While many of the novels had a basis in facts, the more interesting writers incorporated first hand experience with lively imagination, both in plot and character. It's widely considered that "truth is stranger than fiction", and in the case of the "Billion Dollar Spy", it holds true. In the decade before the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Russyan secret service, aka the K.G.B., waged a relentless campaign against the West and NATO, and also against her own citizens. While the C.I.A. performed intel gathering abroad, domestic affairs are handled by the FBI, the KGB SPIES ON EVERYBODY.
So, in the late 70's, an employee of the American Embassy in MOscova was contacted by a Russyan citizen, leaving a note saying he possessed information of a technical nature that would be of interest to the United States. Thus began the story of spy craft in the late 20th century. The Russyan, Mr. Kohlhachov, was an engineer working in the research area of airborne radar systems. This area was of interest to all nations developing advanced systems and advanced defenses against the same systems. The author made extensive use of interviews, archival research, recently declassified documents, and on the ground study of the environment. The case went forward for several years despite a slow start. As expected, the C.I.A. was very cautious, knowing the K.G.B. is adept at planting false stories and false informants. After extensive vetting, an agreement was made with the engineer, and his information began to flow directly to the US technical systems developers. He is called the 'Billion Dollar' spy because he alone saved the US billions of dollars in research and development costs at a time when budget constraints on the Pentagon were severe. As the case progressed, engineers were able to uncover the goals of Russyan airborne radar systems at the current state of conditions. Thus, the US Dept of Defense was able to change direction of research and take advantage of this top secret material.
Operating in the Moscova environment means that all agents, on both sides play the game: everybody is watched all the time, and rarely can one escape the constant observers. However, over time, professionals learn the weaknesses of the other side, and take advantage of them. They operate along the "seams", those areas least observed. Thus, informants and their information gets passed to the other side.
At the same time, a disgruntled new employee of the C.I.A. decided to turn against the US for revenge. Having read some of the secret information from the Moscova Embassy, he was able to provide enough information to the K.G.B. that compromised the leak. Mr. Kohlkachov was caught and executed in Russya. The ex-agent was spirited to Russya and died there years later.
It's a gripping story, and the author keeps the narrative moving, describing dead drops, disguises, letters, phone calls, plans that go awry, and the cash payoffs. He also shines some light on the methods of spy craft before the age of cell phones, cyber security, and hacking attacks that we are all aware of today. It was a simpler time in the late 80's and 90's. The technology has changed but the people involved are the same old players, excepting now the head of the KGB heads the largest country in the world.
I highly recommend this story for all those interested in international relations, especially as Russya becomes more assertive in its attempt to shake its murderous past.
5 Stars *****
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| Master Spy and friend |
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| US Capitol Bldg |
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