ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - March 11, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - March 11, 2024

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• Australia and Vietnam Upgrade Ties and Begin Talks on Critical Minerals
• India Uncovers Trafficking Ring Funneling Victims into Russian Military
• Two Deaths and One Injury in Blast Near Peshawar’s Board Bazaar in Pakistan

Australia and Vietnam Upgrade Ties and Begin Talks on Critical Minerals

On March 7, Australia and Vietnam upgraded their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership level, aiming to develop trade and diversify supply chains away from China. Both sides produce the minerals, with Australia being a major producer of critical minerals that are used in everything from smartphones to automobiles, while Vietnam has some of the largest untapped deposits in the world. After a series of deals in recent months, Vietnam’s top partners now include the United States, China, India, and South Korea. Vietnam is also part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has free trade deals with the European Union, and is a member of wider trade pacts, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPYPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Vietnam is seen as one of the key manufacturing alternatives to China. It possesses some of the same manufacturing expertise and even lower wages. Vietnam does, however, lack infrastructure like reliable electricity, and its Communist government poses some of the same political challenges as China.

India Uncovers Trafficking Ring Funneling Victims into Russian Military

On March 8, Indian authorities announced the uncovering of a human trafficking ring tricking young men into fighting in Ukraine for the Russian military. About 35 Indian men have so far been lured to Russia with promises of high-paying jobs or educational opportunities only to be pressed into combat roles as part of Russia's invasion. At least two victims have been killed on the frontline, including one man from Hyderabad who was confirmed dead earlier this week. Others have reportedly received severe injuries. Sources claim victims are contacted via social media or through local agents and asked to pay large sums. After arriving in Russia their passports are confiscated and they are forced into combat training with the Russian military. Indian authorities conducted raids in seven cities to unravel the network and have arrested multiple individuals in connection with the investigation. Law enforcement will likely continue operations in the near future as it works to unravel the operation.

Two Deaths and One Injury in Blast Near Peshawar’s Board Bazaar in Pakistan

Officials have confirmed the death of two people in a blast near Board Bazaar in the Peshawar district of Pakistan on March 10. The blast occurred when the two individuals were reportedly transporting approximately ten pounds of explosives on a motorbike. A third individual has been injured as well. The Counter Terrorism Department and other law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident, according to a Peshawar Senior Police Superintendent.