The Spy Who Lived Inside Al-Qaeda| Jump in the Fire | 1

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0:14Please be advised, this episode contains depictions of violence, racist and religious hate speech, and drug use.

0:29Dawn, January 2012. The Al-Qaeda-controlled town of Yar in southern Yemen.

0:41In a mosque, Morton Storm watches the jihadi fighters he's with get their rifles. The Yemeni military is attacking again. One of the fighters grabs Storm's arm. Brother, wait here. We cannot lose you this day.

1:00Storm doesn't protest. He knows he's more useful to al-Qaeda alive than dead. As a pale-skinned Dane with a ginger beard and a hefty build, he doesn't look like he belongs here. But for years, he's been a valuable link between Yemeni and European jihadists. Or at least that's what al-Qaeda thinks. In reality, he's a spy. He's here on a high-risk mission to learn where the terrorist group's local leaders are hiding, so US drones can take them down. With the fighters gone, Storm charges up the stairs of the mosque and onto the roof.

1:40The sun is rising, turning the sky purple-pink. Across town, where the fighting is underway, a column of black smoke billows into the air. A Yemeni Air Force jet shoots overhead. Storm looks down. A pickup truck speeds away from the mosque Carrying the armed jihadis he was praying with moments ago To the battlefront On seeing it A sickening realization brings Storm to his knees His backpack is still in the cab of that truck Inside that backpack is a USB stick And on that stick Is a recording of his last meeting with the CIA Unarguable proof that Storm is a Western spy. The noise of battle recedes against the blood pounding in his ears.

2:34Storm no longer sees the pink sky anymore. All he can see is that backpack being opened and the USB stick being found. When he thinks of what will happen next, nausea hits him. There is no extraction plan, and he knows there will be no mercy. The memories of all those Al-Qaeda beheading videos flood his mind. Only this time, he will be the hostage facing execution.

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5:01From Wondery, I'm Raza Jafri, and this is The Spy Who. Beneath the veneer of the everyday lurks the realm of the spy. It's a murky world full of dark corners, sinister motives, and corrupted morals. A place of paranoia and infiltration, sabotage and manipulation In this season, we track the adventures of Morten Storm A rebellious Danish spy who risked everything to bring down al-Qaeda's leadership in Yemen Only to fall out with his spymasters What you're about to hear are dramatized reconstructions of events Based on the information that's been made public But remember, in the shadowy realm of the spy, the full story is rarely clear.

5:52This is episode one of The Spy Who Lived Inside Al-Qaeda. Jump in the Fire.

6:0616 years earlier, December 1996. Korsor, Denmark. 20-year-old Morton Storm sits in the passenger seat and peers at the small white house across the street. His long ginger hair is tied back in a ponytail, and his leather jacket bears the insignia of the bandido's biker gang. Number 27, right? His companion nods and cuts the engine. Last night, a fellow bandido got beaten up by a nightclub bouncer. Now Storm is here to teach that bouncer a lesson.

6:49Storm takes a small bag of cocaine from his pocket and taps some of the powder onto the back of his hand. He blinks as euphoria brushes through his body. Then he pulls on a balaclava and tucks a baseball bat under his leather jacket.

7:14A large man in pajamas opens the door, yawning. His eyes snap open on seeing them. Oh, shit! Before he can react, Storm shoves him to the floor and takes out his baseball bat. No one fucks with the banditos!

7:37Five minutes later, the two men race out of the house. Storm's baseball bat is now bloodied.

7:45They dive into the car and speed away. That night, Storm can't sleep. The bouncer's groans of pain and his crunching bones play on a loop in his mind. And this time, the drugs won't shut out the shame he feels. A troubled childhood and a stint in jail led him to the bandidos two years ago. The gang offered the sense of belonging and family he longed for. But now, it's just a whirlpool of drugs, adrenaline and violence. The banditos joke that he's Denmark's youngest psychopath. Storm used to find that funny. Now he wonders if it's true.

8:37One month later, Korsur, Denmark. Storm hunches his shoulders against the bitter winter wind. He's been walking the streets for hours. He can't rid himself of the hollow feeling that has taken root within him. He sees the local library up ahead. It's as good a place as any to warm up. Inside, he ignores the disapproving looks at his biker jacket and drifts aimlessly among the shelves. He notices a book on Islam and picks it up out of curiosity. As a child, Storm used to envy his immigrant Muslim friends for their strong family bonds. His own family life was a mess. His alcoholic father walked out when he was four.

9:24The stepdad who replaced him was violent and menacing. By the age of 13, Storm was being kicked out of school and spiraling into a life of crime. Storm wonders if his immigrant friend's religion played a role in their family's stability. He takes the book to an alcove and settles in to read. The story of the Prophet Muhammad absorbs him. The orphaned child who became a trustworthy trader. How he lived a simple and dignified life. And how he became a religious leader who was ready to fight for his beliefs against persecution. A religion that seemed to offer a path to a new life. Excuse me? Storm looks up to see the librarian standing over him.

10:10Sorry to interrupt, we need to close. Already? You've been reading for six hours? Through the window, Storm is bewildered to see the pale Scandinavian sun beginning to set. He leaves the library feeling disoriented, but also with a calm he has rarely felt in his life. Could Islam be the answer to turning his life around?

10:392004, Luton, England. Storm races through the wide central square of the Arndale shopping centre. His head is now shaved beneath an Islamic kufi skullcap. His Torb robe flaps open behind him, and there's fury in his eyes. Ahead of him are two skinheads in jeans and combat boots. Just minutes ago, the men were harassing Muslim women in the street. Now, they're running as fast as they can. They glance behind in fear as they realize Storm is gaining on them. It's been seven years since Storm converted to Islam, and adopted a new first name, Murad. He then moved to Britain to escape the bandidos, before going to Yemen to study the religion further.

11:29After Al-Qaeda's 9-11 terrorist attack, he became radicalized in response to the West's war on terror. Now he's married to a devout Muslim woman and follows the teachings of radical preachers. He even named his first son Osama after the leader of Al-Qaeda. Along with his fellow militants, Storm roams Luton, tearing down posters of scantily clad women and defending Muslims from attacks by far-right groups. One of the skinheads peels off and dives into a boots pharmacy. Storm follows. He catches up with the skinhead in the cosmetic aisle. The skinhead starts lobbing jars of makeup at him. Bloody traitor!

12:14Say that again. Cuff here. Storm lunges at the man, dragging him to the ground and begins hammering him with his large fists. Flood spatters his robe. He only stops when the skinhead stops resisting. Then he springs to his feet and runs away before the police arrive.

12:37It's a year later And in his bedroom in Luton Storm sits at his desk Surrounded by religious books and papers On his laptop He's writing a pamphlet Urging every Muslim to help the global jihadist movement He stops typing Creeps to the window And peers through the lace curtains A policeman at the door His wife appears Outside the bedroom Why are the police here? Just tell them I'm not home. Storm's wife scowls. Things have been troubled between them for a couple of years. He stays with her only for the sake of their two small children. Storm listens from upstairs as his wife answers the door.

13:24Yes? Could we speak to Mr. Storm? He's not here. We know he's in. Storm wonders if it's his pamphlets or the beating up of far-right thugs that he's going to get arrested for. But there's no point hiding. He heads downstairs. Ah, Mr. Storm. Could you come with me, please? We have some questions we'd like to ask you. No, I won't. What's the problem? Well, your car was seen at a petrol station. Somebody put 30 pounds of fuel in and then drove off without paying. Storm knows that's a lie. He grabs the car key from near the front door. Look at the gauge, if you like. No one's but 30 pounds of fuel in it.

14:07I'll show you. Storm heads out. Gets into his car and turns on the ignition. But when he looks up, the policeman has disappeared. The car's passenger door opens and a young man in a suit slides into it.

14:28Mr. Storm, how do you do? I'm Robert. I'm with British intelligence. What do you want? Morton, there's a very dangerous situation in the UK with terrorism. My name is Murad now. Why are you harassing Muslims? There's never been a terrorist attack by Muslims in the UK. Please, there's no need for anger. I just wanted to ask you a few questions. Storm says nothing. What do you think of Abu Hamza? Abu Hamza is a militant Egyptian imam who preaches at London's Finsbury Park Mosque. Britain's tabloid newspapers call him Captain Hook because of his prosthetic hand. I've never met him and I'm not going to backbite him just to please you.

15:15You're a non-believer. He's a brother Muslim. I see. And what about Anjem Chowdhury? Robert keeps asking questions. Storm keeps stonewalling him, expecting to be arrested at any moment. But then, Robert thanks him for his time and leaves Storm wonders what this was all about Did Robert hope to recruit him as a spy? But one thing is certain British intelligence has got eyes on him now And that puts Storm in a dangerous position

16:04Late 2005, Sana 'a, the capital city of Yemen. It's nearly six months since Storm's face-to-face with British intelligence, and he's back in Yemen. He walks through the city's narrow streets with his three-year-old son, Osama, at his side. Much has changed since MI5 visited him in Luton. The July 7th suicide bombings in London brought the war on terror to Britain's streets and heightened his fears of arrest. Then came a messy separation with his wife that led to a fight for custody of Osama with social services. So now he's returned to live in Yemen to reconnect with the jihadis he met there when he first studied Islam.

16:47He looks down at Osama. Remember, best behavior, okay? Osama nods and looks anxiously at the house in front of them. Storm double-checks it's the right address. The house is bigger than he expected, with a new car parked in front of it. Storm is here to meet his close friend, Abdul. They first met in the late 90s during Storm's visit to Yemen. Back then, Abdul was a wiry teenager with short, curly hair. Nowadays, he is a well-connected jihadist who even served as courier to al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan. Before Storm can knock, the door opens and Abdul is there with a wide smile splitting his dark beard.

17:36Murad, my friend, it's so good to see you. And what, this must be Osama, the littlest jihadi warrior, yes? Come in, come in. Inside, a woman in a niqab greets them before taking Osama with her So Storm and Abdul can talk Storm claps Abdul on the shoulder Married, brother, and doing well for yourself too The house is impressive Yes, praise be to God Please, sit Abdul gestures to the living area Where large cushions are spread on the floor But I'm sorry that your marriage didn't work out Me too. But this is a fresh start, for me and for Osama. Besides, England has been uncomfortable since the bombings.

18:21But surely they struck fear into the Khufar's hearts? Yeah, but I'm also tired of the blowhards that preach there. Yeah, the cause is authentic, and I want Osama to grow up to be a God-fearing Muslim. Hopefully I'll find a new and better wife here. May Allah bless you. So now you're back, what do you plan to do? I'm working with a filmmaker from Denmark. He wants to make a film about the brothers in Yemen. I think he could help spread the message. I wanted to ask, could you help us find people to interview? Leave it with me, brother. I will ask around and make some introductions.

19:06It's six months later, and in his new home in Sana 'a, Storm is hosting a religious study group for other foreign jihadis. The man instructing them today is a tall, thin cleric with round glasses and a neat beard. Muslims must fight against their enemies until the day of judgment. It is our duty to fight those countries who seek to repress our religion. The cleric's name is Sheikh Anwar al-Awlaki. Storm first met him at a dinner for other foreign nationals living in Sana 'a. Al-Awlaki was born in the US to a rich and influential Yemeni family. He studied engineering in Colorado before becoming an imam.

19:50He publicly condemned the September 11 attacks, but was added to the FBI's watch list after it emerged he had met two of the hijackers. Al-Awlaki returned to Yemen and turned more extreme. But as someone who has also lived in the West, he and Storm rapidly became friends. On finishing his lecture, Al-Awlaki smiles at the group. Now I believe Murad has prepared a feast Let us enjoy And give thanks to God For his brotherhood And the food Storm directs everybody to the adjoining room Where there's a table laid out with the food But Al-Awlaki doesn't follow You will not eat with us, Sheikh? Ah, thank you, but no My cooking's not that bad, is it?

20:41No, you mention it No, no, I joke I must get on, but Murad. Yes? There's something I've been meaning to say to you. About your friend, Abdul. About Abdul? Just be careful what you tell him. I'm not sure he is trustworthy. Storm is shocked. He now regards Aul Aulaki as a friend, but Abdul is the person he's closest to in Yemen. May I ask why, Sheikh? Abdul lost$25 ,000 while he was on a mission for the brothers in Djibouti. Storm is surprised at al-Awlaki mentioning the brothers. It's a reference to Al-Qaeda. While al-Awlaki has been supportive of the terrorist group in his sermons, Storm didn't know he was directly involved with the organization.

21:33You think Abdul stole the money? He disappeared for six months, and the money has never been recovered. But Abdul now has a very expensive house. All I'm saying is be careful around him. It's a few days later, and Storm is walking to evening prayers with Abdul. He's been unsettled by Al-Awlaki's warning, and decides he needs to confront his friend. Abdul, I don't know how to say this, but there are rumors about you. Rumors? What rumors? that you stole the brothers' money when you were in Djibouti. Is it true? I swear by Allah, I did not steal that money. The claims are unjust. Then what happened?

22:16I was arrested. Djibouti's intelligence services took the money. Where did you go for six months? That's how long? I was in their jail, I swear it, brother. I can show you the stamps in my passport. Storm wonders if he should ask about the new house. But Abdul seems genuinely distressed and he doesn't want to ruin their friendship. I believe your brother. I didn't know you were in East Africa. What were you doing there? I was a courier for Abu Talha al-Sudani. Storm was impressed. Abu Talha is one of al-Qaeda's leading operatives in East Africa. Mashallah. That's amazing, Abdul. You were doing God's work.

22:58I too hope to go there. To carry out jihad in Somalia. What does your new wife think of that? I have already told Fadiya I'm going. What, in the first week of your marriage? Haven't you always told me Jihad in these times is an obligation? She understands, and will be good to Osama if God wishes to take me. Abdul laughs and grips his shoulder. This is a glorious day, brother. When will you go? I need to raise enough funds first. So I'm going back to Denmark. It'll be easier for me to find work there. Ah, I understand. I shall miss you, brother. But tonight we celebrate, eh? You are no longer a scholar, but a warrior of Islaf.

23:38The two friends smile at each other. Storm feels elated. It's as if his whole life has been preparing him for this decision.

23:55That December. Copenhagen, Denmark. Amid swirling snow, Storm loads his purchases from a military surplus store. into the back of his car. Camouflage gear, water bottles, and Swiss army knives. After months of saving up, Storm is ready to leave for Somalia. He's bought his one-way ticket to the war-torn country's capital, Mogadishu. He's now stocking up on supplies his jihadist friends there asked him for.