American Scandal
FBI Agent Turned Russian Spy | World of Secrets | 1
Apr 2, 2024
Former FBI agent Robert Hanssen turns into a Russian spy during the Cold War, selling valuable information to the Soviet Union. The podcast explores his social awkwardness, resentment towards his employers, and his transition from a white-collar job to espionage. It also delves into his complex relationship with his father, struggles for acceptance within the intelligence community, and the inner turmoil of betraying his country for financial gain.
41:21
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Quick takeaways
- Robert Hanssen's social awkwardness and resentment led him to become one of the most damaging spies in US history.
- Hanssen's access to highly classified information and financial struggles motivated him to sell secrets to the Soviet Union.
Deep dives
The FBI's Hunt for a Mole Within
In a gripping narrative, the FBI uncovers a damaging internal leak to the Soviet Union, leading to a frustrating and embarrassing search for a mole within their ranks. Gallagher, the National Security Division Chief, identifies Robert Philip Hansen as the traitor after a retired KGB agent provides a critical tape recording. The breakthrough comes when fingerprint analysis matches Hansen's prints to those on a black garbage bag used for espionage a decade prior, sealing his fate as a double agent.
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