The Journal. Inside the Hunt for Putin’s Sleeper Agents
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Mar 28, 2025 
In a gripping discussion, Joe Parkinson and Drew Hinshaw, Wall Street Journal reporters, delve into the shadowy world of Russian sleeper agents. They unveil the extraordinary lives of a family living undercover for years while highlighting the Slovenian spycatcher's daunting mission to uncover them. The conversation covers the intense cat-and-mouse game of espionage, the impact of personal identities intertwined with patriotism, and the intricate negotiation for prisoner exchanges, revealing the complexities behind modern espionage.
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The Mysterious Mother
- Maria, a seemingly ordinary pregnant woman, arrived at a Buenos Aires hospital.
- Her composure and lack of visitors during both of her deliveries struck Dr. Perez as unusual.
Putin's Illegals
- Maria and her husband, Ludwig, were Russian illegals, spies without official ties to their government.
- These illegals are highly valued by Putin, who receives regular briefings on their activities.
The Atomic Spy
- In the 1950s, a Soviet illegal stole atomic secrets while living in Brooklyn, posing as an artist.
- This illegal used a hollowed-out nickel for coded messages, highlighting the lengths these spies would go to.