Well, today's big take is an in-depth investigation into Russia's plot to kill the boss of a German defense giant, Mattel. Yes, you heard that right. Armin Pop out ago has alleged the company's efforts to arm Ukraine.Now it's brought the weapons supplier unprecedented sales numbers, but it's also turned the chief executive into a Russian target. Our senior writer, Stephanie Baker, worked on the story and joins us now. Stephanie, first of all, it's a really in-depth, fantastic big take from everyone to go an ...

Corporate Fraud & Espionage - The Financial Times exposed Wirecard, a German financial payments giant, as a major corporate fraud in 2020 [1] - The fraud is considered the biggest in German history [1] - Yan Marcel, Wirecard's COO, led a double life as a fraudster and a spy connected to Russian intelligence agencies [2] - Marcel disappeared with millions just before Wirecard's collapse [3] - Marcel's activities included conspiracies to empower the far-right, corrupt politicians, manipulate intelligence agencies, and engage with organized crime [5] Investigation & Scope - The Financial Times has been investigating Marcel's activities for the past year [3] - The investigation spans from Vienna to North Africa, exploring Marcel's past and his connections [4] - Marcel's life involved high-end European restaurants, parties with a Russian lover, and involvement in the war on terror, including selfies with Russian mercenaries in Syria and Libya [5] - Marcel used proxies to steal classified military equipment, trail journalists and dissidents, and potentially lay the groundwork for assassinations [5] - The investigation highlights the fragility of law-abiding societies and the allure of the "other side" for some individuals [6]