14. Crossing the Iron Curtain: The CIA’s Mole In Moscow (Ep 1)
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Jan 27, 2025
Explore the riveting tale of Adolf Tolkachev, a Soviet radar expert who became a key CIA asset during the Cold War. Discover the high stakes of espionage as Tolkachev risked everything to relay crucial intelligence while evading the ever-watchful KGB. The intricate dynamics between the CIA's Moscow station and its headquarters are unveiled, showcasing the dangers faced by spies. Additionally, the podcast touches on the legacy of formidable female spies, like Christina Skarbek, who broke barriers and made significant contributions during World War II.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Tolkachev's Initial Contact
In January 1977, Adolf Tolkachev approached the CIA's Moscow station chief at a gas station.
Tolkachev slipped a note into the car, expressing his wish to discuss confidential matters with an American official.
insights INSIGHT
CIA's Apprehension
The CIA was initially hesitant to engage with Tolkachev due to concerns about KGB entrapment.
This caution stemmed from recent losses of CIA assets in Moscow and a general distrust of walk-ins.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Troubled Times in Moscow Station
1977 was a difficult year for the CIA's Moscow station, marked by the loss of valuable assets.
One incident involved a prized asset who swallowed a suicide pill upon being caught by the KGB.
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The Hunt for Red October is Tom Clancy's debut novel, published in 1984. It follows Soviet submarine captain Marko Ramius as he plots to defect to the United States with his advanced ballistic missile submarine, the Red October. The novel introduces CIA analyst Jack Ryan, who must prove his theory that Ramius intends to defect rather than launch a surprise attack. The story involves a complex cat-and-mouse game between the Soviet Navy, the U.S. Navy, and the CIA, highlighting the technological and strategic aspects of Cold War naval warfare. The book is known for its detailed technical descriptions and its sympathetic portrayal of both Soviet and American characters.
The Billion Dollar Spy
A True Story of Cold War Espionage and Betrayal
David Hoffman
The book narrates the extraordinary story of Adolf Tolkachev, a Soviet engineer who, from 1977 to 1985, supplied the CIA with a vast amount of top-secret data on the USSR’s military capabilities. Tolkachev, working in a top-secret design laboratory, risked his life to provide information on Soviet radar, aircraft, and weapons technology. The CIA valued his intel at billions of dollars, making him the agency's most valuable Soviet asset. The book details the intricate and dangerous operations involved in handling Tolkachev, including clandestine meetings, dead-drops, and the bureaucratic challenges faced by the CIA. Hoffman's meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring to life the high-stakes espionage and the personal motivations of Tolkachev, as well as the broader geopolitical implications of his actions[1][4][The Bookish Elf, Goodreads].
How did the CIA recruit a Russian asset in Moscow during the height of the Cold War? Why would someone be so determined to defect from the Soviet Union and spy for the US? And what would happen if the KGB found out they had a traitor in their midst?
Adolf Tolkachev had a vendetta against the Soviet state and became determined to orchestrate its demise. An expert on Soviet radar, Tolkachev realised his top secret work could help the US fight his communist overlords and potentially topple the entire system. So, how did he do it? Listen as Gordon and David start to tell the story of the man who became the CIA’s most valuable Russian spy.
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