CIA Spy Aldrich Ames, Soviet Double Agent, Dies at 84

The death of Aldrich Ames, a former CIA officer turned Soviet double agent, at the age of 84 marks the end of a controversial chapter in espionage history. Ames, known for his significant betrayal of the United States, provided the KGB with the identities of CIA spies during the height of the Cold War.

CIA Spy Aldrich Ames: A Career of Betrayal

Aldrich Ames began his espionage activities in April 1985. Facing financial difficulties, he began sharing sensitive information with the KGB, ultimately receiving $50,000 for his initial disclosures. Under the KGB’s code name, Kolokol, which translates to “The Bell,” Ames identified nearly all CIA agents operating in the Soviet Union.

Financial Gains from Betrayal

The rewards for Ames’s treachery were substantial. He claimed that the KGB allocated $2 million for his services. Over the span of nine years, Ames admitted to receiving approximately $2.5 million from the Soviet Union, a sum that enabled an extravagant lifestyle, including:

• A new Jaguar car
• Luxury holidays
• A $540,000 home

This lifestyle was particularly notable given his highest annual salary at the CIA was only about $70,000.

Background and Early Career

Ames’s career at the CIA began in 1962 with the help of his father, who was also an analyst at the agency. After leaving college, Ames secured a position at the CIA and eventually married fellow agent Nancy Segebarth in 1969. He was first assigned to Turkey as a counterintelligence officer, tasked with recruiting foreign agents.

Despite a promising start, Ames’s career faced troubles. He struggled with alcoholism, which affected both his professional conduct and personal life, leading to a troubled marriage. After several security violations, including a notable incident of leaving classified documents on public transportation, Ames was assigned to Mexico City in 1981.

The Legacy of Aldrich Ames

Aldrich Ames’s actions had severe repercussions, including the compromise of numerous CIA assets. His death signifies the end of a figure who played a pivotal role in one of the most significant espionage betrayals of the 20th century. His story remains a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within intelligence agencies and the potential consequences of personal greed.