How Feds Used Crypto AG as a Front for Surveilling Everyone for Decades

Crypto AG, got its first break with a contract to build code-making machines during World War II. Flush with cash from secret investors, it became a dominant maker of encryption devices for decades, making millions of dollars selling equipment to more than 120 countries well into the 21st century. Its clients included Iran, military juntas in Latin America, nuclear rivals India and Pakistan, and even the Vatican.

What no one knew until now was that Crypto AG was front owned by the CIA, and for a time, German intel. They rigged the company’s devices so they could break codes that countries used to send encrypted messages on the devices Crypto sold them.

Jazz and James dig into Crypto AG in this clip.

Full episode: https://therightstuff.biz/2020/04/16/ftn-304-based-and-nazcard/