host Nico "The Dutch OSINT Guy" Dekens and co-host David Cook, she explains how adversaries employ “shadow fleets,” spoof AIS signals, and use shell companies to obscure ownership. The episode highlights best practices for analysts, compliance teams, and insurers to mitigate risks through thorough due diligence, domain expertise, and AI-powered analysis.
OSINT with ShadowDragon & Digital Tools For Modern Investigations
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Show Notes
In this episode of the ShadowDragon Podcast, host Nico Dekens and co-host David Cook interview Rae Baker, a senior OSINT analyst and maritime specialist. They explore how open-source intelligence (OSINT) applies to the maritime domain, highlighting how tools like AIS (Automatic Identification System) data, satellite imagery, and social media can help track vessels and uncover suspicious activities such as sanctions evasion or illegal cargo transfers.
Rae explains the importance of historical context—knowing typical vessel routes and behaviors—to spot anomalies that may indicate illicit or sanctioned cargo, and also touches on how adversaries employ “shadow fleets,” spoof AIS signals, and hide ownership behind shell companies. The conversation concludes with advice for analysts, compliance teams, and insurers on mitigating risks, conducting thorough due diligence, and leveraging AI as a complement (not a substitute) to human expertise.
Special Guest: Rae Baker.