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How Presidents' Wives Secretly Travel
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00:00What if I told you that some of the world's most powerful first ladies move through our world like shadows,
00:06traveling in ways that would make James Bond jealous?
00:09From Melania Trump's million-dollar secret service entourage
00:13to Carmen Iohannes' nearly 23 million euros budget for foreign visits,
00:18these first ladies' movement are classified mission with armed detail,
00:22ghost convoys and backup teams you'll never see.
00:26Starting with Melania Trump.
00:28Melania Trump's travel as first lady involved what experts have called
00:33the most elaborate security and logistical arrangements in presidential history,
00:38with costs that were significantly higher than those of previous first families.
00:43The scale of Melania's travel security was truly staggering.
00:47Secret service agents arrived months before her trips to conduct reconnaissance,
00:52securing venues, mapping motorcade routes, and identifying nearby medical facilities.
00:58But this was just the beginning of what can only be described as a military-grade operation
01:03designed to move one woman safely and secretly across the globe.
01:07When Melania traveled, the very sky above her became a fortress.
01:11Temporary flight restrictions created no-fly zones with a 10-mile inner ring prohibiting flights below 18,000 feet and a 30-mile outer ring for additional safety.
01:23Imagine the entire airspace around a major city being completely shut down just because one person is passing through.
01:30That's the level of security we're talking about here.
01:33But perhaps most telling about the secretive nature of Melania's travels was what happened when she stayed in hotels.
01:40When staying in hotels, entire floors above and below her room were cleared and secured,
01:46adding dramatically to both the logistical complexity and the astronomical costs.
01:51Picture this.
01:52You're staying at a luxury hotel,
01:54and suddenly every guest on three entire floors has to be relocated,
01:59because the first lady needs maximum security and privacy.
02:02The financial implications of these arrangements were nothing short of breathtaking.
02:07While living in Trump Tower in 2017,
02:10the New York Police Department estimated security costs at $127,000 to $146,000 per day
02:20when only Melania and Barron were present,
02:23escalating to $300,000 per day when the president was in town.
02:28To put this in perspective, that's more money in a single day than most American families earn in an entire year.
02:35The Trump family's travel expenses reached such extraordinary levels that the Secret Service
02:41requested an additional $60 million for Trump-era travel and protection,
02:46with $26.8 million allocated for Trump Tower security alone.
02:52That's enough money to fund entire government programs.
02:55One of the most shocking examples of these extreme costs
02:59came from what should have been a routine international trip.
03:02A 12-hour visit to Toronto cost $174,000,
03:07while a $95,000 Cairo hotel bill was incurred for a brief stop where she didn't even spend the night.
03:15The very fact that we know so little about the specific details of how she traveled
03:19tells us everything we need to know about the level of operational security involved.
03:24Kim Keon-hee
03:26Moving from America to Asia, we encounter one of the most enigmatic figures in modern politics,
03:33Kim Keon-hee, the former first lady of South Korea,
03:36whose secret travels have become the stuff of international intrigue and scandal.
03:41Kim Keon-hee's story reads like a political thriller,
03:44complete with luxury gifts, high-stakes casino connections,
03:48and mysterious disappearances from public view.
03:51Specific details about Kim Keon-hee's secret travels are scarce,
03:56likely due to their private nature and the high-profile status of the former first lady of South Korea.
04:02The most fascinating clue about Kim's potential secret travels emerged from an unexpected source.
04:08A June 2025 report revealed that prosecutors investigating luxury gifts allegedly intended for Kim
04:16uncovered a trail of high-stakes casino bets in Las Vegas tied to Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja.
04:23This suggests that Kim may have traveled to Las Vegas privately,
04:26as the trip was not publicly reported as an official state visit.
04:30What makes Kim Keon-hee's case particularly intriguing is her strategic use of absence as a form of secrecy.
04:37Kim's absence from public view for four months in early 2024,
04:42following her return from the Netherlands in December 2023,
04:46raised questions about her whereabouts.
04:49While no health issues were reported,
04:52her prolonged absence suggests she may have engaged in private activities or travels during this period,
04:58though no concrete evidence confirms this.
05:01The security arrangements for Kim's travels would have been formidable.
05:05As first lady, Kim's travels would likely involve stringent security measures,
05:10such as the Presidential Security Service, PSS, private jets and discrete logistics.
05:16The Presidential Security Service would have deployed advanced teams to assess risks,
05:21secure locations and coordinate with local authorities,
05:25a level of protection that rivals any intelligence agency operation.
05:29The logistical complexity of arranging secret travel for someone of Kim's status cannot be overstated.
05:36Private travel companies in South Korea, such as VIP Travel,
05:40offer customized tours that high-profile individuals might use for discrete travel.
05:46These services provide tailored itineraries, private guides and exclusive accommodations,
05:52ensuring minimal public interaction while maintaining the luxury standards expected by political elites.
05:59The costs associated with Kim's potential secret travels would have been substantial.
06:04Based on industry standards, private jet charters can cost tens of thousands of dollars per trip,
06:10while luxury accommodations may range from $1,000 to $10,000 per night.
06:16When you add security personnel and the elaborate measures needed to maintain confidentiality,
06:22the total cost per trip could easily reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.
06:27In the realm of controversial First Lady travel,
06:32few figures have generated as much debate and criticism as Amin Erdogan, Turkey's First Lady,
06:39whose travel arrangements have been described as nothing short of imperial in their scope and expense.
06:45Amin Erdogan's travels represent a fascinating study in how political power translates into luxury and logistical complexity.
06:53As the wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan,
06:57Amin Erdogan's travels are closely tied to official state activities or high-profile humanitarian efforts,
07:04but the scale and expense of these arrangements have made them a lightning rod for public criticism.
07:10The security measures surrounding Amin Erdogan's travel are extraordinary,
07:15shaped by Turkey's complex political landscape and the numerous security threats the presidential family has faced.
07:22Given the history of security incidents involving President Erdogan, including assassination plots and attacks,
07:29Amin Erdogan's travels involve robust security protocols.
07:34These would include close protection officers, secure transportation and coordination with local authorities in host countries.
07:42What sets Amin Erdogan apart is her willingness to travel to some of the world's most dangerous destinations.
07:49Her documented visits to high-risk areas, such as Somalia in 2011, Myanmar in 2012 and Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh in 2017,
07:59indicate that her security arrangements are designed to mitigate significant threats.
08:04These trips require the kind of security planning typically reserved for heads of state-visiting war zones.
08:11The logistical arrangements for Amin Erdogan's travels are nothing short of spectacular.
08:17She frequently travels on government planes, as evidenced by trips to Albania, the US and Berlin.
08:23But it's not just about transportation.
08:25It's about the entire traveling circus that accompanies her.
08:29One of the most criticized aspects of her travel has been the use of multiple aircraft for single trips.
08:35A notable example is a US visit where multiple aircraft were used for the delegation,
08:41highlighting the scale of logistical coordination.
08:45Imagine the coordination required to manage not just one luxury aircraft,
08:50but an entire fleet, complete with security teams, diplomatic staff and all the equipment needed to maintain communications and safety.
08:58The financial implications of Amin Erdogan's travel have become a source of significant political controversy in Turkey.
09:07Critics have pointed to what they see as excessive spending during a time of economic hardship for ordinary Turkish citizens.
09:14The use of multiple state aircraft for international trips, such as the US visit involving five planes,
09:21has drawn criticism for its cost, especially amid Turkey's economic challenges.
09:25But perhaps the most telling indicator of the luxury involved in her travel arrangements comes from her personal spending during these trips.
09:35Amin Erdogan's use of luxury goods, such as a $50,000 Hermes handbag during a Tokyo visit,
09:42has fueled public criticism of her spending habits.
09:46This single handbag costs more than what many Turkish citizens earn in an entire year.
09:51The criticism extends beyond luxury goods to shopping sprees that disrupt entire cities.
09:57Her reported $44,000 antique shopping spree in Warsaw and a Brussels shopping trip causing traffic disruptions
10:05further amplify perceptions of extravagance.
10:08When your shopping trip requires enough security to shut down city streets,
10:13you know you've reached a level of travel luxury that few can comprehend.
10:18Cilia Flores
10:19Perhaps no First Lady's travel arrangements are shrouded in more mystery and controversy than those of Cilia Flores,
10:27Venezuela's First Lady, and a central figure in one of Latin America's most secretive and embattled governments.
10:34Cilia Flores represents a unique case study in secret travel,
10:38because her movements are not just about luxury and security.
10:42They're about avoiding international sanctions, criminal investigations,
10:46and the watchful eyes of opposition forces both at home and abroad.
10:52Cilia Flores, Venezuela's First Lady, likely travels with extensive security,
10:57due to her high-profile status and the need to avoid international scrutiny.
11:02The evidence of Flores' secretive travel comes primarily from social media reports and intelligence sources,
11:09painting a picture of a woman who moves through the world like a ghost.
11:13A 2019 post claimed Flores left Venezuela on a mysterious Russian plane to the Dominican Republic,
11:20where she allegedly owns an $18 million house.
11:24Another post in 2024 suggested her personal plane was en route to Havana, Cuba.
11:30These posts align with patterns of secretive travel that would be expected for someone in her position.
11:36What makes Flores' travel particularly intriguing is how it connects to her family's legal troubles.
11:42Her nephews, Efrain Antonio Campos Flores and Francisco Flores de Freitas,
11:47were arrested in 2015 in Haiti while traveling on a private jet with Venezuelan diplomatic passports.
11:54This incident suggests that private air travel and diplomatic privileges may be standard for her family,
12:01potentially extending to her own movements and providing insight into the methods available to Venezuela's political elite.
12:10The security measures for Flores' travel would be particularly complex,
12:14given Venezuela's political instability and her sanctioned status.
12:19A Reuters report noted that Yashenki Lamas, a former bodyguard for Flores,
12:25was arrested in Colombia, confirming she has a personal security team.
12:29This security detail, likely composed of government or military personnel,
12:34would accompany her domestically and internationally,
12:37requiring extensive coordination with allied nations.
12:41The financial implications of Flores' secret travel are staggering
12:45when you consider the resources required to move a sanctioned individual safely and discreetly.
12:51Based on industry estimates, private jet charters can cost tens of thousands of dollars per trip,
12:57while luxury accommodations and security personnel could add hundreds of thousands more.
13:03The reported $18 million property in the Dominican Republic serves as both a destination
13:09and a symbol of the wealth that enables such elaborate travel arrangements.
13:14The logistical challenges of arranging secret travel for someone under international sanctions cannot be overstated.
13:21U.S. sanctions imposed in 2018 restrict Flores' access to U.S.-based financial systems,
13:28potentially limiting her travel options.
13:30However, Venezuela's alliances with countries like Russia, China and Cuba provide alternatives,
13:37as suggested by reports of Russian aircraft being used for her travel.
13:42Dominique Ouattara
13:43In the world of African politics, few figures remain as mysteriously elusive
13:48when it comes to travel arrangements as Dominique Ouattara,
13:52the First Lady of CĂ´te d'Ivoire,
13:54whose movements seem to occur in a parallel universe of discretion and secrecy.
13:59Dominique Ouattara presents a fascinating case study,
14:03because unlike other First Ladies who generate headlines with their luxury travel,
14:08her arrangements appear designed for maximum invisibility.
14:12Research suggests Dominique Ouattara's travel details are likely kept confidential for security reasons,
14:18creating an information vacuum that itself tells a story about the sophisticated nature of her travel protocols.
14:26As the wife of President Alassane Ouattara and a successful businesswoman with a background in real estate,
14:33having served as CEO of AICI International Group since 1979,
14:40Dominique possesses both the resources and the security requirements that would necessitate elaborate travel arrangements.
14:46Her role as President of the Children of Africa Foundation also involves international humanitarian missions
14:54that would require careful planning and security coordination.
14:58The challenge in understanding Dominique Ouattara's travel arrangements lies in their very success at maintaining secrecy.
15:06Given her role, it seems likely that Dominique Ouattara travels with a significant security detail,
15:12similar to other First Ladies globally.
15:14However, the specific details of her logistical arrangements, especially for secret travel,
15:20are not available publicly, which is exactly the point.
15:24The security measures for her travel would likely follow patterns established by other African First Ladies
15:30and international best practices.
15:33This would involve advanced security teams, coordination with local authorities,
15:37and the use of secure transportation.
15:40However, the evidence leans toward her using government resources for logistics,
15:46but specifics are unclear, suggesting a level of operational security that keeps even basic information out of public view.
15:54The logistical arrangements for someone of Ouattara's status would be substantial.
15:59High-profile individuals often choose destinations with privacy features,
16:03such as private islands, luxury resorts, or secure estates.
16:08The fact that we know so little about where she goes or how she gets there
16:12suggests that these arrangements are working exactly as intended.
16:17Melissa Santokhi-Sinacheri
16:19In the small South American nation of Suriname,
16:23First Lady Melissa Santokhi-Sinacheri has mastered perhaps the most difficult travel art of all,
16:29moving through the world while leaving virtually no trace of how she does it.
16:33Melissa Santokhi-Sinacheri represents the ultimate case study in discretionary travel,
16:39because despite holding one of the most prominent positions in her country,
16:43research suggests there is no publicly available information
16:47on how Melissa Santokhi-Sinacheri travels secretly.
16:51This absence of information is not accidental.
16:54It represents a sophisticated approach to security that relies on invisibility rather than overwhelming force.
17:02As a lawyer by profession, with degrees from Vrije Universitet Amsterdam and Anton de Combe University in Suriname,
17:10Santokhi-Sinacheri brings an intellectual approach to the challenges of secure travel.
17:16Her international educational background suggests familiarity with global security protocols
17:22and the kind of discrete movement that characterizes diplomatic circles.
17:28The security arrangements for Santokhi-Sinacheri's travel would likely be proportional to Suriname's size and resources,
17:36but no less sophisticated for being smaller in scale.
17:40As the spouse of the head of state, her travels, especially internationally,
17:44are likely arranged by the Suriname government.
17:47These arrangements would typically include security details, government transportation and logistical support,
17:54but the specific methods remain completely hidden from public view.
17:58What makes her case particularly intriguing is how personal discretion appears to extend to official functions.
18:05Her role suggests a focus on privacy, as seen in their secret wedding in 2020,
18:10indicating that secrecy is not just about security, but about a fundamental approach to public life that values privacy above visibility.
18:20The logistical challenges of arranging travel for the First Lady of a smaller nation are unique.
18:26Without the massive security apparatus available to larger countries,
18:31the arrangements would need to be more creative and rely more heavily on discretion and intelligence than on overwhelming force.
18:39The evidence leans toward her international trips being managed with privacy,
18:44but specific details on elaborate measures or costs are not disclosed.
18:49The costs associated with her travel, while likely substantial relative to Suriname's economy,
18:55would be managed differently than those of First Ladies from wealthier nations.
19:00The focus would be on efficiency and security rather than luxury,
19:04though the specific financial arrangements remain as mysterious as everything else about her travel protocols.
19:11What's most remarkable about Santoki Sinacheri's approach is how it demonstrates that effective secret travel
19:18doesn't require massive budgets or overwhelming security forces.
19:22Instead, it can rely on careful planning, strategic partnerships,
19:27and most importantly, the discipline to keep operational details completely out of public view.
19:33Carmen Iohannis
19:35Moving to Eastern Europe, we encounter Carmen Iohannis, Romania's former First Lady,
19:41whose travel arrangements perfectly illustrate how even in relatively transparent democracies,
19:47the movement of political elites can remain shrouded in secrecy and surrounded by controversy.
19:53Carmen Iohannis' travel story is one of luxury, classification, and public controversy.
20:00Carmen Iohannis, former First Lady of Romania, 2014-2025, primarily travelled as part of her husband,
20:09President Klaus Iohannis' official state visits, which were often kept confidential due to their
20:15classification as state secrets. This classification created a fascinating paradox where the public knew
20:21she was travelling extensively, but the details remained legally protected from scrutiny.
20:27The luxury involved in Carmen Iohannis' travel arrangements reached extraordinary levels.
20:33The use of a Boeing 737-900ER BBJ Global Jet for a 2023 trip to Japan and Singapore,
20:43featuring luxurious amenities like a bedroom and relaxation areas, demonstrates the kind of comfort
20:49and luxury that modern first ladies have come to expect. This wasn't just transportation,
20:54it was a flying luxury hotel capable of accommodating up to 19 passengers.
21:01What makes Carmen Iohannis' case particularly interesting is how personal activities were
21:07seamlessly woven into official travel. During a 2023 African tour, Carmen and Klaus Iohannis went on
21:14an unannounced safari in Kenya, only revealed after images surfaced online. This safari, which took place in
21:21Nairobi National Park, was not part of the initial public schedule and was only discovered when the
21:27Kenyan Department of Natural Reserves shared images on social media. The secrecy surrounding these
21:34arrangements was legally protected under Romanian law. Travel details were classified as state secrets
21:40under Romanian law no. 544-2001 and law no. 182-2002, meaning that specific information about flight routes,
21:51accommodations and security arrangements could not be legally disclosed to the public. This created a
21:58situation where even routine aspects of travel became state secrets. The financial implications of these
22:04travel arrangements were staggering. Over Klaus Iohannis' 10-year presidency, 193 foreign visits cost nearly 23
22:14million euros, averaging approximately 119,000 euros per trip. While this figure includes the entire
22:22delegation, Carmen Iohannis' participation contributed significantly to these costs, particularly when
22:29luxury accommodations and private aircraft were involved. Individual trips reached extraordinary cost
22:35levels that sparked public outrage. Media estimates suggested that the Japan-Singapore trip in 2023
22:43could have cost up to 350,000 euros, though exact figures were not disclosed due to their classified
22:50nature. To put this in perspective, this single trip cost more than most Romanian citizens earn in a decade.
22:57The logistical complexity of these arrangements was impressive in its scope. When staying in hotels,
23:04entire floors above and below her room were cleared and secured, significantly increasing costs. The
23:10coordination required to clear hotel floors, arrange luxury aircraft and maintain security across multiple
23:17countries represents a massive undertaking that few outside government circles can truly comprehend.
23:23Chepo Motsepe In the rainbow nation of South Africa, Chepo Motsepe represents a fascinating case study in how
23:32First Lady travel arrangements must balance luxury with the complex security challenges of a nation still
23:39grappling with high crime rates and political tensions. Chepo Motsepe's travel arrangements reflect the
23:46sophisticated security apparatus that South Africa has developed to protect its political leadership.
23:52Chepo Motsepe, South Africa's First Lady, likely travels with extensive security provided by the
23:59Presidential Protection Unit involving armored vehicles and trained officers, especially for official trips.
24:07The PPU represents one of the most professional and well-equipped protection services on the African continent.
24:14The scale of protection available to Chepo Motsepe is truly impressive. The Presidential Protection Unit comprises
24:221,382 protection officers and is tasked with both static and in-transit protection. This means that when the First Lady
24:31travels she travels, she has access to a small army of highly trained professionals whose sole job is to keep
24:37her safe and ensure her movements remain secure. The logistical arrangements for Motsepe's travel
24:44integrate her into South Africa's broader Presidential Travel Framework. When Chepo Motsepe accompanies President
24:50Ramaphosa on state visits, her travel logistics are integrated into the Presidential Travel Framework,
24:57using secure transportation like the Presidential Jet in Kwasi, for international trips. This
25:03integration ensures maximum efficiency while maintaining the highest security standards.
25:09The costs associated with Presidential travel in South Africa, which encompasses the First Lady's
25:15movements, are substantial. The PPU's annual budget is approximately R$693 million, covering the
25:23protection of 17 VIPs, including the First Lady. This massive budget reflects the serious commitment
25:31South Africa makes to protecting its political leadership and their families. Individual travel
25:37costs can be staggering. A single Presidential trip, such as Ramaphosa's 2019 visit to Egypt,
25:44was estimated to cost close to R$1 million, covering fuel, crew and other expenses. When you consider that
25:51this includes just one trip, the annual costs of Presidential and First Lady travel become astronomical.
25:58Perhaps most shocking of all is the luxury that accompanies these security arrangements.
26:04Catering costs for President Ramaphosa and VIPs on the state jet in Kwasi have exceeded R$138 million.
26:13Think about that number over R$138 million just for food and beverages on Presidential flights.
26:20That's more than most people will see in multiple lifetimes. The international coordination required for
26:26Motsepe's travel demonstrates South Africa's diplomatic reach. During the 2022 state visit to the UK,
26:33where Shepo Motsepe accompanied the President, logistics involved coordination with foreign governments,
26:40including a ceremonial welcome and state carriage procession. Such arrangements require months of
26:46planning and coordination between multiple government agencies. For secret or private travel,
26:52the arrangements would likely maintain the same high standards while adding layers of discretion.
26:58Details on secret or private trips are scarce due to their confidential nature, but they likely involve
27:04discrete security measures and high costs. Private security services supplement the PPU's efforts when
27:11additional discretion is required. Alina Kabaeva. Our final case study takes us into the shadowy world
27:19of Russian politics, where Alina Kabaeva, widely rumored to be Vladimir Putin's partner and often called the
27:27secret first lady, represents perhaps the most mysterious and heavily protected travel arrangements of any
27:34political figure's spouse in the world. Alina Kabaeva's travel arrangements exist in a realm of speculation and
27:41secrecy that would make Cold War spies envious. The first lady position in Russia is currently vacant
27:48following Vladimir Putin's divorce from Lyudmila Putina in 2014, with Alina Kabaeva often rumored to be
27:55Putin's partner and sometimes referred to as the secret first lady. This unofficial status creates a
28:02unique situation where someone with immense influence operates completely outside normal
28:08diplomatic protocols. To understand how Kabaeva might travel, we must examine Putin's own extraordinary
28:15security arrangements, which likely extend to those closest to him. Putin uses a luxury train with
28:21advanced amenities, armored limousines and decoy aircraft to ensure security and secrecy. Picture this,
28:28a specially equipped train with anti-aging machines and a Turkish bath, multiple armored vehicles deployed as
28:35decoys, and an entire fleet of aircraft to obscure exact locations. This is the level of sophisticated
28:42deception that characterizes Russian VIP travel. The security measures available to someone in Kabaeva's
28:49position would be extraordinary. As a high profile figure linked to Putin, Kabaeva likely receives protection from the
28:56Federal Protective Service or similar agencies, especially if traveling with or on behalf of Putin.
29:03The FSO represents one of the world's most sophisticated protection services, with resources that rival military
29:11intelligence operations. The logistical complexity of arranging secret travel for someone under international
29:18sanctions adds another layer of intrigue. Since 2022, Kabaeva has faced sanctions, potentially complicating
29:26international travel but not eliminating it, as state resources could circumvent restrictions. This means
29:33that any travel arrangements must not only maintain secrecy, but also avoid detection by international
29:40monitoring systems designed to track sanctioned individuals. The costs associated with such elaborate
29:47travel arrangements would be staggering. Based on comparisons with other high-security travel,
29:53private jets and armored vehicles incur high operational costs, potentially millions per trip,
30:00similar to US presidential travel estimates. When you factor in the need for multiple decoy vehicles,
30:07advanced communication systems, and the coordination required to move someone secretly across,
30:13international borders the expenses become astronomical. Evidence suggests that Kabaeva has maintained an
30:20international presence despite her secretive status. Reports suggest Kabaeva has resided in Switzerland or
30:27owns European properties, indicating international travel. The fact that she can maintain properties and
30:34presence in countries that have sanctioned her suggests travel arrangements of extraordinary sophistication and
30:40expense. The level of secrecy surrounding Kabaeva's movements is so complete that even her public
30:47appearances are rare events. Her rare public appearances suggest a preference for secrecy,
30:52possibly using private transport to avoid media scrutiny. When someone with her profile can remain
30:59virtually invisible while maintaining an active international lifestyle, it suggests access to travel
31:05resources that most intelligence agencies would envy. The operational security required for Kabaeva's
31:11travel would likely involve multiple layers of deception. Similar to Putin's use of decoy aircraft,
31:18Kabaeva's travel might involve misdirection to protect her location. This could include false flight plans,
31:25decoy vehicles, and even body doubles, techniques that transform travel from simple transportation into
31:32elaborate intelligence operations. What makes Kabaeva's case particularly fascinating is how it
31:39represents the ultimate evolution of secret first lady travel. Unlike other political spouses who must
31:46balance public duties with private security, Kabaeva operates in a realm where secrecy itself is the
31:53primary goal. The lack of specific, verifiable information about Kabaeva's travel reflects the Kremlin's deliberate
32:01secrecy, creating a situation where absence of information becomes the most telling information of all.
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