The Spy Who: Episode 3 - The Spies Who Invaded Suburbia | Ghostbusting

Introduction

In the gripping third installment of Wondery's "The Spy Who," titled "The Spies Who Invaded Suburbia | Ghostbusting," listeners are plunged into the high-stakes world of espionage and counterintelligence. Hosted by Indra Varma and Raza Jaffrey, this episode delves deep into FBI's covert Operation Ghost Stories, a meticulously planned mission aimed at apprehending Russian deep-cover spies embedded within American society. Set against the backdrop of June 2010, the narrative weaves together intricate plots, personal dramas, and geopolitical tensions that underscore the complexities of international espionage.

Operation Ghost Stories: The High-Stakes Mission

The episode opens with a critical meeting in the Oval Office where FBI Director Robert Mueller and CIA Director Leon Panetta brief President Barack Obama on the imminent threat posed by Russian illegals operating on American soil. The urgency of the situation is palpable as Panetta explains, “Sir, our source is about to be extracted from Moscow, where he has served us at great personal danger” (00:02).

President Obama, portrayed with a blend of calm authority and subtle frustration, emphasizes the need to avoid a diplomatic crisis during Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's visit. He asserts, “I don't need this Cold War nonsense” (00:30), highlighting his preference for resetting U.S.-Russia relations over immediate action against the spies. However, Mueller counters with the gravity of the situation, insisting, “We need to round these and we need to expel Russian diplomats” (00:23).

Faced with Obama’s reluctance, Mueller proposes a strategic compromise: a spy swap that would allow the U.S. to apprehend the illegals without causing international uproar. President Obama reluctantly agrees, stipulating, “Fine, we offer a swap, but nothing else. I don't want them on trial. I don't want a media circus” (00:46). This agreement sets the stage for a race against time to execute the arrests before Medvedev's departure, drastically narrowing the operational window from days to mere hours.

Key Players and Their Roles

The episode introduces several pivotal characters involved in Operation Ghost Stories:

• Maria Richie (FBI Agent): Central to the operation, Richie coordinates the intricate arrests and navigates the challenges posed by the tight timeline. Her expertise and dedication are evident when she strategizes the arrest of Anna Chapman by orchestrating a meeting under the guise of a consulate request (05:30).

• Derek Piper (FBI Agent): Richie's colleague, Piper plays a crucial role in tracking Anna Chapman’s movements post-meeting. His frustration surfaces when Chapman begins to evade capture, stating, “Repeat, Chapman has a burner phone” (18:00).

• Alan Kohler (FBI Team Leader): As the head of the New York team, Kohler oversees the broader operational logistics, ensuring all teams are synchronized and ready to act once the signal is given (05:04).

• Anna Chapman and Richard Murphy (Cindy Murphy): These deep-cover spies become the main targets of the operation. Chapman's nervousness during her meeting with Richie and Piper's subsequent scramble to locate her underscore the high tension surrounding the arrests (12:45).

Executing the Operatives' Arrests

The narrative meticulously outlines the FBI's strategic maneuvers to arrest the ten Russian spies without alerting the SVR (Russian Foreign Intelligence Service). Key moments include:

• Anna Chapman’s Meeting: Richie and an undercover agent, Roman, arrange a coffee meeting with Chapman to obtain undeniable evidence of her espionage activities. Chapman’s growing suspicion and eventual attempts to evade capture heighten the suspense. A notable exchange occurs when Chapman questions Roman, “Who instructed you to do this today?” (17:00).

• Simultaneous Arrests: As President Medvedev’s departure approaches, the FBI initiates a coordinated arrest across multiple locations. Agents swiftly move to apprehend spies like Tracy Foley and Richard Murphy, often encountering emotional resistance from the operatives who remain in their civilian lives, as seen when Murphy contemplates the fate of his daughters (25:00).

• Unexpected Complications: The unforeseen disappearance of Christopher Metzos in Cyprus introduces a significant setback. Just as the arrests are about to proceed, Metzos vanishes, leaving the FBI scrambling to recover vital intelligence (32:00).

The Spy Swap: A Delicate Negotiation

Following the arrest of all ten spies, the episode transitions to the tense diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Russia for a spy swap. President Vladimir Putin’s furious reaction to the arrests is palpable as he berates his SVR chief, Mikhail Fradkov, calling traitors “Judas” and vowing retribution (33:29).

The negotiation process involves delicate back-channel communications, culminating in an agreement to exchange the ten arrested spies for four Russian prisoners held in the U.S. Under secrecy and intense pressure, both nations seek to minimize public embarrassment while reclaiming their operatives.

Aftermath and Reflections

The spy swap is executed with precision, yet the personal toll on those involved is evident. Maria Richie reflects on the emotional aspect of entangling with the spies, pondering, “I have so many questions I want to ask Murphy” (35:00). The spies, now back in Russia, face varied futures:

• Anna Chapman: Becomes a celebrity and author, leveraging her notoriety into a public persona while confronting personal trauma from her past relationships (40:00).

• Michael Zatoli (Andrei Bezrukov): Continues his career with Gazprom, symbolizing the seamless reintegration of spies into legitimate roles.

• Vladimir and Lydia Guriev (Richard and Cindy Murphy): Reunite with their daughters, navigating the complexities of resumed familial bonds after years of deception.

The episode concludes with unresolved threads, such as the disappearance of Christopher Metzos and the ongoing threat of mole activity within intelligence agencies, setting the stage for future episodes.

Notable Quotes

• President Barack Obama: “I don't need this Cold War nonsense.” (00:30)

• FBI Director Robert Mueller: “We need to round these and we need to expel Russian diplomats.” (00:23)

• CIA Director Leon Panetta: “The moment he leaves, the Russians put all the pieces together and the entire operation will be blown.” (00:19)

• Anna Chapman: “Who instructed you to do this today?” (17:00)

• Vladimir Putin: “Mole? You mean traitor. That Judas will rot. He will rot.” (33:29)

• Maria Richie: “I have so many questions I want to ask Murphy.” (35:00)

Conclusion

"The Spies Who Invaded Suburbia | Ghostbusting" masterfully captures the intricate dance between intelligence agencies and foreign operatives, highlighting the personal and political ramifications of espionage. Through meticulous storytelling and rich character development, Wondery provides listeners with an immersive experience into the shadowy world of spies who blend seamlessly into everyday American life. The episode not only underscores the tactical brilliance of Operation Ghost Stories but also humanizes the individuals caught in the high-stakes game of international espionage.

Listeners intrigued by the ethical dilemmas and the relentless pursuit of truth will find themselves eagerly anticipating the next chapter, where new stories of espionage and intrigue await.