THREAD:
New details on the only known major Russian espionage case in modern Czech history emerge in @RESPEKT_CZ, authored by @okundra.
fyi: @john_sipher @StZaryn @20committee @JulianRoepcke @edwardlucas @Billbrowder @michaeldweiss @IlvesToomas
respekt.cz/tydenik/2019/3…
Quick recap:
Soviet citizen Robert Rachardžo
Arrived as a kid in Soviet-occupied Czechoslovakia in 1972 with his Russian parents, then returned to study in Soviet Union.
Returned to Prague in late 80s, already as GRU officer. He studied and married in Prague, lived undercover.
During 1990s, he stayed in the Czech Republic, got Czech citizenship, worked as prison psychologist. Had ordinary life.
Outside of daily job, he ran GRU espionage networks as "illegal" officer, without diplomatic cover.
Did lots of profiling on Czech politics and military.
Rachardžo had a mistress at Czech General Staff, she gave him details of private vulnerabilities of three Czech generals and much more.
Within GRU, he had rank of colonel, highest one for operative officer in the field.
In late 2000s, US intelligence (probably NSA) intercepted unique transmissions from Czech public phone boxes.
In 2009, after long-term surveillance ran by US and Czech intelligence, Rachardžo was cornered.
In September 2009, he escaped to Russia where he is till today.
His intelligence network was dissolved, it included dozens of individuals and for example one Czech politician.
Three Czech generals were dismissed from the armed forces for not being cautious (not for intentional espionage).
Thank you, NSA!
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