Spy gifts aren't a conspiracy theory. A coin, a carved eagle, or a lanyard can all carry tracking devices.

The White House delegation to China reportedly kept all received gifts separate rather than bringing them home. Michel Juneau-Katsuya, a former CSIS senior intelligence officer, calls it a good counterintelligence reflex. His preference: examine the gifts rather than discard them, because a captured device is an intelligence opportunity. Russian intelligence once planted a listening device inside a carved wooden eagle gifted to the American ambassador and listened to every conversation in his office.

The technology is the same passive antenna system in every tap-to-pay credit card. A beam of electricity activates the antenna, the antenna charges a chip, and the chip transmits. Michel Juneau-Katsuya says Canadian businesses and government have been naive about this threat for too long, leaving an opening that foreign intelligence services have used to their advantage.

Topics: spy gifts, CSIS intelligence, China counterintelligence, listening devices, espionage technology

GUEST: Michel Juneau-Katsuya

Originally aired on 2026-05-20

Spy gifts aren't a conspiracy theory. A coin, a carved eagle, or a lanyard can all carry tracking devices.
The White House delegation to China reportedly kept all received gifts separate rather than bringing them home. Michel Juneau-Katsuya, a former CSIS senior intelligence officer, calls it a good counterintelligence reflex. His preference: examine the gifts rather than discard them, because a captured device is an intelligence opportunity. Russian intelligence once planted a listening device inside a carved wooden eagle gifted to the American ambassador and listened to every conversation in his office.
The technology is the same passive antenna system in every tap-to-pay credit card. A beam of electricity activates the antenna, the antenna charges a chip, and the chip transmits. Michel Juneau-Katsuya says Canadian businesses and government have been naive about this threat for too long, leaving an opening that foreign intelligence services have used to their advantage.
Topics: spy gifts, CSIS intelligence, China counterintelligence, listening devices, espionage technology
GUEST: Michel Juneau-Katsuya
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-05-20

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.