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Vancouver Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- Vancouver Sun
Lawyer insists foreign adversary is behind Canadian diplomats' Havana Syndrome
A lawyer for Canadian diplomats and their families says he believes the mysterious ailments they suffered in Cuba were caused by a foreign adversary, despite a federal government report that dismisses the theory. Eight years after foreign service officials and their dependants began reporting such symptoms as headaches, memory loss, mood changes, vision problems, nausea and nosebleeds, a legal action against Ottawa over the health problems is still grinding along in Federal Court. The 17 plaintiffs, who seek millions of dollars in damages, allege the Canadian government failed to protect them, hid crucial information and downplayed the seriousness of the risks. The government has denied negligence and wrongdoing. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Several U.S. personnel who worked in Cuba have reported similar health issues, commonly known as Havana Syndrome. Theories about the cause have included pesticide spraying, the effect of chirping crickets, malfunctioning eavesdropping devices, and targeted energy or sonic attacks by an enemy state. The Canadian government says it has found no evidence of foul play by a foreign adversary. A Global Affairs Canada report completed in August 2024 says the department has concluded that the unexplained health incidents 'were not the result of a malicious act of a foreign actor.' The report, drawing on the work of an interdepartmental task force and external experts, says pre-existing medical conditions, environmental factors and conventional illnesses 'were likely to have been important factors in many of the symptoms experienced.' The report adds that the findings 'do not cast doubt on the authenticity of the symptoms reported by staff members and their dependants.' Paul Miller, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, told The Canadian Press he is 'very confident' a foreign actor is to blame for the Canadians' health difficulties. 'I really trust the people that I have spoken with and met with,' he said. 'I have absolutely no faith in the (Global Affairs Canada) report because they are trying to put out the narrative that works for them.' The plaintiffs' court action, filed in 2019, remains unresolved. Three years ago, the parties agreed to the appointment of a former Supreme Court judge to mediate the claims of nine family members in the case. Miller said the two days of talks in early 2023 'just went nowhere.' He said he has made efforts to file new information in the case but the material is being treated as confidential pending the resolution of concerns about the disclosure of sensitive or potentially injurious information, as defined by the Canada Evidence Act. The Global Affairs report traces the various steps federal agencies have taken over the years in response to the illness complaints, including security, medical and environmental assessments. A multi-agency Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, led by the RCMP, opened an investigation in June 2017. Global Affairs and RCMP officials began travelling regularly to Cuba as part of the investigation to look at the possibility of malicious attacks, the report says. Canadian officials also shared information with foreign partners, including the United States. In 2019, instruments designed to detect and capture evidence of acoustic and radiation surges, and to measure environmental effects — such as temperature, humidity, barometric pressure and ozone levels — were installed in the living quarters of Canadian staff in Havana. 'The data collected from the instruments did not provide relevant and probative information to identify a cause for the symptoms,' the Global Affairs report says. 'As such, in 2022, the instruments were removed.' The integrated national security team concluded 'there was no criminality and no evidence attributing these health symptoms to a foreign actor,' the report adds. 'In their conclusions, the RCMP and other domestic partner agencies assess that there is no known criminality, no known attribution for (unexplained health incidents) and no patterns related to symptoms, age, gender, location, or other variable.' The U.S. intelligence community looked at possible evidence of a foreign adversary's involvement, the feasibility of tools that could cause the reported symptoms and whether medical analysis could help find answers. A March 1, 2023, report from the U.S. National Intelligence Council said these lines of inquiry led most intelligence community agencies to conclude — with varying levels of confidence — that it was 'very unlikely' a foreign adversary was responsible for the health issues reported by American personnel. Global Affairs, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the RCMP subsequently met to discuss the U.S. council's findings. The RCMP indicated that 'since no criminality was uncovered, its criminal investigation would be concluded,' and CSIS advised it also would be wrapping up its investigations for similar reasons, the Global Affairs report says. Overall, the Canadian efforts 'have not uncovered a clear common cause of the symptoms experienced by government of Canada employees,' the report adds. 'Canada's findings are aligned with the conclusions of the United States on their various health studies and the security report published by the National Intelligence Council.' Miller points to other research and testimony that challenge those findings. Lawyer Mark Zaid, representing several U.S. personnel with symptoms, told a congressional hearing in May 2024 that there was intelligence, scientific and medical evidence substantiating the reports of anomalous health incidents, and that some were caused by a foreign adversary. Zaid, who had authorized access to secret details, said he was convinced that 'the evidence that exists in the classified arena directly contradicts the public conclusions' provided by U.S. federal agencies about the cause of the health symptoms. Global Affairs says it stands by the findings of its 2024 report. Department spokesperson John Babcock said the foreign ministry continues to support the Canadian diplomats and their dependents. 'For privacy and security reasons, Global Affairs Canada cannot comment on the specifics of the ongoing investigations, individual cases, nor on specific security measures,' he said in an emailed response to questions. 'We cannot provide further comment on this matter as it is before the courts.' Internal Global Affairs notes — prepared last year to help answer questions about the department's report — say the unexplained health incidents 'highlighted the challenges of providing responsive health care to diplomats and their families in the context of unforeseen crisis situations abroad.' The notes, obtained through the Access to Information Act, say the department had initiated a 'thorough review' of the department's overseas health program for employees and their dependents in missions around the world. 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Toronto Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- Toronto Sun
Lawyer 'very confident' a foreign adversary attacked Canadian diplomats in Cuba
Published Aug 17, 2025 • 5 minute read In this April 17, 2018 file photo, a man walks beside Canada's embassy in Havana, Cuba. Photo by Desmond Boylan / The Associated Press OTTAWA — A lawyer for Canadian diplomats and their families says he believes the mysterious ailments they suffered in Cuba were caused by a foreign adversary, despite a federal government report that dismisses the theory. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Eight years after foreign service officials and their dependants began reporting such symptoms as headaches, memory loss, mood changes, vision problems, nausea and nosebleeds, a legal action against Ottawa over the health problems is still grinding along in Federal Court. The 17 plaintiffs, who seek millions of dollars in damages, allege the Canadian government failed to protect them, hid crucial information and downplayed the seriousness of the risks. The government has denied negligence and wrongdoing. Several U.S. personnel who worked in Cuba have reported similar health issues, commonly known as Havana Syndrome. Theories about the cause have included pesticide spraying, the effect of chirping crickets, malfunctioning eavesdropping devices, and targeted energy or sonic attacks by an enemy state. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Canadian government says it has found no evidence of foul play by a foreign adversary. A Global Affairs Canada report completed in August 2024 says the department has concluded that the unexplained health incidents 'were not the result of a malicious act of a foreign actor.' The report, drawing on the work of an interdepartmental task force and external experts, says pre-existing medical conditions, environmental factors and conventional illnesses 'were likely to have been important factors in many of the symptoms experienced.' The report adds that the findings 'do not cast doubt on the authenticity of the symptoms reported by staff members and their dependants.' Paul Miller, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, told The Canadian Press he is 'very confident' a foreign actor is to blame for the Canadians' health difficulties. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I really trust the people that I have spoken with and met with,' he said. 'I have absolutely no faith in the (Global Affairs Canada) report because they are trying to put out the narrative that works for them.' The plaintiffs' court action, filed in 2019, remains unresolved. Three years ago, the parties agreed to the appointment of a former Supreme Court judge to mediate the claims of nine family members in the case. Miller said the two days of talks in early 2023 'just went nowhere.' He said he has made efforts to file new information in the case but the material is being treated as confidential pending the resolution of concerns about the disclosure of sensitive or potentially injurious information, as defined by the Canada Evidence Act. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Global Affairs report traces the various steps federal agencies have taken over the years in response to the illness complaints, including security, medical and environmental assessments. A multi-agency Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, led by the RCMP, opened an investigation in June 2017. Global Affairs and RCMP officials began travelling regularly to Cuba as part of the investigation to look at the possibility of malicious attacks, the report says. Canadian officials also shared information with foreign partners, including the United States. RECOMMENDED VIDEO In 2019, instruments designed to detect and capture evidence of acoustic and radiation surges, and to measure environmental effects — such as temperature, humidity, barometric pressure and ozone levels — were installed in the living quarters of Canadian staff in Havana. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'The data collected from the instruments did not provide relevant and probative information to identify a cause for the symptoms,' the Global Affairs report says. 'As such, in 2022, the instruments were removed.' The integrated national security team concluded 'there was no criminality and no evidence attributing these health symptoms to a foreign actor,' the report adds. 'In their conclusions, the RCMP and other domestic partner agencies assess that there is no known criminality, no known attribution for (unexplained health incidents) and no patterns related to symptoms, age, gender, location, or other variable.' The U.S. intelligence community looked at possible evidence of a foreign adversary's involvement, the feasibility of tools that could cause the reported symptoms and whether medical analysis could help find answers. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. A March 1, 2023, report from the U.S. National Intelligence Council said these lines of inquiry led most intelligence community agencies to conclude — with varying levels of confidence — that it was 'very unlikely' a foreign adversary was responsible for the health issues reported by American personnel. Global Affairs, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the RCMP subsequently met to discuss the U.S. council's findings. The RCMP indicated that 'since no criminality was uncovered, its criminal investigation would be concluded,' and CSIS advised it also would be wrapping up its investigations for similar reasons, the Global Affairs report says. Overall, the Canadian efforts 'have not uncovered a clear common cause of the symptoms experienced by government of Canada employees,' the report adds. 'Canada's findings are aligned with the conclusions of the United States on their various health studies and the security report published by the National Intelligence Council.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Miller points to other research and testimony that challenge those findings. Lawyer Mark Zaid, representing several U.S. personnel with symptoms, told a congressional hearing in May 2024 there was intelligence, scientific and medical evidence substantiating the reports of anomalous health incidents, and that some were caused by a foreign adversary. Zaid, who had authorized access to secret details, said he was convinced that 'the evidence that exists in the classified arena directly contradicts the public conclusions' provided by U.S. federal agencies about the cause of the health symptoms. Global Affairs says it stands by the findings of its 2024 report. Department spokesperson John Babcock said the foreign ministry continues to support the Canadian diplomats and their dependants. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'For privacy and security reasons, Global Affairs Canada cannot comment on the specifics of the ongoing investigations, individual cases, nor on specific security measures,' he said in an emailed response to questions. 'We cannot provide further comment on this matter as it is before the courts.' Internal Global Affairs notes — prepared last year to help answer questions about the department's report — say the unexplained health incidents 'highlighted the challenges of providing responsive health care to diplomats and their families in the context of unforeseen crisis situations abroad.' The notes, obtained through the Access to Information Act, say the department had initiated a 'thorough review' of the department's overseas health program for employees and their dependants in missions around the world. Columnists Sunshine Girls Sunshine Girls CFL Toronto & GTA
Global News
3 days ago
- Health
- Global News
Lawyer ‘very confident' a foreign adversary attacked Canadian diplomats in Cuba
A lawyer for Canadian diplomats and their families says he believes the mysterious ailments they suffered in Cuba were caused by a foreign adversary, despite a federal government report that dismisses the theory. Eight years after foreign service officials and their dependants began reporting such symptoms as headaches, memory loss, mood changes, vision problems, nausea and nosebleeds, a legal action against Ottawa over the health problems is still grinding along in Federal Court. The 17 plaintiffs, who seek millions of dollars in damages, allege the Canadian government failed to protect them, hid crucial information and downplayed the seriousness of the risks. The government has denied negligence and wrongdoing. Several U.S. personnel who worked in Cuba have reported similar health issues, commonly known as Havana Syndrome. Theories about the cause have included pesticide spraying, the effect of chirping crickets, malfunctioning eavesdropping devices, and targeted energy or sonic attacks by an enemy state. Story continues below advertisement The Canadian government says it has found no evidence of foul play by a foreign adversary. A Global Affairs Canada report completed in August 2024 says the department has concluded that the unexplained health incidents 'were not the result of a malicious act of a foreign actor.' The report, drawing on the work of an interdepartmental task force and external experts, says pre-existing medical conditions, environmental factors and conventional illnesses 'were likely to have been important factors in many of the symptoms experienced.' The report adds that the findings 'do not cast doubt on the authenticity of the symptoms reported by staff members and their dependants.' Paul Miller, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, told The Canadian Press he is 'very confident' a foreign actor is to blame for the Canadians' health difficulties. 'I really trust the people that I have spoken with and met with,' he said. 'I have absolutely no faith in the (Global Affairs Canada) report because they are trying to put out the narrative that works for them.' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The plaintiffs' court action, filed in 2019, remains unresolved. Three years ago, the parties agreed to the appointment of a former Supreme Court judge to mediate the claims of nine family members in the case. Story continues below advertisement Miller said the two days of talks in early 2023 'just went nowhere.' He said he has made efforts to file new information in the case but the material is being treated as confidential pending the resolution of concerns about the disclosure of sensitive or potentially injurious information, as defined by the Canada Evidence Act. The Global Affairs report traces the various steps federal agencies have taken over the years in response to the illness complaints, including security, medical and environmental assessments. A multi-agency Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, led by the RCMP, opened an investigation in June 2017. Global Affairs and RCMP officials began travelling regularly to Cuba as part of the investigation to look at the possibility of malicious attacks, the report says. Canadian officials also shared information with foreign partners, including the United States. In 2019, instruments designed to detect and capture evidence of acoustic and radiation surges, and to measure environmental effects — such as temperature, humidity, barometric pressure and ozone levels — were installed in the living quarters of Canadian staff in Havana. 'The data collected from the instruments did not provide relevant and probative information to identify a cause for the symptoms,' the Global Affairs report says. 'As such, in 2022, the instruments were removed.' Story continues below advertisement The integrated national security team concluded 'there was no criminality and no evidence attributing these health symptoms to a foreign actor,' the report adds. 'In their conclusions, the RCMP and other domestic partner agencies assess that there is no known criminality, no known attribution for (unexplained health incidents) and no patterns related to symptoms, age, gender, location, or other variable.' The U.S. intelligence community looked at possible evidence of a foreign adversary's involvement, the feasibility of tools that could cause the reported symptoms and whether medical analysis could help find answers. A March 1, 2023, report from the U.S. National Intelligence Council said these lines of inquiry led most intelligence community agencies to conclude — with varying levels of confidence — that it was 'very unlikely' a foreign adversary was responsible for the health issues reported by American personnel. Global Affairs, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the RCMP subsequently met to discuss the U.S. council's findings. The RCMP indicated that 'since no criminality was uncovered, its criminal investigation would be concluded,' and CSIS advised it also would be wrapping up its investigations for similar reasons, the Global Affairs report says. Overall, the Canadian efforts 'have not uncovered a clear common cause of the symptoms experienced by government of Canada employees,' the report adds. 'Canada's findings are aligned with the conclusions of the United States on their various health studies and the security report published by the National Intelligence Council.' Story continues below advertisement Miller points to other research and testimony that challenge those findings. Lawyer Mark Zaid, representing several U.S. personnel with symptoms, told a congressional hearing in May 2024 there was intelligence, scientific and medical evidence substantiating the reports of anomalous health incidents, and that some were caused by a foreign adversary. Zaid, who had authorized access to secret details, said he was convinced that 'the evidence that exists in the classified arena directly contradicts the public conclusions' provided by U.S. federal agencies about the cause of the health symptoms. Global Affairs says it stands by the findings of its 2024 report. Department spokesperson John Babcock said the foreign ministry continues to support the Canadian diplomats and their dependants. 'For privacy and security reasons, Global Affairs Canada cannot comment on the specifics of the ongoing investigations, individual cases, nor on specific security measures,' he said in an emailed response to questions. 'We cannot provide further comment on this matter as it is before the courts.' Internal Global Affairs notes — prepared last year to help answer questions about the department's report — say the unexplained health incidents 'highlighted the challenges of providing responsive health care to diplomats and their families in the context of unforeseen crisis situations abroad.' Story continues below advertisement The notes, obtained through the Access to Information Act, say the department had initiated a 'thorough review' of the department's overseas health program for employees and their dependants in missions around the world.
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Lawyer ‘very confident' a foreign adversary attacked Canadian diplomats in Cuba
OTTAWA – A lawyer for Canadian diplomats and their families says he believes the mysterious ailments they suffered in Cuba were caused by a foreign adversary, despite a federal government report that dismisses the theory. Eight years after foreign service officials and their dependants began reporting such symptoms as headaches, memory loss, mood changes, vision problems, nausea and nosebleeds, a legal action against Ottawa over the health problems is still grinding along in Federal Court. The 17 plaintiffs, who seek millions of dollars in damages, allege the Canadian government failed to protect them, hid crucial information and downplayed the seriousness of the risks. The government has denied negligence and wrongdoing. Several U.S. personnel who worked in Cuba have reported similar health issues, commonly known as Havana Syndrome. Theories about the cause have included pesticide spraying, the effect of chirping crickets, malfunctioning eavesdropping devices, and targeted energy or sonic attacks by an enemy state. The Canadian government says it has found no evidence of foul play by a foreign adversary. A Global Affairs Canada report completed in August 2024 says the department has concluded that the unexplained health incidents 'were not the result of a malicious act of a foreign actor.' The report, drawing on the work of an interdepartmental task force and external experts, says pre-existing medical conditions, environmental factors and conventional illnesses 'were likely to have been important factors in many of the symptoms experienced.' The report adds that the findings 'do not cast doubt on the authenticity of the symptoms reported by staff members and their dependants.' Paul Miller, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, told The Canadian Press he is 'very confident' a foreign actor is to blame for the Canadians' health difficulties. 'I really trust the people that I have spoken with and met with,' he said. 'I have absolutely no faith in the (Global Affairs Canada) report because they are trying to put out the narrative that works for them.' The plaintiffs' court action, filed in 2019, remains unresolved. Three years ago, the parties agreed to the appointment of a former Supreme Court judge to mediate the claims of nine family members in the case. Miller said the two days of talks in early 2023 'just went nowhere.' He said he has made efforts to file new information in the case but the material is being treated as confidential pending the resolution of concerns about the disclosure of sensitive or potentially injurious information, as defined by the Canada Evidence Act. The Global Affairs report traces the various steps federal agencies have taken over the years in response to the illness complaints, including security, medical and environmental assessments. A multi-agency Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, led by the RCMP, opened an investigation in June 2017. Global Affairs and RCMP officials began travelling regularly to Cuba as part of the investigation to look at the possibility of malicious attacks, the report says. Canadian officials also shared information with foreign partners, including the United States. In 2019, instruments designed to detect and capture evidence of acoustic and radiation surges, and to measure environmental effects — such as temperature, humidity, barometric pressure and ozone levels — were installed in the living quarters of Canadian staff in Havana. 'The data collected from the instruments did not provide relevant and probative information to identify a cause for the symptoms,' the Global Affairs report says. 'As such, in 2022, the instruments were removed.' The integrated national security team concluded 'there was no criminality and no evidence attributing these health symptoms to a foreign actor,' the report adds. 'In their conclusions, the RCMP and other domestic partner agencies assess that there is no known criminality, no known attribution for (unexplained health incidents) and no patterns related to symptoms, age, gender, location, or other variable.' The U.S. intelligence community looked at possible evidence of a foreign adversary's involvement, the feasibility of tools that could cause the reported symptoms and whether medical analysis could help find answers. A March 1, 2023, report from the U.S. National Intelligence Council said these lines of inquiry led most intelligence community agencies to conclude — with varying levels of confidence — that it was 'very unlikely' a foreign adversary was responsible for the health issues reported by American personnel. Global Affairs, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the RCMP subsequently met to discuss the U.S. council's findings. The RCMP indicated that 'since no criminality was uncovered, its criminal investigation would be concluded,' and CSIS advised it also would be wrapping up its investigations for similar reasons, the Global Affairs report says. Overall, the Canadian efforts 'have not uncovered a clear common cause of the symptoms experienced by government of Canada employees,' the report adds. 'Canada's findings are aligned with the conclusions of the United States on their various health studies and the security report published by the National Intelligence Council.' Miller points to other research and testimony that challenge those findings. Lawyer Mark Zaid, representing several U.S. personnel with symptoms, told a congressional hearing in May 2024 there was intelligence, scientific and medical evidence substantiating the reports of anomalous health incidents, and that some were caused by a foreign adversary. Zaid, who had authorized access to secret details, said he was convinced that 'the evidence that exists in the classified arena directly contradicts the public conclusions' provided by U.S. federal agencies about the cause of the health symptoms. Global Affairs says it stands by the findings of its 2024 report. Department spokesperson John Babcock said the foreign ministry continues to support the Canadian diplomats and their dependants. Wednesdays What's next in arts, life and pop culture. 'For privacy and security reasons, Global Affairs Canada cannot comment on the specifics of the ongoing investigations, individual cases, nor on specific security measures,' he said in an emailed response to questions. 'We cannot provide further comment on this matter as it is before the courts.' Internal Global Affairs notes — prepared last year to help answer questions about the department's report — say the unexplained health incidents 'highlighted the challenges of providing responsive health care to diplomats and their families in the context of unforeseen crisis situations abroad.' The notes, obtained through the Access to Information Act, say the department had initiated a 'thorough review' of the department's overseas health program for employees and their dependants in missions around the world. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 17, 2025.
Irish Examiner
15-07-2025
- Irish Examiner
Podcast Corner: West Cork crew tackle intriguing tale of mystery in Havana
It's been over seven years since the West Cork podcast was first released via Audible. It was subsequently made widely available in 2021 to coincide with Ian Bailey's trial in France, where he was found guilty of the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Made by Sam Bungey and Jennifer Forde, West Cork is one of the best true crime podcast series ever made, right up there with season one of Serial. While subsequent promotion, events, and tie-ins (a deal to adapt it for TV was struck in 2021) took up much of their life since, Bungey and Forde found time to focus on an entirely separate investigation for the series Havana Helmet Club, released via BBC Sounds. Forde, in the opening episode Psychological Fortitude, says: 'A recording of the otherworldly sound was posted on Twitter. At the time, we were on an all-consuming deadline for a podcast about an unsolved murder in West Cork, Ireland.' Bungey continues: 'But we were pulled in by this mystery sound.' Havana Helmet Club explores this otherworldly and mystery sound, which was allegedly experienced by more than 200 victims of 'Havana Syndrome'. In 2016 CIA agents and US diplomats working in Cuba started reporting a sensation of standing in an invisible beam of energy, a throbbing pressure, or being deafened by a screeching noise. They said the experience left them with terrifying after-effects including loss of vision and hearing, vertigo, brain fog and loss of balance. Others, however, believe the syndrome is a myth. Is it just an example of a mass psychogenic illness, a product of hysteria and overactive imaginations? That is what Bungey and Forde seek to uncover. 'We were fascinated by the unsettling nature of Havana Syndrome - how it seems to exist in a space between science, politics, and human perception,' says Forde. 'We've spoken to key figures, whistleblowers, and those directly affected to uncover what might be behind this mystery.' Bungey says: 'Our aim is to present the human stories at the centre of this phenomenon — those who say their lives have been upended, and those who believe this is all an illusion. It's a puzzle that remains unsolved, and we're excited for listeners to join us on this journey.' It's a long way from West Cork to Cuba, and listeners of the former will need to pay close attention to the 10-part series - it's incredibly dense and with its talk of undercover spies at funerals to exploding glasses at dinner parties, is perfect for fans of John Le Carré novels or the podcast The Rest is Classified. Read More Live Aid at 40: Tom Dunne and Irish Examiner readers share their memories
