Nearly 3 decades ago, the CIA became a venture capitalist. One of its early bets was a surveillance company named after an all-seeing stone from Lord of the Rings. That company's founder now hosts an annual secret gathering of the most powerful people in the world. And, of course, an infamous dead sex trafficker had the invitation. This week’s episode is In-Q-Tel: The CIA's Silicon Valley Venture.Click here for this week's show notes.Click here to sign up for our Patreon and receive hundreds of hours of bonus content.Please click here to leave a review and tell us what you think of the show.CRIMEWAVE AT SEA 2027 is happening Feb. 8-12, 2027! Tickets on Sale: Feb. 13, 2026 Get $100 off your stateroom and a private meet and greet with us! Go to http://crimewaveatsea.com/SINISTERPlease consider supporting the companies that support us!-To grab your PAKA hoodie, go to WWW.PAKAAPPAREL.COM.-To get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month, go to www.MINTMOBILE.com/sinisterhood.-To explore pet insurance coverage, visit ASPCApetinsurance.com/CREEPY. -Hero Bread is offering 10% off your order. Go to hero.co and use code CREEPY at checkout.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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