S04 E01 - OSINT in the Maritime Domain with Rae Baker

OSINT with ShadowDragon & Digital Tools For Modern Investigations

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.