The Audio Long Read ‘I am not who you think I am’: how a deep-cover KGB spy recruited his own son
6 snips
May 16, 2025 James Faulkner narrates a gripping tale about a former KGB spy known as 'the Inheritor.' The discussion delves into the emotional turmoil of revealing hidden identities and the profound impact on family bonds. A pivotal moment unfolds between a father and son in Lima as shocking secrets challenge their relationship. The struggles of balancing family loyalty with the moral dilemmas of espionage are examined, alongside the sacrifices made for a life shrouded in secrecy. This story uncovers dark consequences on personal lives, highlighting an extraordinary world of spies.
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KGB Spy Reveals Truth to Son
- Rudy Herman revealed to his son Peter that he was a deep-cover KGB spy with a false German identity.
- Rudy asked Peter to join the espionage work, initiating his recruitment into the KGB's illegal program.
Challenges of KGB Illegals Program
- The KGB's illegals program trained agents to impersonate Westerners for long missions, making infiltration increasingly difficult.
- By the 1960s, strict surveillance and identity verification made spy work more regimented and psychologically challenging.
Second-Generation Spy Strategy
- Rudy believed recruiting his son as a second-generation illegal could overcome his own operational limitations and risks.
- Having an American-raised son spy offered potential operational advantages and family unity.