The Rest Is Classified 67. The Great Betrayal: Defecting to Moscow (Ep 2)
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Jul 22, 2025 Dive into the mind of Edward Lee Howard, a CIA dropout turned KGB spy. Discover his chaotic life filled with alcohol-fueled decisions and betrayal as he navigated the treacherous world of espionage. Uncover the clever tricks used during his daring escape from the FBI, including a life-sized dummy. Explore the mysterious circumstances surrounding a fatal incident in Russia and the broader implications of betrayal within the intelligence community. The psychological tactics behind spying reveal a dark but fascinating side of human vulnerabilities.
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Howard’s Downward Spiral
- After being fired, Howard spiraled into anger and alcoholism, engaging in reckless acts that revealed his unstable state.
- His turbulence foreshadowed his eventual defection and treasonous actions.
Signaling the KGB Through Calls
- Howard's repeated calls to the Moscow CIA station were deliberate signals to the KGB indicating his inside knowledge and discontent.
- Such risky behavior reveals his intent to attract Soviet recruitment despite the danger of being overheard.
Howard's Drunken Gunfight
- Edward Lee Howard drunkenly pulled a .44 Magnum on a couple after following them from a bar.
- The altercation ended with Howard losing a fight against Pizza Hut employees and getting probation.
