Spies

Robert Philip Hanssen, an FBI agent, engaged in espionage for Soviet and Russian intelligence services against the United States from 1979 to 2001. His actions, considered one of the worst intelligence disasters in U.S. history, involved selling classified documents on U.S. strategies, military technologies, and counterintelligence programs to the KGB. Despite operating for several years, he managed to remain anonymous to the Russians. Hanssen's espionage came to an end in 2001 when he was arrested after leaving classified materials at a dead drop site. He was subsequently sentenced to fifteen life terms without parole.

Eliyahu Ben-Shaul Cohen, an Egyptian-born Israeli spy, gained fame for his espionage work in Syria from 1961 to 1965. He developed close relationships with Syrian political and military figures, providing valuable intelligence to Mossad. Concerned for his safety, he shared his worries with Mossad in 1964 as his activities became increasingly risky. Uncovered by Syrian intelligence in 1965, he was convicted and publicly hanged in Damascus, escalating tensions between Israel and Syria before the 1967 Arab–Israeli War. Cohen is honored in Israel, with streets named after him.

Ethel Rosenberg participated in espionage activities for the Soviet Union, assisting her husband Julius in passing top-secret information about American radar, sonar, jet propulsion engines, and nuclear weapon designs. She served as a recruiter and courier for the spy ring and performed clerical tasks such as typing up documents for Julius to pass on to the Soviets. Ethel's involvement in espionage resulted in her conviction and execution by the U.S. government.

Kim Philby, a British intelligence officer, served as a spy for the Soviet Union. He was part of the Cambridge Five spy ring, passing confidential information to the Soviets during World War II and the Cold War. Philby was recruited by Soviet intelligence in 1934 and later joined MI6. He provided substantial intelligence to the Soviets, including his involvement in the Albanian Subversion. Philby held positions in Washington and Beirut before defecting to Moscow in 1963 after being revealed as a Soviet agent.

Hiroo Onoda, a second lieutenant in the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II, became known for his persistence in fighting long after the war had ended in 1945. For nearly 29 years, Onoda engaged in guerrilla warfare on Lubang Island in the Philippines, participating in shootouts with locals and law enforcement. In 1974, his former commanding officer relieved him of duty, prompting Onoda to surrender and return to Japan where he was hailed as a hero.

Aldrich Hazen Ames, a former CIA counterintelligence officer, was convicted of espionage for the Soviet Union and Russia in 1994. He is serving a life sentence without parole in Indiana for compromising numerous highly classified CIA assets. Ames' actions made him one of the most damaging moles in US intelligence history, significantly impacting national security and leading to the exposure and deaths of numerous intelligence sources. He was later surpassed in his betrayal by fellow spy Robert Hanssen, who was arrested in 2001.

Nathan Hale, an American Patriot and soldier, bravely served during the American Revolutionary War. He volunteered for a mission in New York City to gather intelligence for the Continental Army but was captured and executed by British forces. Despite his tragic end, Hale is honored as an American hero for his sacrifice and commitment to independence. In 1985, he was officially named the state hero of Connecticut in recognition of his courage and patriotism.

Major John André, a British Army officer, was instrumental in Britain's intelligence efforts during the American War of Independence. He worked with Benedict Arnold to gain control of the American fort at West Point, New York for the British. However, André was captured and executed for espionage by the Continental Army after encountering mishaps on his way back to British lines from a meeting with Arnold. This event had a significant impact on both sides of the conflict.

E. Howard Hunt Jr. was an American intelligence officer who served in the Central Intelligence Agency from 1949 to 1970. He played a significant role in U.S. regime change in Latin America, including the 1954 Guatemalan coup and the 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion in Cuba. Hunt was part of the Nixon administration's White House Plumbers, tasked with preventing government leaks. He was involved in the Watergate scandal, where he was convicted of burglary, conspiracy, and wiretapping, resulting in a 33-month prison sentence. Hunt later resided in Mexico and Miami until his death in 2007.

Peggy Shippen played a significant role in the American Revolution as the second wife of General Benedict Arnold. She was involved in a conspiracy with the British and has been labeled as "the highest-paid spy." Shippen's actions led to the exposure of a planned surrender of a critical Continental Army base. After Arnold's death, she managed his business affairs and debts, showing resilience and determination in handling difficult situations.

Clyde Anderson Tolson was the Associate Director of the FBI for over four decades, from 1947 to 1972. He oversaw personnel and discipline at the organization, working closely with FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. Tolson played a key role in the operations and management of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Klaus Fuchs was a German theoretical physicist who was involved in atomic espionage during and after World War II. He shared important information about the Manhattan Project with the Soviet Union. Fuchs also played a significant role in theoretical calculations for nuclear weapons and early hydrogen bomb models at Los Alamos Laboratory. Following his conviction in 1950, he spent nine years in a UK prison before resuming his scientific career in East Germany. Fuchs held leadership roles in scientific institutions and was active in nuclear physics research until his retirement in 1979.

Virginia Hall Goillot, an American spy, worked with the SOE and OSS in France during WWII. She was the first female agent to reside in Vichy France and established the Heckler network in Lyon. Hall excelled in supporting operations, organizing resistance movements, supplying agents, aiding downed airmen, and providing safe houses and medical assistance. Known as "Artemis" by the Germans, she was considered one of the most dangerous Allied spies. Hall operated as a wireless operator for the OSS in occupied territory, assisting French resistance groups and earning the nickname "The Limping Lady."

John Cairncross, a British civil servant turned intelligence officer, played a pivotal role as a Soviet double agent during World War II. He provided crucial Tunny decryptions to the Soviet Union, impacting the Battle of Kursk. Suspected as part of the Cambridge Five spy ring, Cairncross was also recognized for his talents in translation, literary scholarship, and non-fiction writing.

Oleg Antonovich Gordievsky is a former KGB colonel who served as a KGB resident-designate and bureau chief in London. He worked as a double agent, providing intelligence to the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) from 1974 to 1985. Following his recall to Moscow and subsequent suspicion, he was exfiltrated from the Soviet Union in July 1985 via Operation Pimlico. In his absence, the Soviet Union sentenced him to death after his defection.

Savitri Devi Mukherji was a controversial figure known for her involvement in espionage activities in support of the Axis powers during World War II. She later became a prominent member of the Neo-Nazi underground in the 1960s, advocating for a fusion of Hinduism and Nazism. Her writings, which rejected Judaism and Christianity in favor of pantheistic monism, influenced neo-Nazism, Nazi occultism, and the alt-right movement. Savitri associated with key figures in the post-war years and was a founding member of the World Union of National Socialists.

Violette Szabo served as a Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent during World War II, displaying remarkable bravery and dedication in dangerous missions in occupied France. Captured by the German army, she withstood interrogation and torture without divulging vital information. Despite her unwavering courage and commitment to the Allied cause, Szabo tragically met her end at Ravensbrück concentration camp in Germany, where she was executed. She was posthumously awarded the George Cross for her exceptional service.

Donald Duart Maclean was a British diplomat and Soviet double agent involved in the Cambridge Five spy ring. Recruited by a Soviet agent as a student, he served in diplomatic roles in Paris, London, Washington, D.C., and Egypt. Maclean later became head of the American Department in the Foreign Office. He defected to Moscow in 1951, where he continued working on British policy and relations between the Soviet Union and NATO until his death in 1983.

Manuela Sáenz, an Ecuadorian revolutionary heroine, supported the cause through gathering information, distributing leaflets, and advocating for women's rights. She was honored with the Order of the Sun for her revolutionary services. Sáenz played a significant role in political and military affairs in Lima, Peru, where she formed a close relationship with Simón Bolívar. She aided him in various ways and earned the title "Libertadora del libertador." Sáenz is now recognized as a feminist symbol of the 19th-century wars of independence.

Sidney Gottlieb was an American chemist and spymaster who played a key role in Project MKUltra during the 1950s and 1960s. He led the Central Intelligence Agency's efforts in assassination attempts and mind control experiments, focusing on the use of drugs and psychological manipulation to achieve intelligence objectives. Gottlieb's controversial work in covert operations, particularly in Project MKUltra, is a significant part of his legacy in espionage and government experimentation.

Christine Granville, a Polish agent of the British Special Operations Executive during World War II, was the first female British agent in the field and the longest-serving among Britain's wartime women agents. Her resourcefulness and success led to the recruitment of more women agents in Nazi-occupied countries. She is famous for securing the release of SOE agents from a German prison through daring tactics, demonstrating bravery, intelligence, and effectiveness in espionage missions.

Richard Sorge, a German journalist and Soviet military intelligence officer known by the codename "Ramsay," worked undercover in Nazi Germany and the Empire of Japan during World War II. He supplied vital intelligence to the Soviets, such as details on Hitler's plan to attack the Soviet Union and Japan's stance towards the USSR. Despite facing arrest, torture, and execution for espionage in Japan, Sorge's efforts significantly supported the Soviet war campaign. In 1964, he was posthumously recognized as a Hero of the Soviet Union.

Theodore Alvin Hall was an American physicist who acted as an atomic spy for the Soviet Union during World War II. He shared valuable information about the "Fat Man" plutonium bomb and methods for purifying plutonium with Soviet intelligence while working on the Manhattan Project. His actions had a major impact on Cold War espionage.

Chevalier d'Éon de Beaumont was a versatile individual who served as a French diplomat, spy, and soldier. Known for their androgynous physical features and remarkable skills as a mimic and spy, they played a significant role in the Seven Years' War and conducted espionage for France in Russia and England. For nearly half a century, d'Éon presented publicly as a man, engaging in masculine pursuits, while also successfully infiltrating the court of Empress Elizabeth of Russia by assuming a female identity. In their later years, d'Éon transitioned to living openly as a woman and received official recognition of this from King Louis XVI.

Noshir Sheriarji Gowadia, a former design engineer, was arrested in 2005 for selling classified information to multiple countries, including China, Germany, Israel, and Switzerland. He was convicted on industrial espionage-related federal charges in 2010 and sentenced to 32 years in prison in 2011 by the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii. Gowadia's career trajectory shifted dramatically as he went from being a design engineer to a convicted spy engaged in the illicit sale of sensitive information.

Konon Molody, a Soviet intelligence officer, operated under the alias Gordon Arnold Lonsdale during the Cold War. Disguised as a Canadian businessman, he worked as a non-official (illegal) KGB intelligence agent. Molody orchestrated the Portland spy ring, which conducted espionage in Britain from the late 1950s to 1961. His career was defined by covert operations and involvement in espionage for the Soviet Union during a tense international period.

Dušan "Duško" Popov OBE was a Serbian double agent working for both MI6 and the Abwehr in World War II. He successfully infiltrated the Abwehr, feeding the Germans false information and significantly aiding in Allied deception efforts regarding invasion plans. Popov participated in Operation Fortitude, leveraging his guise as a Yugoslav diplomat to relay critical intelligence. Known by various codenames such as Duško, Ivan, and Tricycle, he played a pivotal role in espionage for multiple intelligence agencies.

Markus Johannes Wolf, alias Mischa, was a prominent East German spy who led the Main Directorate for Reconnaissance, the foreign intelligence branch of East Germany's Ministry for State Security. Serving as the Stasi's deputy head for 34 years, he became one of the key figures in Cold War espionage. Known for his elusive nature, Wolf was dubbed "the man without a face" in the West, underscoring his expertise in espionage and intelligence activities.

David Greenglass was an American machinist who worked on the Manhattan Project and served as an atomic spy for the Soviet Union. He was stationed at the Clinton Engineer Works uranium enrichment facility at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and later worked at the Los Alamos Laboratory in New Mexico. Greenglass provided testimony that led to the conviction and execution of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg for espionage. He served nine and a half years in prison for his involvement in the spy ring.

Frank Sturgis had a varied professional career, with experience in different branches of the US military and involvement in the Cuban Revolution. He also worked as a covert operative for the CIA. Sturgis became infamous as one of the Watergate burglars, which played a role in President Richard Nixon's resignation. He was also linked to alleged connections to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, adding to the mystery surrounding his controversial career in military, intelligence, and undercover operations.

William Samuel Stephenson, also known as Intrepid, was a Canadian soldier, fighter pilot, businessman, and spymaster during World War II. As the head of the British Security Coordination (BSC), he facilitated intelligence exchange between the western allies, shared British and American secrets, and influenced American public opinion to support entering the war. Stephenson's contributions as a strategic intelligence liaison and his influence on the character of James Bond have left a lasting mark on espionage history.

Theodore Schurch, a British soldier, served during the Second World War and was executed under the Treachery Act 1940. He holds the distinction of being the last person in Britain to be executed for a non-murder offense. Schurch's wartime actions led to a contentious trial and sentencing, sparking historical interest and debate on the complexities of justice and morality during times of war.

Ferdinand Walsin Esterhazy, a former French Army officer, gained notoriety for engaging in espionage for the German Empire. His actions wrongfully led to Captain Alfred Dreyfus being accused of treason in 1894. Despite being revealed as the actual culprit, Esterhazy controversially received an acquittal in a closed military trial in 1898. After retiring as a major, he fled to the United Kingdom and resided in Harpenden, Hertfordshire until his passing in 1923.

James Armistead Lafayette, an enslaved African American, served the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War as a double agent under the Marquis de Lafayette. He provided valuable intelligence on Benedict Arnold and Lord Charles Cornwallis, aiding in the siege of Yorktown. His role as a spy was crucial to the American victory, as he fed the British false information while providing accurate details to the Americans.

Luis Posada Carriles, a Cuban exile militant and CIA agent, played a significant role in anti-Castro activities. He was involved in the Bay of Pigs Invasion, received CIA training, and conducted covert operations against the Cuban government. Together with Orlando Bosch, he co-founded the Coordination of United Revolutionary Organizations, which was associated with anti-Castro terrorism. Posada was linked to the 1976 Cuban airliner bombing and confessed to orchestrating other bombings targeting Cuban establishments. He also faced allegations regarding an assassination attempt on Fidel Castro. Posada's professional endeavors were marked by controversial and violent actions.

Tamara Bunke, also known by her alias Tania, was a committed revolutionary who was actively involved in feminism, leftist politics, and liberation movements. She began her revolutionary journey by joining the Free German Youth and later pursued studies in philosophy at university. With her language skills, she worked as an interpreter for the Socialist Unity Party of Germany. Bunke's dedication led her to participate in the Cuban literacy campaign and the Federation of Cuban Women. She was eventually recruited for Che Guevara's guerrilla expedition in Bolivia. Under the alias Tania, she successfully infiltrated Bolivian high society and established connections with Bolivian President René Barrientos. Bunke played a vital role in Guevara's armed guerrilla campaign in Bolivia, managing food supplies and overseeing radio communications.

Edwin P. Wilson, a former CIA and Office of Naval Intelligence officer, faced controversy after being convicted in 1983 for unlawfully selling weapons to Libya. His convictions were overturned in 2003 due to the revelation that the United States Department of Justice had used a false affidavit in his prosecution. Wilson's professional journey was characterized by his participation in intelligence activities and the legal disputes stemming from his conviction and eventual exoneration.

Josef Jakobs, a German spy in World War II, was captured in the United Kingdom after parachuting in. He was convicted of espionage under the Treachery Act 1940 and became the final person to be executed at the Tower of London. Jakobs was sentenced to death and executed by a military firing squad. His case stands out as the sole execution at the Tower of London during the war, with distinct circumstances surrounding his capture and punishment.

Ursula Kuczynski, a German Communist activist, spied for the Soviet Union in the 1930s and 1940s under various aliases such as Ruth Werner, Ursula Beurton, and Ursula Hamburger. She notably handled nuclear scientist Klaus Fuchs and later relocated to East Germany in 1950. Kuczynski authored several books on espionage, including the popular autobiography "Sonjas Rapport", using the cover names "Sonja" or "Sonya" during her covert operations as advised by intelligence operative Richard Sorge.

Rose O'Neal Greenhow was a well-known Confederate spy who used her political connections to provide vital military intelligence to the Confederacy. Leading a Southern spy network in Washington, D.C., she significantly contributed to the Confederate success at the First Battle of Bull Run. Despite facing consequences for her espionage, she persisted in her efforts and was eventually chosen to represent the Confederacy on a diplomatic mission to Europe. Unfortunately, she met a tragic end in 1864 when she drowned while trying to evade a Union gunboat.

Peter Maurice Wright served as a principal scientific officer for MI5, the British counter-intelligence agency. He achieved global acclaim for his book Spycatcher, co-authored with Paul Greengrass, which sold over two million copies. In Spycatcher, Wright revealed major institutional deficiencies within MI5 that he uncovered during his investigations. Influenced by James Jesus Angleton, the former counter-intelligence chief of the US Central Intelligence Agency, Wright made significant contributions to counterespionage and delivered a powerful exposé through his bestselling book.

Violette Morris was a skilled French athlete who gained fame for her achievements at the Women's World Games in 1921–1922, where she won two gold and one silver medal. However, her athletic career was cut short due to her moral transgressions, leading to a ban from competing. Her controversial ties to the Nazis and collaboration with the Vichy France regime during World War II greatly damaged her reputation. Referred to as the "Hyena of the Gestapo," she met a tragic fate at the hands of the French Resistance.

Miles Axe Copeland Jr. was an American musician, businessman, and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) founding member known for his involvement in covert operations, including the Syrian coup d'état in 1949 and the Iranian coup d'état in 1953. He was influenced by James Burnham's ideas and associated with the National Review magazine. Copeland expressed conservative views on intelligence matters and advocated for more aggressive actions against anti-American governments and leaders in a 1986 Rolling Stone interview.

Belle Boyd was a renowned Confederate spy in the American Civil War, recognized for her adept intelligence-gathering abilities and strategic maneuvers. She operated from her father's hotel in Front Royal, Virginia, where she supplied crucial information to Confederate General Stonewall Jackson in 1862. Known by various aliases such as the Cleopatra of the Secession and Siren of the Shenandoah, Boyd earned the moniker Confederate Mata Hari for her cunning espionage endeavors. Throughout her career, she undertook bold undercover missions that greatly influenced Confederate military tactics in the war.

William John Christopher Vassall was a British civil servant who engaged in espionage for the Soviet Union from 1954 to 1962. He provided significant information on naval technology during this period, leading to his arrest and imprisonment for eighteen years. Vassall was released after serving ten years. His espionage scandal caused embarrassment to the Macmillan government, though it was overshadowed by the more sensational Profumo affair.

Elizabeth Van Lew was a prominent American abolitionist and philanthropist who played a crucial role in establishing and managing an extensive spy network for the Union Army during the American Civil War. Despite encountering false accusations about her life, her professional contributions are best recorded in a 2002 biography by University of Virginia professor Elizabeth R. Varon. Through her espionage work, Van Lew significantly aided the Union forces by providing valuable intelligence, which ultimately contributed to the Union's triumph in the Civil War.

Nancy Morgan Hart played a significant role during the American Revolutionary War by bravely opposing Loyalists in northeast Georgia. She was recognized as a resilient and clever frontierswoman who defied Tory soldiers with acts of courage. Although concrete evidence from her time is scarce, her reputation as a rebel heroine has persisted through folklore, highlighting her bravery and ingenuity in challenging situations. Researchers face obstacles in distinguishing historical truths from exaggerated stories of her adventures.

George Abramovich Koval, an American engineer, served as a Soviet intelligence officer for the Soviet atomic bomb project. Infiltrating the Manhattan Project as a GRU agent under the code name DELMAR, he played a key role in accelerating the Soviet Union's nuclear weapons development. Koval provided vital information on production processes, materials volumes, and weapon production sites, ultimately contributing to the Soviet Union's advancement in nuclear capabilities. He was later awarded the Hero of the Russian Federation decoration posthumously for his service.

John Edmund Gardner was a distinguished English novelist known for his significant contributions to the spy and thriller genres. He achieved recognition for his James Bond continuation novels and series starring Boysie Oakes and Professor Moriarty. A former Royal Marine commando, Gardner briefly explored a career as an Anglican priest before turning to writing. With a substantial body of work comprising over fifty fiction works, including original James Bond novels and adaptations of Bond films, Gardner made a lasting mark on the literary landscape.

Sarah Emma Edmonds asserted that she had served as a man in the Union Army during the American Civil War, fulfilling roles as a nurse and spy. Her service was acknowledged by the United States government, but some historians have raised doubts about the validity of her assertions citing inconsistencies and absence of supporting proof. Nevertheless, Edmonds is still recognized as a significant figure in Civil War history for her claimed service as a soldier in the Union Army.

Yuri Borysovych Shvets is a former Soviet intelligence officer of Ukrainian origin who served as a Major in the KGB from 1980 to 1990. He was assigned as a resident spy in Washington, D.C. from April 1985 to 1987, working under the guise of a correspondent for TASS, a Soviet state-owned news agency. Shvets collected intelligence and information relevant to his duties as a KGB officer, supporting Soviet intelligence operations in the United States during that period.

Sam Davis was a Confederate soldier during the American Civil War and gained fame as the Boy Hero of the Confederacy for his valor and sacrifice. His story was popularized by editor J. B. Killebrew and later by Sumner Archibald Cunningham. Davis' professional life was characterized by his service in the Confederate forces, which ultimately led to his execution by Union forces in Pulaski, Tennessee. He became a celebrated figure in Confederate memorialization, embodying themes of piety and masculinity that fit into the postwar South's "Lost Cause" mythology.

Madeleine Zoe Damerment served as a French agent of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II. Initially helping downed allied airmen escape occupied France, she later fled to Britain to join SOE. Recruited as a courier for the Bricklayer circuit, she was captured by the Gestapo in France after intercepted SOE radio messages. Damerment, along with three other female SOE agents, was executed at Dachau concentration camp in September 1944.

Harro Schulze-Boysen was a left-wing German publicist and Luftwaffe officer during World War II. Initially a publicist for a left-leaning political magazine, he later trained as a pilot and worked in the Ministry of Aviation. Schulze-Boysen collaborated with others to resist the Nazi regime by collecting and sharing information about Wehrmacht involvement in the Spanish Civil War. Transitioning from resistance activities to espionage as the war progressed, he worked with a small group that eventually collaborated with Soviet intelligence.

Sasha Filippov was a devoted spy for the Red Army during the Battle of Stalingrad. His professional career was marked by courage, intelligence, and a strong dedication to his country. Operating covertly with precision, Filippov collected crucial intelligence on enemy movements and tactics. His espionage efforts were instrumental in the Soviet Union's defense of Stalingrad and eventual triumph in the battle. Recognized for his resourcefulness and swift decision-making, Filippov was a valuable contributor in the resistance against the invading forces.

Arnold Deutsch, an academic of uncertain nationality, operated as a Soviet spy in London. Renowned for recruiting Kim Philby, he played a pivotal role in espionage activities during his professional career. While details about his life are shrouded in mystery and subject to debate, his work as a recruiter and handler for Soviet intelligence left a lasting impact on the world of espionage. Deutsch's activities exemplify the clandestine nature of his profession and his role in shaping key events in history.

Andrée Raymonde Borrel, known by the code name Denise, was a brave French agent who worked for Britain's Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II. She was the first female SOE agent to parachute into France and was a key member of the Prosper network, the largest SOE network in the country. Borrel operated as a courier in Paris, where she organized espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance missions against the Axis powers. Despite facing great risks, she showed remarkable leadership skills until her capture and execution by the Gestapo in 1944.

Jovan "Jovica" Stanišić was a Serbian intelligence officer who headed the State Security Directorate within the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Serbia from 1992 to 1998. Known for his role as a key figure in the Yugoslav Wars, Stanišić was regarded as a mastermind of controlled chaos during the conflicts. He maintained close ties with various factions involved in the wars. Stanišić faced prosecution for war crimes in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, resulting in a conviction for crimes against humanity and a 15-year prison sentence on appeal in 2023.

Antoinette de Maignelais played a significant role in the French royal court of the 15th century. She was renowned for her associations with key figures such as King Charles VII and Francis II, Duke of Brittany. Speculation indicates that she may have engaged in espionage activities on behalf of Louis XI. Antoinette's network and influence at court enabled her to adeptly navigate the intricate political environment of that era, securing a position of power and fascination.

Heba Selim was an Egyptian woman who worked as a spy for Mossad alongside her fiancé, Farouk Al-Fikki. She operated covertly, gathering intelligence and carrying out missions in service of Mossad's objectives. With a keen intellect and excellent espionage skills, Heba played a crucial role in gathering sensitive information and executing clandestine operations. Her dedication to the cause and ability to navigate high-risk situations made her a valuable asset to Mossad, contributing significantly to the success of various missions during her career as a spy.

Hotsumi Ozaki, a Japanese journalist working for the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, was recognized for his communist ideologies and role as a Soviet intelligence operative. He advised Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoe and supplied crucial information to Soviet agent Richard Sorge. Ozaki's career was defined by his contentious decisions during World War II, culminating in his treason conviction and execution by the Imperial Japanese government under the Peace Preservation Law.

Duncan Scott-Ford, a British merchant seaman, faced the ultimate consequence for betraying his country during the Second World War. His actions led to his execution for sharing sensitive information with an enemy agent. Scott-Ford's story stands as a cautionary reminder of the severe repercussions of compromising national security during wartime. It underscores the criticality of loyalty and integrity in professions dealing with sensitive information and national defense.

Eileen Mary "Didi" Nearne MBE, Croix de Guerre, known by her codename "Rose," was a brave member of the UK's Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II. She served as a radio operator and played a crucial role in espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance in occupied France. Nearne supported resistance groups by supplying them with weapons and equipment airdropped from England. Despite being captured and imprisoned in Ravensbrück concentration camp by the Germans, she showed incredible resilience and determination, eventually making it through the war.

Alan Nunn May, a British physicist engaged in atomic research during World War II, was revealed to be a Soviet spy. His actions compromised classified information, causing major security breaches that affected British and American atomic research. Despite his scientific achievements, May's espionage activities damaged his professional standing, leading to his conviction for espionage. His case serves as a warning about the repercussions of betraying one's country for personal motives.

Benita von Falkenhayn was a spy for the Republic of Poland, working closely with Major Jerzy Sosnowski to gather secret documents related to Germany's invasion of Poland. Despite her noble background, she engaged in treasonous activities that led to her being found guilty of espionage. Her actions showed a strong commitment to serving Poland's interests, even at great personal risk.

Sonja Wigert, a talented Norwegian-Swedish actress, gained prominence in the film industry from 1934 to 1960 with appearances in 34 films. Her professional trajectory took a fascinating turn during World War II when she served as a spy for Swedish intelligence. This unique chapter in her career highlighted her bravery and commitment beyond her acting roles. Sonja's remarkable life was later depicted on screen, with actress Ingrid Bolsø Berdal portraying her in the film "The Spy."

Lydia Darragh, an Irish woman, is famous for her role in providing vital information to George Washington and the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. She is said to have crossed British lines in Philadelphia to alert them of an imminent British attack. However, some contemporary sources cast doubt on the accuracy of her account. Nevertheless, Darragh's actions are recognized as a courageous and potentially impactful contribution to the American cause in the war.

Cecile Pearl Witherington Cornioley, known by her code names Marie and Pauline, was a key agent for the UK's Special Operations Executive in WWII. Leading the SOE Wrestler Network in central France, she worked closely with the French Resistance to disrupt Axis operations. Her network of 2,000 maquisard fighters played a crucial role in disrupting enemy communication and transportation lines. Her successful operations earned her awards from both the UK and France in recognition of her courageous and impactful contributions to the war effort.

Jerzy Franciszek Kulczycki was a Polish nobleman, diplomat, and spy noted for his role during the Great Turkish War. He became known for his courageous actions at the 1683 Battle of Vienna, where he played a crucial part in securing assistance for the city under siege. Kulczycki is credited with establishing one of the earliest cafés in Vienna by making use of coffee beans left behind by the Ottoman Turks, though some newer accounts propose that the first coffeehouse was actually founded by the Armenian Johannes Theodat in 1685.

Edward Bancroft, an American physician and chemist, held the position of secretary to the American commission in Paris during the American Revolutionary War. He was a notable double agent, working as a spy for both the United States and Great Britain. Bancroft's espionage activities were instrumental in providing valuable intelligence to both sides, enabling him to gather crucial information and retain influence in diplomatic circles. His dual role significantly impacted the outcome of the war.

John Honeyman played a crucial role during the American Revolutionary War as an American spy and British informant. He was instrumental in spreading disinformation and gathering intelligence for George Washington, contributing significantly to the success of the Battle of Trenton. Honeyman's professional life was marked by his undercover work, strategic deception, and his talent for extracting vital information from the enemy. His skills as a spy were essential in supporting Washington's military strategies and played a key role in the American victory over the British forces.

Laurence Oliphant was a versatile professional, excelling in various roles including author, traveller, diplomat, British intelligence agent, Christian mystic, and Christian Zionist. He gained fame for his satirical novel, Piccadilly, and later became renowned for his efforts in promoting and organizing Jewish farming communities in the Holy Land through his work, The Land of Gilead. Moreover, Oliphant's active participation in political affairs was highlighted by his role as a Member of Parliament for Stirling Burghs.

Lafayette Curry Baker, a distinguished United States investigator and spy, earned recognition for his invaluable service to the Union Army during the American Civil War. He collaborated closely with Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson, playing a vital role in intelligence collection and counterintelligence activities. Baker's professional career was characterized by his strategic brilliance, ingenuity, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the Union's interests. His espionage and investigative efforts were instrumental in influencing the outcome of the Civil War and subsequent reconstruction endeavors.

Ruzi Nazar was an Uzbek nationalist who devoted his professional life to assisting the CIA in its efforts against the Soviet Union. He was involved with the Nazi collaborationist movement during World War II and subsequently resided in exile in Germany, the United States, and Turkey. Serving as a CIA officer for thirty years from the early 1950s, Nazar held a variety of roles, including assignments at the American Embassy in Ankara and Bonn. Additionally, he conducted secret missions in Tehran in 1979 and Afghanistan in the early 1980s.

Basil Thomson was a renowned British colonial administrator, prison governor, and head of Metropolitan Police CID during World War I. He was instrumental in apprehending wartime spies and was actively engaged in the prosecution of Mata Hari, Sir Roger Casement, and several Irish and Indian nationalists. Thomson's contentious opinions on Jews and Bolshevism led to allegations of anti-semitism. Moreover, he demonstrated his versatility by excelling as a novelist, highlighting his wide-ranging skills beyond his law enforcement and administrative duties.

Israel Beer, also known as Captain José Gregorio, was an Austrian-born Israeli citizen who previously served as a lieutenant colonel in the IDF. He held a senior position in the Israeli Ministry of Defense and was renowned for his knowledge of military history. Beer was tasked with writing a book on the history of the 1947–1949 Palestine war and was a respected military commentator. However, his connection to espionage activities for the Soviet Union remained a mysterious aspect of his career.

Major Joseph Antoine France Antelme OBE was a Franco-Mauritian who served in the Special Operations Executive during World War II. He participated in espionage, sabotage, and guerrilla warfare missions in enemy-occupied territories. Antelme conducted undercover operations in Madagascar and undertook two missions in occupied France before being captured by the Gestapo during his third mission. Along with other captured SOE officers, he was executed at the Gross-Rosen concentration camp in accordance with Adolf Hitler's directives regarding irregular combatants.

Herbert Arthur Philbrick, a Boston-area advertising executive, collaborated with the FBI from 1940 to 1949 to infiltrate the Communist Party USA. His partnership with the FBI played a crucial role in exposing communist activities in the United States during the Cold War era. Philbrick's autobiography, based on his experiences, inspired the well-known 1950s television series "I Led 3 Lives."

Avraham Shalom was the head of Israel's internal security service, the Shin Bet. He became embroiled in controversy after a bus hijacking in 1984, where surviving hijackers were reportedly executed under his command. Shalom orchestrated a cover-up within the Shin Bet to deflect responsibility onto others, causing internal strife. Despite being pardoned and stepping down, he later promoted peace with the Palestinians and recounted his experiences in a documentary. Shalom passed away in 2014 in Tel Aviv.

Manfred Ramminger, a German architect, was also a KGB agent involved in a prominent espionage case. Alongside his architectural projects in Germany, he conducted secret operations for the Soviet Union. Ramminger became infamous for the theft of an American AIM-9 Sidewinder missile, a notable incident during the Cold War. However, his espionage endeavors came to an end in 1968 when he was apprehended by West German officials, marking the conclusion of his double life as both an architect and a spy.

Ralph McGehee served in the CIA for more than a decade, specializing in counterintelligence operations in Southeast Asia, with a focus on Vietnam. His responsibilities included analyzing intelligence reports, assisting covert actions, and evaluating the impact of CIA operations in the region. Upon leaving the agency, McGehee became a prominent critic of US foreign policy and the CIA, ultimately authoring a book that revealed the agency's controversial tactics and activities.

Marie Anne de La Trémoille, known as the Princesse des Ursins, was a French courtier who wielded considerable political power as the de facto ruler of Spain from 1701 to 1714. She acted as a representative of French interests in Rome and later in Spain under the Bourbon dynasty. Her influence at the Spanish court was significant in the early years of Philip V's reign, but a conflict with Queen Elisabeth Farnese ultimately resulted in her expulsion from the country.

Branko Vukelić was a Yugoslav spy who operated as part of Richard Sorge's espionage network in Japan. He played a crucial role in gathering intelligence during World War II, providing valuable information to the Soviet Union. Vukelić's work involved infiltrating key circles in Japanese society and obtaining sensitive data that proved instrumental in the war effort. Known for his cunning and resourcefulness, he operated discreetly and effectively, making significant contributions to the success of Soviet intelligence operations in the region.

Lieutenant-Colonel George Reginald Starr, known by the code name Hilaire, was a British mining engineer who played a key role in the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II. Leading the Wheelwright network in France, he masterminded numerous successful sabotage operations, rescued important resistance leaders and allied airmen, and contributed significantly to the liberation of southwestern France from German occupation. Starr was highly respected within the SOE and considered one of the top agents in France. However, his wartime activities were tainted by controversies, including allegations of allowing torture.

Won Jeong-hwa is a North Korean individual who was accused by South Korea of spying for the North. She first traveled from North Korea to South Korea in 2001, claiming to be a defector. During her time in South Korea, she was accused of seducing military officers to gain intelligence, involvement in plots to harm intelligence agents and kidnap South Korean businessmen, and attempting to locate defectors. Won's professional life involved providing photos of military installations and newspaper clippings to her home country, as well as being pressured by prosecutors to exaggerate her espionage activities.

William Lithgow was a Scottish traveller, writer, and alleged spy known for his extensive travels across Europe, Asia, and Africa. He documented his adventures in various writings, detailing his experiences and encounters with diverse cultures. Lithgow claimed to have traveled an impressive 36,000 miles on foot, showcasing his dedication to exploration and discovery. His works provided valuable insights into the social, political, and geographical aspects of the regions he visited, solidifying his reputation as an influential figure in the realm of travel literature.

Robert Ferguson was a prominent figure in the late 17th century, known for his roles as a Scottish Presbyterian minister, conspirator, and political pamphleteer. His activities earned him the nickname "the Plotter" due to his involvement in various political intrigues and conspiracies. Ferguson was known for his passionate advocacy of Presbyterian beliefs and his efforts to influence political events through his writings and actions. He played a significant role in the political landscape of his time, leaving a lasting impact on Scottish history.

Robert J. Lamphere, a former FBI agent, played a crucial role in major Soviet spy cases after World War II until the mid-1950s. He was instrumental in investigating atomic spies like Klaus Fuchs, Harry Gold, Julius Rosenberg, and Ethel Rosenberg, as well as British spy Kim Philby. Lamphere's efforts helped uncover espionage activities and he gained recognition for his involvement in prominent cases related to Soviet espionage during the Cold War era.

Thomas Dangerfield, an English conspirator, became well-known for his involvement in the infamous Popish Plot. He was a main informer during a period of political turmoil, showcasing his resourcefulness and cleverness. Dangerfield's reputation as a rogue is depicted in the literary novel "Don Tomazo, or The Juvenile Rambles of Thomas Dangerfield," believed to have been written by Dangerfield. His legacy as a controversial and intriguing figure was solidified through his role as an informer and his portrayal in literature.

Benjamin Thomas Wolf, a former FBI agent and current adjunct professor at Roosevelt University in Chicago, is running for Congress in Illinois' 5th Congressional District. Known for his liberal views on gun control and cannabis legalization, Wolf has a background in national security and diplomacy, having traveled to underdeveloped countries in those capacities. He has gained support for his humanitarian work and inclusive attitude, particularly from the younger liberal demographic. Wolf will be competing against Democratic Party candidate Mike Quigley in the upcoming election.