12) The Thieves' Code

Summary

Podcast Summary: To Die For – Episode 12: The Thieves' Code

Introduction In Episode 12 of To Die For, titled "The Thieves' Code," host Neil Strauss delves deeper into the perilous world of Russian intelligence and organized crime. This episode focuses on Alia Roza, a professed "sex spy," as she embarks on a high-stakes mission to infiltrate Vladimir, the head of a formidable drug trafficking gang. Through meticulous storytelling and expert insights, listeners are taken on a suspense-filled journey that uncovers the intricate codes and personal struggles within the criminal underworld.

Understanding the Thieves' Code The episode opens with an exploration of the traditional Russian criminal hierarchy and the strict ethical framework that governs it. Strauss explains, “They saw themselves as the real carriers of the Russian tradition” (01:18). The narrative introduces the concept of the "thieves in law" (воры в законе), elite criminals born in Soviet labor camps who adhere to a rigid code of honor known as the Vorozkoi zakon or Thieves' Code. This code enforces severe personal sacrifices, including forsaking family ties and living solely through criminal activities.

An expert on Russian criminal codes details the stringent rules:

“He must forsake his family. He must never work. He must survive by criminal activities alone...” (02:14)

These guidelines illustrate the uncompromising nature of the criminal elite, emphasizing loyalty, secrecy, and unwavering dedication to the group's interests.

Alia Roza's Mission Begins The heart of the episode centers on Alia Roza’s daring mission to penetrate Vladimir's inner circle. Alia, meticulously trained to become the "perfect weapon," prepares for her first operation by adopting the appearance and demeanor of Vladimir's former girlfriend. She recounts her preparation:

“I dressed in this really short skirt and I bought a really beautiful but very sexy, very open top with crystals on it...” (04:50)

Her mission requires her to seduce Vladimir to gather intelligence on his drug trafficking operations. The stakes are exceptionally high; one misstep could result in her demise.

Infiltrating the Club On the night of the operation, Alia arrives at an exclusive club, the hottest spot in the city where Vladimir is known to frequent. She describes the environment vividly:

“Huge building, beautiful girls standing outside, smoking, beautiful dresses, just gorgeous.” (08:25)

Her team, posing as minor players in the drug scene, ensures her safety by placing surveillance nearby. Alia's colleague reassures her:

“We will be nearby. If something goes wrong, don’t worry...” (06:36)

First Encounter with Vladimir Upon meeting Vladimir, Alia employs her training to establish rapport, using humor and flattery to engage him in conversation. She notes the intense scrutiny he places on her:

“He was observing and studying what I'm doing, every single move I made.” (08:56)

Alia skillfully integrates herself into the conversation, mirroring the traits of Vladimir's ex-girlfriend to gain his trust. This delicate balance between authenticity and deception is critical to her mission's success.

Building Trust and Recruiting Anna As Alia gains acceptance within Vladimir's circle, she identifies an opportunity to recruit Anna, a long-standing member of the gang. Anna becomes a pivotal informant, providing deeper insights into the gang's operations. Alia recounts their interaction:

“She was wearing very low waist jeans and her panties, I could see her panties, like out of her jeans... And I started to speak with this girl about her look and fashion style...” (16:23)

Through genuine conversation, Alia earns Anna’s trust, laying the groundwork for future intelligence gathering.

Emotional Conflict and Growing Attachment The mission takes a personal turn when Alia begins developing genuine feelings for Vladimir. During a subsequent encounter, she describes an intimate moment that blurs the lines between her duty and her emotions:

“I accepted him fully. And I never, ever experienced anything like that before.” (32:53)

This emotional entanglement challenges Alia’s resolve, highlighting the inherent dangers of undercover work where personal feelings can compromise professional objectives.

Cliffhanger and Continued Tension As Alia navigates her dual roles, the episode builds tension towards its conclusion. She discovers significant evidence of the gang’s illegal activities but remains conflicted by her growing affection for Vladimir. The episode ends on a suspenseful note, setting the stage for the subsequent episode:

“I never felt this with anyone before... And it was so beautiful and powerful.” (33:49)

Conclusion Episode 12 of To Die For masterfully intertwines the complexities of undercover espionage with the rigid structures of Russian organized crime. Through Alia Roza’s journey, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the psychological and emotional toll of such missions. Neil Strauss’s compelling storytelling, complemented by expert analysis and authentic quotes, provides a gripping narrative that underscores the precarious balance between duty and personal emotion in the shadowy realms of international intelligence operations.

Key Quotes:

• Neil Strauss (Host): “They saw themselves as the real carriers of the Russian tradition.” (01:32)
• Expert on Russian Criminal Code: “He must forsake his family. He must never work...” (02:14)
• Alia Roza: “I dressed in this really short skirt and I bought a really beautiful but very sexy, very open top with crystals on it...” (04:50)
• Alia Roza: “He was observing and studying what I'm doing, every single move I made.” (08:56)
• Alia Roza: “I accepted him fully. And I never, ever experienced anything like that before.” (32:53)

Upcoming in Episode 13: As Alia delves deeper into Vladimir’s world, the lines between her mission and personal life continue to blur, raising the stakes and deepening the intrigue. Tune in to the next episode to follow Alia's continued struggle and the unfolding consequences of her undercover endeavors.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

Of to Die for are available now to binge absolutely free.

[Podcast Host]

But for ad free listening and exclusive.

[Narrator]

Bonuses, subscribe to Tenderfoot plus at tenderfootplus.com or on Apple Podcasts.

[Podcast Host]

Warning the following episode contains explicit language and sexual themes. Listener discretion is advised. They saw themselves as the real carriers.

[Narrator]

Of the Russian tradition.

[Podcast Host]

And it was a world of very small, tightly organized criminal groups which were.

[Narrator]

Brought together by a very strict and hierarchical code.

[Podcast Host]

Leaders of these groups who were called the thieves in law, which meant really thieves within their own law. They were called Vorti, what the traditional Mafia is to Italy, the Vori is to Russian organized criminal groups, or as they're called in Russia, opg. The Vori were born in Soviet labor camps and eventually became the elite criminal class in Russia known for a specific code of honor, one that had very strict guidelines around women, the Vorozkoi zakon, or thieves Code.

[Expert on Russian Criminal Code]

He must forsake his family. He must never work. He must survive by criminal activities alone, help other thieves and recruit and train young beginners in the trade. Limit his drinking and not amass gambling debts that he cannot cover. The thief can have nothing to do with the authorities or serve in the military. He must keep his promises made to other thieves and abide by punishment determined by other thieves in law. He must refrain from marrying or having a family of his own. This does not preclude him from having a lover.

[Narrator]

I had to kill you. I'm really sorry. I had to do it. Gotta go on my own. You didn't guess the behind.

[Cheap Caribbean Vacations Representative]

I was holding my gown.

[Narrator]

I got you. I Tell you I had to kill you. Was it so much fun?

[Podcast Host]

Episode 12 Chapter 26 Another Life.

[Narrator]

So Friday morning I woke up and the first thing in my brain was, oh my God, what if I will not be able to do that? What if he wouldn't like me? What if something will go wrong? I didn't know.

[Podcast Host]

It was the day of Aaliyah's biggest operation. On this Friday night, she would go to the city's hottest club disguised as a high class prostitute. Her mission, to seduce Vladimir, the head of a dangerous drug trafficking gang, and infiltrate his organization. Just one mistake could cost Alia her life. There was a lot of preparation to be done. And it started with remembering that Vladimir's childhood friend had told her team that the love of Vladimir's youth who had left him for another man had worn short skirts, white knee socks and braided hair.

[Narrator]

I dressed in this really short skirt and I bought a really beautiful but very sexy, very open top with crystals on it. It was sparkling white. And I braided my hair, I put some makeup and I put white socks tell my knees and I put some high heels.

[Podcast Host]

During their investigation, Alia's team had also learned about the personality of Vladimir's high school girlfriend. And what stood out was that she was very talkative and funny, almost silly.

[Narrator]

So I decided that I will rehearse in front of the mirror. And I just started to pronounce these words in this like giggling way. I had to make sure he would definitely be interested and intrigued by me from the first moment. And I was thinking what would I tell him and how would I look to him. So I trained my eyes as well with this like look with full desire and admiration. And I remembered some jokes so I wrote down some jokes. I mean I was freaking out seriously.

[Podcast Host]

Aaliyah's team leader had already made the initial contact with the gang and established a relationship pretending to be a small time pimp and drug dealer.

[Narrator]

So in our plan, he's supposed to introduce me as one of the next girl. So he was literally like, you know, pimp. But I didn't want to sleep with him from the first night because I knew it wouldn't be appreciated.

[Podcast Host]

That evening. Aaliyah then met her colleagues to drive to the club and make the initial contact with Vladimir and his so called brothers in the gang.

[Narrator]

So we set to the car, we drove and my concern was about his brothers. He had always these like four guys next to him all the time and they looked really violent and they were huge. No emotions on face and you definitely don't want to see these guys in a dark neighborhood. Believe me, you don't. So I was thinking, how can I make them to like me? Because if I seduce Vladimir, need to seduce his inner circle in the way they would like me and they would accept me in the circle. They gave me the wire and it was like, we will be nearby. If something will go wrong, don't worry, because we will be just in the car sitting and, like, waiting for you. But your colleague will be next to you, your amazing pimp. So don't worry, everything will be good. And then my colleague said, okay, be careful.

[Podcast Host]

Her mission was not just to get evidence against Vladimir's gang, but to uncover the whole network that was bringing drugs in from Afghanistan, then diluting them with chemicals, packaging them, and distributing them in Russia.

[Narrator]

Our department wanted to find out who were these people who would fix and mix these drugs. Because these people are responsible for all these deaths. Mixing all these doses with amphetamine and chemical drugs, it would kill other people.

[Podcast Host]

Eventually, Alia arrived at the club. It was one she'd never been to before. The most popular and exclusive in the city.

[Narrator]

So we are there. I see the club. Huge building, beautiful girls standing outside, smoking, beautiful dresses, just gorgeous. The music was so loud. And every time I hear this music, I'm remembering that night.

[Podcast Host]

Her contact, who was undercover, pretending to be her pimp, was waiting outside and went over the plan with her.

[Narrator]

He gave me instructions. We should come to the bar, a counter, and order some drinks. And he will do the whole introduction. And all I need to do is just smile, be nice, and just be playful. If Vladimir likes you. Usually, if he likes the girl I introduced him, he invites her to the table. If he doesn't like her, he doesn't introduce her to the table. And that's how I know that I should find another girl for him.

[Podcast Host]

Between her strict upbringing, military school, and Chechnya, Ilia had never been to a place like this before. As she walked to the door, she was intoxicated by the glamour, almost forgetting the gravity of her mission.

[Narrator]

I never been in the club. I never been dancing. I never hang out with other people like that. So I just wanted to have fun. And I was thinking that I'll do my job. But you know what? I'll have a good time. Why not? We came to the bar counter, my pimp ordered some drinks, and I was like, dancing. But from my peripheral vision, I saw Vladimir looking at me because they were sitting at the corner table, which was the biggest table, and it was on the stage, my pretending peep. He said, okay, be ready. He's coming. Stop drinking. He came and he looked at me, and he was, like, observing and studying what I'm doing, every single my move, like. And it was so exciting. It was so cold, and it was so dangerous. I didn't even want to have any thought that he may ever know that I was an undercover agent. I just didn't allow this thought to come to my brain. As I was taught, never think about a failure because you will fail, and I have to be the winner. So then my pretending pimp, he touched my shoulder and he said, hey, this is Vladimir. Want to introduce you. And the moment I looked at Vladimir with my seductive, playful look, the whole love, which I created for two months, looking at him every single day for eight hours at least. And he noticed.

[Podcast Host]

Ilia worked her usual routine, making sure to embody the positive, funny qualities of Vladimir's former girlfriend, while adding in her seduction training, Specifically, flattery, complimenting Vladimir as he talked about being one of the owners of the club.

[Narrator]

And that's the power of the manipulative compliments. And while he was telling me these things, we were walking, and he brought me to the table, and we sat down. And my pretending pimp, I could see him. So he was standing at the bar counter and just, like, sipping a drink. I felt like, it's okay. I'm not alone. I felt safe, kind of more or less. So I. I asked him some questions which will lead him to the conversation where he would think that we have mutual interests.

[Podcast Host]

After creating this initial rapport, Ilia moved on to the next part of the script she'd been practicing.

[Narrator]

So I had homework to write these stories. And then I rehearsed it in front of the mirror so I could tell him, and he laughed. And then he told to one of his guy, oh, look, like, listen to her story. It's so funny. Like, she's. She's a funny girl. It was a crazy feeling when you're playing the role of someone else. Even though, like, I did a rehearsal and I did the whole preparation, but yet inside of me, I still had this kind of what if, you know, Like, I need to be careful here.

[Podcast Host]

As she worked to win over the group, she noticed that one person in Vladimir's gang wasn't trusting this unfamiliar woman who seemed to be entertaining the whole table.

[Narrator]

And I started to tell this funny story, and everybody laughed, apart from one guy. And he looked at me like he was looking through me, trying to read my mind, and just, like, checking Every single details, which I had, I felt that look. I didn't like it at all. It made me worried. And Vladimir said, oh, this is my right hand. Which I knew I always used to see him next to him. So he never like had any emotions on his face. He would be really like strict and he wouldn't go out with any girls. Really. Kind of like a good security, like a perfect dog, which is just watching and sitting there. And I try not to pay attention, but I felt that I should be really careful with this guy. Like super careful.

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[Podcast Host]

As she sat at the table trying to win the acceptance of Vladimir's circle, Alia saw an opportunity that might save the mission if her seduction failed to recruit one of the women there as a friend and unwitting informant. So she set her sights on the member of the entourage who seemed to be closest to the gang.

[Narrator]

She was wearing very low waist jeans and her panties, I could see her panties, like out of her jeans and it was all kind of like crystals. And I was so shocked. First of all, I've never seen anything like that. And then I was like, wow, this is like super fashion. And I started to speak with this girl about her, like look and fashion style and said like, oh, you put everything so nicely. And she loved it. And we started to talk. So Anna, her name was Anna. She was a perfect informer. First of all, she was in the gang for quite long time and she was sometimes sleeping with one right hand of the Vladimir. And she's like, oh my God, you're so cool. You should come again. We should hang out and we Exchanged numbers. So it was good because I will get more information about this gang. Like, what does she know? I wanted just to get everything out of her head.

[Podcast Host]

With this small victory secured, Leah tried to figure out how to turn her attention back to Vladimir.

[Narrator]

And I felt that Vladimir looked at me a few times, very briefly. And I put my hand on his knees very softly, and I felt that he liked it. And then I slowly move my hand a little bit further, and then, you know, just on his inner thigh a little bit. And at this same moment, he hugged me. I felt like, yes, okay, I'm getting closer. Good. So establish kind of connection.

[Podcast Host]

Whenever Alia noticed Vladimir speaking about something that excited him, she used the NLP techniques she'd learned in the academy and tried to anchor those good feelings to her.

[Narrator]

And when he had these positive memories, I touched his neck. I established that anchor. And I thought, like, you know, like, it has to work. Because I did work on Cornell. It was important for me to have had desire to meet with me again, to be like, you know, there is something about this girl. I don't know what, but she. She's interesting.

[Podcast Host]

And then Aliyah used one of the oldest seduction tricks in the book. Leave them wanting more.

[Narrator]

But in about an hour, I said to Vladimir, I'm really sorry, I have to go home. My university starts like at early morning, and I have to do my classes. He was like, yeah, of course, I do understand. And he said, let's go. I will drop you off.

[Podcast Host]

This was the moment when Alia knew she'd accomplished her initial objective. An added success was that she would now have some time alone with Vladimir in a car. It was also in added danger. Vladimir signaled to two of his friends, who left with them and followed in a car behind.

[Narrator]

We were driving to my house to drop me off, and I was thinking, if my colleagues, if they will be following us or not. I didn't know that time, but I knew they were checking on me. Well, that's what I wanted to to think.

[Podcast Host]

Chapter 27 Uncle Stopa.

[Narrator]

This is the.

[Podcast Host]

Face of a true Russian mobster. The logic goes like this. Cops usually catch the grunts, the soldiers, the lower level thugs and crooks who do the dirty work, while the bosses who give the orders sit back and maintain the appearance of innocence. The bosses don't like to get their hands dirty, and so it is rare to prove serious crimes against them. Aaliyah had just left the club with her target. She was now alone in the car with Vladimir, the leader of one of the biggest drug Trafficking and extortion gangs in the city. Behind her, there was another car following them, filled with other equally dangerous criminals and Vladimir's gang. She hoped that behind them were the much less dangerous, much less experienced members of her backup team.

[Narrator]

While we were driving, he asked me some questions, like, what's your blood? Where are you coming from? Because I obviously don't look like a Russian girl. And I said, well, gas. And he was like, tajikistan. I'm like, warm. Okay, Uzbekistan. Like, warmer. So what, like Kazakhstan? Like, yes, hot, hot, hot. And I was giggling. And he loved it because it brought him to his childhood. He's like, you're so funny. Like, what? You couldn't say you're from Kazakhstan? I'm like, well, it wouldn't be interesting, right? Don't you like games? And he looked at me like this. Well, depend what kind of games? I said, like, with me, it will be all defining games.

[Podcast Host]

They soon arrived in front of Alia's apartment.

[Narrator]

I leaned to Vladimir and I kissed his cheek. And I said, well, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. And he's like, okay, sunshine, sleep well and I'll text you tomorrow. And I remember I was, like, walking into apartments. Like, all my hands were shaking. I was like, oh, my God. Oh, my God. I can't believe it. Like, wow. It was an experience. I felt so many emotions.

[Podcast Host]

I asked Alia whether she was worried that since the gang knew where she lived, they could then follow her and find out she was really an intelligence agent.

[Narrator]

We agreed before, with my team, once I will infiltrate the gang, I will not go back to the office at all. Also, I had a separate number which was, you know, the SIM card was registered, not on my name.

[Podcast Host]

The next day, Illiya texted Ana, the woman she had met at the club, in hopes of befriending her and recruiting her as an informant. They agreed to meet at a trendy cafe. Later that afternoon.

[Narrator]

I went to see her. She was sitting in a beautiful dress, looking so cool. Beautiful. So I started to ask her about herself. First. She was hanging out with this gang for almost a year, which was really important to know her well and establish good connection.

[Podcast Host]

Eventually, Aaliyah found a way to ask Anna about the very quiet gang member, the one who was staring mistrustfully at her in the club the night before.

[Narrator]

And then that guy who was looking at me with these, like, sharp eyes, absolutely cold and tough. That guy actually was one of Vladimir's very old friend. So that guy actually was responsible for bringing and supplying heroin and cocaine and she said, like, he's so creepy. He always, like, sitting there, like, quiet, and he looks at everybody and everything.

[Podcast Host]

As Alia talks more about her meeting with Ana, she keeps referring to how stylish Ana was and how well the gang took care of her financially. So I ask her if, although her job was to seduce the gang, was she also being seduced by the glamour, celebrity and lifestyle of the gang? And you didn't have any female role models, in a sense, until you met Ana?

[Narrator]

Ana was my role model 100%, because I asked her, like, where do you buy all these crazy, amazing clothes? And she's like, oh, it's like this boutique. It's super exclusive. I'll bring you there. And yes, I was seduced by the fashion that moment. Yes, that's where my fashion desire and fashion comes from that time, 100%. Because, look, also, it was USSR. Everybody was wearing the same very dark and just very awful clothes. And then USSR fall and all these American clothes comes, like jeans, like cool shoes, like trainers.

[Podcast Host]

Back at her home, Alia received a text from Vladimir inviting her to meet him at the club that evening.

[Narrator]

I came to the club by the taxi. I texted Sasha. He said, he's on the spot. I also texted Anna. I said that I'm coming. So she was waiting for me. So I walked in and it was scary. I felt like I'm a deer or like a llama walking into the tiger's home. But I said, no, I can do it. So I put a big smile on my face and I saw him. He looked at me and he stand up. And that guy was also there, exactly the same spot. And I saw he was watching me, watching through me. And it felt like he knew who I really was.

[Podcast Host]

Aaliyah tried to focus on the task at hand, returning her attention to Vladimir, the gang's leader.

[Narrator]

I wanted to seduce him. So we talked about his past, and he told me a little bit about his family, which is great. And there was one question which every man loves, and every man wants to talk about this. And this is the question which brings women very close to the man. And the question is.

[Podcast Host]

Alia pauses and asks me to guess the question. Very similar to the game she was playing with Vladimir. I'm unable to guess it.

[Narrator]

When I was in the military academy, the colonel said the most psychological technique which really makes the brain of the man becomes really attached to the woman. If the woman asks, what was your dream when you were a little boy? Then I asked this question to Vladimir, and he said, I wanted to Be like an Uncle Stopper. Uncle Stopa. It's Marshak's poem for children. And it was about this Uncle Stopo who would be like a real hero in real life. And he was like a policeman. Can you imagine Vladimir when he was a little boy? He wanted to be a good, noble, brave policeman. And I touch his hand and I said to him, that's so amazing. I wanted to work in police too, but I go into another direction. But you know what? We still can try a lot of things in our life. You're still young. The whole world is around us. Like, you know, you can do anything you want. And I smiled, but inside of me, I felt like you didn't know what you're talking about. Because I was in trap. And he. That moment, he was. He had much more and bigger freedom than I did.

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[Narrator]

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[Podcast Host]

This second night with Vladimir was key to Alia's seduction. If it didn't go well, she might never see him again. And it's becoming clear here that this was important to Alia. Not just because she wanted to succeed in her mission, but because she wanted to keep her access to this world. She was becoming so enamored by the world of beauty, power, luxury and fashion that her strict father forbid her from participating in as a teenager.

[Narrator]

In the end of the day, I had to do my job. It had to be the best night in his life. The best. So the time has came and he kind of like nod with his head and his brothers and these two guys stand up and we started to walk out from the club.

[Podcast Host]

They drove to Vladimir's home, a building that Alia had staked out many times over the past few months, but she'd never been inside.

[Narrator]

And we came to his house. It was a big house, beautiful. We walked upstairs, but these two guys, they were in the house too. They were kind of like security, but also friends and colleagues. It was a little bit difficult because I was planning to, like, search house and see what's everywhere. We walked into his bedroom and I saw big bed and I saw ceiling was mirror ceiling. And it was a little bit awkward because I've never seen anything like this before. And he started to kiss me. And you know, that moment I surprised. I never felt this with anyone before. My whole body reacted on his kisses and on his touches. And I felt good. And I just forgot that it was my job. And I forgot that I have to do it to get information. And I forgot that it wasn't really me. I just said myself, I just want to experience that. I want to try it with a man whom I really want. Not when I was abused or raped. I want to do it for myself. So I just. I accepted him fully. And I never, ever experienced anything like that before. And it was so beautiful and powerful. Like, he just opened me like a woman. And I looked in the mirror and the ceiling, and the first moment in my life, I received such a strong orgasm. He was the first man who really gave me that pleasure and that understanding of my sexuality as a woman. And I felt so special in his hands.

[Podcast Host]

There was just one problem with this otherwise perfect moment. Alia was not here to feel special. She was here to find evidence against the man she was starting to fall in love with.

[Narrator]

I stand up slowly so he wouldn't wake up. I didn't go downstairs because I didn't know exactly where these guys were sleeping. But upstairs, I opened the door of another room and I saw huge black trash bags. So I walked and I slowly opened it and I saw that it was full of cash. Lots of lots of money.

[Podcast Host]

Aaliyah's story continues in episode 13. What City do you live in? I'm in Los Angeles. If I didn't like you and I found you in Los Angeles and stabbed you on the sidewalk, I would immediately have heat on me. To Die for is a production of Tenderfoot TV in association with iHeart podcasts. The show is hosted and written by me, Neil Strauss with additional writing assistance by Tristan Bankston. Executive producers are myself, Donald Albright and Payne Lindsay. For iHeart podcasts, executive producers are Matt Frederick and Alex Williams. Lead Producer and editor is Tristan Bankston. Additional editing by Myles Clark and Christian Brown supervising producer, Tracy Kaplan. Consultants include Nooshin Felizadeh, Chelsea Gooden and Jamie Albright. Artwork by Byron McCoy Original music by makeup and vanity set mixed and mastered by Dayton Cole. Our theme song is Killer Shangri La by Psychotic Beats featuring Patty Amour. Special thanks to Oren Rose and the team at uta, Beck Media and Marketing, Oren Siegel, Becky Jensen, the Nord Group, Meredith Stedman, Rose Baruch and Alex Vespersted.

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