True Spies: Espionage | Investigation | Crime | Murder | Detective | Politics
True Spies: Debriefs - Robert Booth on underestimating Cuba's spies
Sep 3, 2024
Robert Booth, an ex-State Department counterintelligence officer and self-described spycatcher, dives into the underestimated threat posed by Cuban spies in America. He discusses the shocking access that Cuban agents, like Manuel Roca, have to sensitive U.S. information. The conversation explores the evolution of espionage techniques and how Cuba uniquely targets the U.S., especially within the Cuban community in Florida. Booth reflects on his own journey in counterintelligence, highlighting themes of trust and betrayal that shape the intricate world of espionage.
40:42
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Quick takeaways
- Cuban intelligence agencies, exemplified by Manuel Roca's long-term espionage, have penetrated high levels of U.S. government, posing significant threats.
- The targeted approach of Cuban spies to monitor U.S. political dynamics, especially within the Cuban-American community, highlights ongoing vulnerabilities.
Deep dives
The Case of Manuel Roca
Manuel Roca's case sheds light on a significant breach of U.S. intelligence by a former State Department official. Roca, who held several high-profile positions including U.S. ambassador to Bolivia, was convicted for spying on behalf of Cuba for over four decades, providing critical access to American secrets. Robert Booth, a former counterintelligence officer, had flagged Roca as a potential threat years prior, highlighting the complexities of identifying spies within government ranks. The long duration of Roca's espionage underscores the difficulties the intelligence community faces in uncovering such threats, particularly when suspects have retired and are no longer in daily contact with classified information.
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