RealClearPolitics Podcast

FBI Source Goes Missing in Russia: From 9/11 to the War in Ukraine

Episode Summary

RealClearDefense contributor John Waters speaks with Wall Street Journal National Security reporter Brett Forrest about his new bestselling book, "Lost Son: An American Family Trapped Inside the FBI’s Secret Wars.” Expanding on his investigation for the Journal, Forrest explores the disappearance of Billy Reilly, a gifted civilian who volunteered as an undercover FBI source inside Russia. When their son went missing, Reilly’s parents were shut out of the investigation by the FBI and turned to Forrest to uncover what happened. Brett Forrest is a national security reporter for The Wall Street Journal where his work often focuses on the former Soviet Union. He has covered the war in Ukraine and was the first reporter to into the Kiev suburb of Bucha following the Russian military’s withdrawal, where he broke the news of alleged atrocities.

Episode Notes

RealClearDefense contributor John Waters speaks with Wall Street Journal National Security reporter Brett Forrest about his new bestselling book, "Lost Son: An American Family Trapped Inside the FBI’s Secret Wars.” Expanding on his investigation for the Journal, Forrest explores the disappearance of Billy Reilly, a gifted civilian who volunteered as an undercover FBI source inside Russia. When their son went missing, Reilly’s parents were shut out of the investigation by the FBI and turned to Forrest to uncover what happened. 

Brett Forrest is a national security reporter for The Wall Street Journal where his work often focuses on the former Soviet Union. He has covered the war in Ukraine and was the first reporter to enter the Kiev suburb of Bucha following the Russian military’s withdrawal, where he broke the news of alleged atrocities. 

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