Podcast Title: The Rest Is Classified
Episode: 14. Crossing the Iron Curtain: The CIA’s Mole In Moscow (Ep 1)
Release Date: January 27, 2025
Hosts: David McCloskey & Gordon Corera

Introduction

In the premiere episode of the first season, "Crossing the Iron Curtain: The CIA’s Mole In Moscow," hosts David McCloskey and Gordon Corera delve into the intricate saga of Adolf Tolkachev, a pivotal figure in Cold War espionage. Drawing extensively from David Hoffman's acclaimed work, The Billion Dollar Spy, the episode meticulously unpacks how Tolkachev emerged as one of the CIA’s most valuable assets in Moscow during the tense 1980s.

The Relentless Pursuit: Tolkachev’s Initial Attempts to Connect with the CIA

The episode opens in January 1977, Moscow, where Adolf Tolkachev makes his first discreet attempt to reach out to the CIA. An engineer at the Scientific Research Institute for Radioengineering, Tolkachev is driven by a profound desire to undermine the Soviet system from within.

David McCloskey sets the scene:

"[At 05:13] I'm David McCloskey and this is the story, Gordon, as you mentioned, of Adolf Tolkachev, who I think we could say might have been or probably was the most valuable CIA spy in Moscow during the Cold War."

Tolkachev’s initial contact is marked by subtle yet risky gestures. He places notes in the windows of American diplomatic cars, attempting to arrange confidential meetings. His persistence is evident as he tries multiple times over months, each attempt met with CIA's cautious skepticism.

Gordon Corera observes:

"[At 09:25] So Tolkachev is really asking a lot of these Moscow Station officers who I think probably would have behaved more aggressively on the case if given the chance. They're being asked to sort of, you know, hold back and kind of let the Tolkachev thing play out without doing much." (09:25)

CIA’s Apprehension: Navigating the Complex Espionage Landscape

The CIA's reluctance to engage with Tolkachev can be attributed to several factors:

1. Heightened Suspicion: The year 1977 was tumultuous for the CIA in Moscow. The loss of assets and the fear of moles made the agency wary of new contacts.

2. Political Climate: With the Carter administration taking the helm in Washington, new leadership under Admiral Stansfield Turner brought a more skeptical view of human intelligence operations.

3. Fear of KGB Traps: The KGB’s notorious tactics, including entrapment and the practice of dangling CIA officers to lure them into traps, heightened the CIA's caution.

McCloskey elaborates:

"[At 16:29] Exactly. And so there's also some stuff going on in the high level kind of bilateral relationship. This is January of 77. So the Carter administration is taking power in Washington..." (16:29)

This environment of distrust and operational challenges led the CIA to initially dismiss Tolkachev’s overtures, viewing them as potential KGB provocations rather than genuine offers of intelligence.

A Year of Persistence: Tolkachev’s Unyielding Drive

Despite repeated rejections, Tolkachev’s determination does not wane. By December 1977, nearly a year after his first contact attempt, he resurfaces with more substantial intelligence, reigniting CIA interest.

David McCloskey narrates:

"[At 25:08] Well, welcome back. It is December of 1977. It has been almost a year since Adolf Tolkachev first tried to make contact with CIA..." (25:08)

In this pivotal moment, Tolkachev provides two typewritten pages of intelligence on Soviet military radars, including schematics for the Look Down, Shoot Down Radar (LDSD)—a technology that could significantly enhance Soviet aircraft detection capabilities.

Breaking Through: CIA’s Shift in Strategy

The tide begins to turn when the Pentagon expresses a keen interest in Tolkachev’s intelligence. This external validation acts as a catalyst, prompting the CIA to revisit their stance and consider engaging with Tolkachev.

Corera highlights:

"[At 28:35] And this is where you do start to see the tenor of the case flipping..." (28:35)

Following this shift, the CIA finally initiates contact in March 1978, with a case officer reaching out to Tolkachev during a performance at the Bolshoi Ballet. Although initial attempts to communicate via phone are thwarted when Tolkachev’s wife answers, the persistent engineer continues his efforts.

Adolf Tolkachev: The Man Behind the Mole

Central to understanding this espionage tale is Adolf Tolkachev’s complex persona. At 50 years old, Tolkachev is portrayed as an introverted yet fiercely determined individual, shaped by personal and ideological motives.

McCloskey provides insight:

"[At 35:42] Yeah, Tolkachev is. I find him to be a really fascinating psychological case because..." (35:42)

Background and Motivations

• Personal Tragedy: Tolkachev’s connection to Stalinist purges through his wife, Natasha, whose mother was a victim of terror, fuels his disdain for the Soviet regime.

• Professional Expertise: As a radar engineer, Tolkachev possesses cutting-edge knowledge crucial to Soviet military advancements, making him an invaluable asset.

• Ideological Defection: Influenced by contemporary dissident movements and intellectuals like Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Tolkachev’s actions are driven by a deep-seated desire to dismantle the Soviet system from within.

Corera remarks:

"[At 37:08] And his wife, it's fair to say, is an important part of his motivation and his story..." (37:08)

Personal Life and Character

Living a secluded life with his wife and teenage son in central Moscow, Tolkachev balances his professional obligations with his active outdoor pursuits. His meticulous nature is evident in his careful planning of intelligence operations, ensuring minimal exposure to the ever-watchful KGB.

McCloskey describes:

"[At 38:57] ...he's a loner, doesn't have many friends... He's an introvert..." (38:57)

Operational Challenges: CIA in the Heart of Moscow

Running an asset like Tolkachev in Moscow presents formidable challenges:

1. Intense KGB Surveillance: The KGB's pervasive monitoring makes clandestine operations perilous. CIA officers are constantly under scrutiny, limiting their ability to engage freely with sources.

2. Bureaucratic Hesitation: Internal CIA politics, exacerbated by Admiral Turner's directives, hinder proactive espionage efforts, leading to delayed or cautious approaches to potential assets.

3. High Stakes Risks: Any misstep in managing Tolkachev could result in catastrophic consequences, including the loss of valuable intelligence assets and increased tension between the US and the Soviet Union.

McCloskey emphasizes the environment:

"[At 43:02] ...you essentially have surveillance on you everywhere. If you're an officer in Moscow, the KGB basically knows who all the CIA officers are..." (43:02)

Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

As the episode concludes, the stage is set for the eventual successful engagement between Tolkachev and the CIA. The hosts leave listeners anticipating how the CIA will navigate the labyrinthine challenges of operating in Moscow to secure and protect one of their most valuable spies.

David McCloskey teases:

"[At 50:22] ...so it is the big leagues for the CIA, right? This is a place you want to be, surprisingly. And the environment is really rough..." (50:22)

The episode masterfully intertwines historical facts with compelling narrative storytelling, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of Cold War espionage dynamics and the extraordinary efforts that culminated in Tolkachev's pivotal role.

Notable Quotes

1. Gordon Corera at 05:13:

   "This is the story of Adolf Tolkachev, who might have been the most valuable CIA spy in Moscow during the Cold War."

2. Gordon Corera at 09:25:

   "They're being asked to sort of hold back and let the Tolkachev thing play out without doing much."

3. Gordon Corera at 16:29:

   "There's a Carter administration taking power in Washington... a man who's very suspicious, I think you could say Gordon of CIA."

4. David McCloskey at 35:42:

   "Tolkachev is a really fascinating psychological case because... he's a loner, doesn't have many friends... he's an introvert."

5. David McCloskey at 43:02:

   "If you're an officer in Moscow, the KGB basically knows who all the CIA officers are, except for a very few of kind of the deep cover ones who might have kind of innocuous jobs in the embassy..."

Final Thoughts

Episode 14 of "The Rest Is Classified" provides an enthralling deep dive into the life of Adolf Tolkachev and the complex interplay between personal motivations and institutional challenges within the CIA during the pinnacle of the Cold War. Through meticulous research and engaging dialogue, McCloskey and Corera shed light on the shadowy world of espionage, making the clandestine battles of the past resonate with contemporary audiences.

Listeners eager for more will undoubtedly look forward to the subsequent episodes, which promise to unravel further layers of this compelling espionage saga.