Episode Details

We discuss the 2010 Russian “illegal” spies arrested in the U.S. as part of the FBI’s “Operation Ghost Stories.”  We look at the case in-depth, focusing on Richard and Cynthia Murphy, two “Illegals” who posed as run-of-the-mill suburbanites in the idyllic town of Montclair, New Jersey.

CW | TW: This episode discusses Russian spies who lived in Montclair, NJ. And it wasn’t for the eclectic cafes or over-priced parking lots. Listener discretion is advised.

Sources

Tetris Theme: Original Tetris Theme (Tetris Soundtrack) | YT: Marcel S Channel

Article: “Espionage Facts” (spymuseum.org)

Article: “Diplomatic and Consular Immunity: Guidance for Law Enforcement and Judicial Authorities” (United States Department of State)

Article: “Timeline of the Cold War” (trumanlibrary.gov)

Article: “The History and Continuing Relevance of Soviet Bloc Illegal Intelligence Operatives” by Kevin Riehle (The Wilson Center)

Article: “Ghost Stories: Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Illegals” (FBI.gov)

Article: “FBI breaks up alleged Russian spy ring in deep cover” (Chris McGreal, The Guardian)

Article: “In Ordinary Lives, U.S. Sees the Work of Russian Agents” (Scott Shane and Charlie Savage, The New York Times)

Article: “Khrushchev's great-granddaughter says Russian spy had 'unhappy personality'” (The Telegraph)

Article: “Accused Russian Spies Lived Deep Under Cover in Montclair” by Star-Ledger Staff (NJ.com)

Article: “Accused Russian Spies Appeared to be a Typical American Family in Montclair” (NJ.com)

Article: “Montclair ‘Sleeper Spies’ Were Swapped for Now-Poisoned Russian Ex-Colonel”  by Mark S. Porter (NorthJersey.com)

Article: LinkedIn Profile for “Cindy Murphy” (a.k.a. Cynthia Murphy)

Article: “Richard and Cynthia Murphy: Suburbia’s Spies Next Door” (Toby Harnden,