In today's first episode of Conspiracies and the Unknown Vanessa Richardson investigates Operation Gladio, a secret Cold War program that saw the U.S. and its allies establish covert “stay-behind” armies across Western Europe to resist a potential Soviet invasion. But when that invasion never came, questions began to surface about what these shadow forces were actually used for. From political assassinations and terror attacks to military coups and state-sanctioned violence, this episode explores the documented history of Gladio, the testimony of intelligence officials, and the conspiracy theories that allege these secret armies were turned against civilians in the name of anti-communism. As facts blur into speculation, the story raises an unsettling question: what happens when weapons built for defense are left without an enemy?And for more cases just like this one, be sure to check out the Crime House Original, Conspiracy Theories, Cults and Crimes.If you’re new here, don’t forget to follow Crime House 24/7 to never miss a case! For ad-free listening and exclusive bonus episodes, subscribe to Crime House+. Join at crimehouseplus.com or if you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, tap “Try Free” at the top of this show’s page. Crime House 24/7 is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios.🎧 Need More to Binge? Listen to other Crime House Originals Clues, Crimes Of Reddit, Serial Killers & Murderous Minds, Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes, Murder True Crime Stories, and more wherever you get your podcasts!Follow me on SocialInstagram: @Crimehouse | @crimehouse247TikTok: @Crimehouse | @crimehouse247Facebook: @crimehousestudiosX: @crimehousemediaYouTube: @crimehousestudios