Shawn Ryan Show – Episode #198: Blerim Skoro - CIA & FBI Asset / Al-Qaeda Infiltrator

Host: Shawn Ryan
Guest: Blerim Skoro (also referred to as Blair Emscoro in the transcript)
Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction and Early Life in Kosovo

[04:00] Shawn Ryan welcomes Blerim Skoro, highlighting his tumultuous background as a Kosovan Albanian immigrant and former Yugoslav army soldier. Skoro’s early years were marked by ethnic tensions under Yugoslav rule, leading him to serve in the military to escape persecution during the Kosovo War.

Skoro:
"I was in a group with one of the most dangerous criminals, Raznathovich Arkan. I witnessed beheadings, killings, rapes—I saw it all up close."
[05:27]

At the age of 20, amidst the horrors of war, Skoro was forced to confront the brutal realities of ethnic conflict. He describes his first experience with violence when he was ordered to shoot Serbian Chetnik volunteers attempting to infiltrate their base.

Skoro:
"It was my first time shooting people. They didn’t want to stop, so I pulled the trigger to protect myself and my family."
[07:00]

Desertion and Escape from Yugoslavia

Torn by the atrocities he witnessed and faced with the threat of retribution against his family, Skoro made the daring decision to desert the Yugoslav military in October 1991. His escape route took him through multiple countries, utilizing fake passports and leveraging his street smarts to navigate through borders undetected.

Skoro:
"I believe God gave me the skills to survive. I used my connections and forged multiple identities to make it to Switzerland and eventually to the United States."
[35:46]

Life in the United States and Involvement with the Mafia

After arriving in New York City in 1994, Skoro was granted political asylum in May 1995. He quickly immersed himself in various jobs to support his American-born wife and daughters. However, financial pressures led him into the underworld, where he became involved with the Albanian and Italian mafia, engaging in drug smuggling operations.

Skoro:
"I started dealing drugs to support my family. It was a lucrative but dangerous path, and I had to keep it hidden from my loved ones."
[54:26]

Skoro recounts his successful tenure in drug trafficking, describing how he managed significant sums of money while maintaining a low profile. Despite the risks, his military background earned him respect within the mafia circles, allowing him to operate effectively.

Skoro:
"We were transporting cocaine at high volumes—up to $55,000 per kilo. It was a profitable venture, but I was always cautious."
[61:30]

Arrest and Prison Experience

In 2000, Skoro’s illicit activities caught up with him, leading to his arrest and an eight-year prison sentence. During his incarceration, he encountered members of Al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations, which would later play a pivotal role in his involvement with U.S. intelligence agencies.

Skoro:
"In prison, I became a leader among the Muslim community. I interacted with Hezbollah, Hamas, and Al-Qaeda members, gathering crucial intelligence."
[99:22]

Crossroads During 9/11 and Recruitment by U.S. Intelligence

On September 11, 2001, while in prison, Skoro overheard fellow inmates discussing the terrorist attacks. The following day, he was approached by members of the CIA and FBI who recognized his potential as an informant and asset.

Skoro:
"The day after 9/11, CIA agents contacted me. They saw an opportunity to use my unique position to infiltrate terrorist networks."
[108:38]

Skoro underwent rigorous training with the CIA, learning advanced skills in communication, weapons handling, and counter-surveillance. His mission was to leverage his connections within terrorist organizations to gather intelligence and disrupt their operations.

Skoro:
"I was trained to communicate effectively with terrorists, understand their networks, and identify their financiers and operatives."
[116:52]

Operational Activities and Sabotage

Throughout his collaboration with U.S. intelligence from 2001 to 2007, Skoro played a significant role in identifying and dismantling terrorist cells. He facilitated the smuggling and destruction of weapons intended for Al-Qaeda and participated in operations aimed at weakening terrorist infrastructure.

Skoro:
"We intercepted shipments of explosives and weapons. I personally ensured their destruction, preventing them from reaching their intended targets."
[150:27]

Betrayal and Assassination Attempt

In 2010, Skoro became embroiled in a betrayal orchestrated by within the CIA. During a meeting at a safe house, he was ambushed and shot multiple times by individuals posing as hostile agents. This event shattered his trust in the intelligence community, leading to severe injuries and questioning the integrity of his handlers.

Skoro:
"I was shot four times in a staged assassination attempt. They used my past against me, betraying my dedication and sacrifices."
[177:27]

Release, Deportation, and Aftermath

After recovering, Skoro was released from prison but found himself further entangled in legal and bureaucratic challenges. In 2016, he was unjustly arrested again due to internal CIA betrayals and misinformation, leading to prolonged detention and additional distrust towards U.S. agencies.

Skoro:
"Despite my cooperation and the intelligence I provided, I was mistreated and further persecuted by the very agencies I helped."
[201:24]

Eventually, Skoro managed to secure his status in the United States, allowing him to reunite with his family. However, he remained disillusioned with the intelligence community, citing systemic failures and personal betrayals that cost him dearly.

Current Life and Documentary Project

Today, Skoro drives a cab in New York City, leading a quiet life far removed from his past exploits. His story is being chronicled in a forthcoming documentary titled "Accidental Spy", set to release soon. The film aims to shed light on his complex journey from a persecuted soldier to a pivotal intelligence asset and the subsequent betrayals he endured.

Skoro:
"I hope through my documentary, people understand the sacrifices made and the flaws within the intelligence system that left me betrayed."
[240:16]

Closing Remarks

Shawn Ryan concludes the episode by expressing gratitude for Skoro’s contributions and resilience. Skoro emphasizes his desire for the documentary to highlight both his personal struggles and broader systemic issues within U.S. intelligence operations.

Skoro:
"I did everything for my country and my family. I deserve to be treated with respect, not as a fallen asset."
[241:48]

Shawn Ryan:
"Thank you for sharing your incredible story, Blerim. Your courage and experiences provide invaluable insights into the complexities of intelligence work and personal sacrifice."
[240:33]

Notable Quotes:

1. Skoro on Witnessing War Atrocities:
   "I witnessed beheading, killings, rape—you name it."
   [05:27]

2. Skoro on Desertion:
   "I had no choice but to protect my family from being killed."
   [12:48]

3. Skoro on Engagement with the Mafia:
   "We were transporting cocaine at high volumes—up to $55,000 per kilo."
   [61:30]

4. Skoro on Prison Leadership:
   "I became a leader among the Muslim community. I interacted with Hezbollah, Hamas, and Al-Qaeda members, gathering crucial intelligence."
   [99:22]

5. Skoro on Betrayal by CIA:
   "I was shot four times in a staged assassination attempt. They used my past against me, betraying my dedication and sacrifices."
   [177:27]

6. Skoro on the Documentary:
   "I hope through my documentary, people understand the sacrifices made and the flaws within the intelligence system that left me betrayed."
   [240:16]

Conclusion

Blerim Skoro's narrative is a harrowing tale of survival, betrayal, and resilience. From the ravages of ethnic conflict in Kosovo to the clandestine operations within U.S. intelligence agencies, his story underscores the often-overlooked personal costs of espionage and counterterrorism efforts. The upcoming documentary promises to delve deeper into these themes, offering a compelling look at the human side of intelligence work.