CIA turncoat Aldrich Ames, who sold U.S. secrets to the Soviets, dies in prison at 84
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Aldrich Ames Dies in Prison at 84
CIA Traitor Aldrich Ames Dies in Prison at 84
Above: An archival photo of Aldrich Ames, a former CIA counterintelligence officer and Soviet spy, being sentenced to life in prison in Washington D.C. on April 28, 1994. Image credit: Larry Downing/Sygma/Getty Images
The Spin
Aldrich Ames orchestrated one of the most damaging intelligence breaches in American history, selling secrets that led to the executions of Western agents behind the Iron Curtain. His betrayal destroyed a network of Russian assets built over 20 years and deprived the U.S. of valuable intelligence for nearly a decade. TheHe CIA traitor admitted receiving $2.5 million from Moscow while compromising over 100 operations and causing a major Cold War setback. He leaves behind an ominous legacy on U.S. national security.
The CIA repeatedly missed or ignored red flags throughout Ames' career — failed polygraphs, unexplained wealth, poor performance and alcohol abuse — yet promoted him to increasingly sensitive posts. The agency's incompetence allowed the espionage to continue for nine years, and after his arrest, the CIA director refused to fire or demote anyone responsible. CongressionalThe investigatorsAmes slammedcase study highlights gross bureaucratic dysfunction of the agencyCIA forat glaringthe weaknessesheight inof dealingthe withCold security threatsWar.
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All rights reserved.
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