The Spy Who Saved MI5 (Encore) | No Return | Episode 3 Summary
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Hosted by Indira Varma and Raza Jaffrey on Wondery
Introduction
In the gripping third episode of The Spy Who Saved MI5, hosted by Raza Jaffrey, the intricate web of espionage, loyalty, and survival unfolds against the tense backdrop of Cold War-era London. This episode delves deep into the perilous journey of Oleg Lelen, a double agent whose arrest threatens to unravel MI5's strategic efforts against Soviet infiltration.
The Arrest of Oleg Lelen
[00:00 - 03:45]
The episode opens on a fateful night, August 30, 1971, at 3:30 AM on Curzon Street, London, where a routine incident spirals into international espionage. Oleg Lelen, a KGB officer covertly working for MI5, is arrested for drunk driving, raising immediate red flags within MI5.
Raza Jaffrey [00:00]: "MI5 could find itself with a dead double agent and its push to kick the Soviet spies out of Britain in ruins."
MI5's Assistant Director, Peter Wright, and case officer Tony Brooks scramble to mitigate the fallout, fearing Soviet interference and potential exposure of their intelligence operations.
MI5’s Strategic Dilemma
[03:45 - 16:12]
Following Lelen's arrest, MI5 recognizes the critical threat he poses if compromised. As the government debates the next steps, the tension rises when Lelen suggests a daring plan to defect, believing he can turn his precarious situation into MI5's advantage.
Oleg Lelen [07:30]: "I can make this work. I tell them this was a deliberate British provocation... I could be even more useful to you."
Despite skepticism from MI5 experts like Tony Brooks, Lelen's proposal is a potential game-changer. However, the stakes are incredibly high—failure could not only endanger MI5's operations but also put Lelen's life in jeopardy.
The Defection Plan and Personal Sacrifices
[16:12 - 23:31]
As Lelen maneuvers through his imminent deportation back to Moscow, he devises a plan to secure his and his wife's safety. The episode portrays the emotional turmoil faced by Lelen and his wife, Irina Tepliakova, highlighting the personal costs of espionage.
Raza Jaffrey [16:12]: "He has no idea what any of the people passing him in the halls may or may not know about him being sent back to Moscow in disgrace."
Lelen's desperate call for extraction and Irina's reluctant agreement to flee with him underscores the human element behind the spycraft, adding depth to their characters and motivations.
MI5’s Acquisition of KGB Documents
[23:31 - 24:37]
Successfully defecting, Lelen brings with him invaluable KGB intelligence. In a safe house, MI5 examines the explosive documents he acquired, which reveal the KGB's extensive sabotage plans within the UK.
Tony Brooks [25:10]: "This was my job, to find the landing spots and plot their route to the nuclear attack warning station at Filingdales."
The intelligence includes detailed maps, operation plans, and the extent of Soviet espionage not just in the UK but also in other major cities worldwide. This information is crucial for MI5 to anticipate and counter Soviet strategies.
Operation Foot: Governmental Response
[24:37 - 25:00]
The episode culminates with a high-stakes meeting at 10 Downing Street, where Prime Minister Ted Heath and his cabinet decide to launch Operation Foot. This operation aims to expel 105 Soviet spies from Britain, marking a bold and unprecedented move in the Cold War.
Sir Alec Douglas Hume [25:25]: "This is one of those times. And I would add that by now the Soviets will know about our defector and they will be moving to clean house as we speak."
This decisive action not only signifies Britain's commitment to national security but also escalates Cold War tensions, potentially provoking a severe response from the Soviet Union.
Personal Struggles and Emotional Toll
[16:12 - 24:37]
Parallel to the political and espionage narratives, the episode poignantly explores the personal lives affected by these high-stakes games. Irina Tepliakova's emotional distress and her unwavering support for Lelen despite the dangers highlight the sacrifices made by families of spies.
Irina Tepliakova [20:45]: "Irushka, I know these people. I know how they operate. If we go back, there will always be a stain on our records."
Their relationship adds a layer of emotional depth, illustrating the human cost behind the cloak-and-dagger operations.
Conclusion and Implications for the Cold War
[25:00 - End]
As Britain prepares to expel a significant number of Soviet spies, the episode closes on the precipice of a major escalation in Cold War tensions. The decisions made by MI5 and the British government could have far-reaching consequences, potentially igniting further clandestine conflicts or even pushing the world closer to nuclear confrontation.
Raza Jaffrey [25:50]: "A line in the sand. Yes, you're right. Operation Foot must happen. Let's give the bear's cage a bloody good rattle."
The episode masterfully intertwines the suspense of spy tactics with the profound personal stories of those involved, painting a comprehensive picture of the precarious balance between national security and individual lives during one of history's most tense periods.
Production Insights
The Spy Who Saved MI5 is meticulously crafted, drawing from extensive biographical research to recreate the intense atmosphere of espionage-laden Britain in the early 1970s. The episode is produced by Vespucci with contributions from Yellow Ant, ensuring a blend of authentic storytelling and dramatic re-enactments.
Notable Quotes:
- Raza Jaffrey [00:00]: "It's a race they can't afford to lose."
- Oleg Lelen [07:30]: "I could be even more useful to you."
- Tony Brooks [25:10]: "This was my job, to find the landing spots and plot their route to the nuclear attack warning station at Filingdales."
- Sir Alec Douglas Hume [25:25]: "This is one of those times."
- Raza Jaffrey [25:50]: "Let's give the bear's cage a bloody good rattle."
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Episode 3 of The Spy Who Saved MI5, offering listeners a detailed overview of the high-stakes maneuvers and personal dramas that define this enthralling chapter of espionage history.