The Double Life of Ana Montes

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This chapter explores the transformation of Ana Montes from an ordinary citizen to a Cuban spy, detailing her intense training and exceptional skills in gathering sensitive information. It reveals her unique methods of memorizing classified data and covertly relaying it through encrypted communication, all while maintaining a façade of normalcy. Additionally, the chapter highlights the counterintelligence challenges faced when her suspicious behaviors began to raise red flags among her colleagues.

Phoebe: Are there a lot of spies in this country today?

Scott: Far more than people can probably even imagine. You can't rule anybody out. You never know what it is that motivates people to do this.

For 17 years, Ana Montes was quietly sharing information with the Cuban government while working as a U.S. defense intelligence analyst.

Scott Carmichael’s book is True Believer: Inside the Investigation and Capture of Ana Montes, Cuba's Master Spy. Jim Popkin’s book is Code Name Blue Wren – The True Story of America’s Most Dangerous Female Spy and the Sister She Betrayed.

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