The Rest Is Classified 50. The Man Who Tried To Kill The KGB: On the Run from Russia (Ep 2)
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May 27, 2025 Dive into the gripping story of Vasily Mitrokhin, the KGB archivist who dared to expose the secrets of his former employers. Experience the high-stakes drama of his family's escape from Russia, fraught with emotional turmoil and chaos. Discover the behind-the-scenes negotiations between British and American intelligence that shaped his future. The episode reveals the shocking impact of Mitrokhin's leaks on Western espionage and explores the often painful realities faced by defectors challenging oppressive regimes.
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Tense KGB Escape Story
- Vasily Mitrokhin and his family were extricated from Lithuania in 1992 amidst complex fears of KGB and Red Army interference.
- His son and mother-in-law were unaware of the true nature of their escape, believing they were going to a sanatorium.
Soviet Threat Lurks in Lithuania
- Lithuania was independent but still hosted thousands of Red Army troops and active KGB elements in 1992.
- The operatives were armed and cautious due to ongoing Soviet presence and instability during the transition.
Son's Shock During Escape
- At the docks, Mitrokhin's son learned the truth about his father's espionage, reacted with anger, and resisted boarding.
- MI6 operative Robert physically lifted the son onto the boat, an act that looked like an abduction but ended peacefully.
