Military, political and industrial espionage is a source of invaluable information. Almost every state has its own special service that deals with illegal intelligence activities.
In recent months, espionage has swept almost the entire world after a series of scandalous revelations of former CIA officer Edward Snowden. In order not to stay away from the burning topic, we bring to your attention Top 10 most high-profile spy scandals of the last decade.
10) December 2, 2010, UK - Russia
This spy scandal turned out to be loud, but it was not possible to prove anything. Former aide to House of Commons member Mike Hancock, Katya Zatuliveter, has been accused of transmitting information about the British nuclear program. Catherine was supposed to be deported, but the girl appealed and was fully acquitted.
9) June 28, 2010, USA - Russia
US intelligence services detained 10 people accused of transferring classified information to Russia. Among the detainees was Anna Chapman, a well-known TV presenter, entrepreneur and public figure. In July 2010, Russia exchanged the detainees for four prisoners who were serving time in Russia for spying for the United States.
8) October 18, 2011, Germany - Russia
Spouses Andreas and Heidrun Anshlag were detained in Germany on charges of long-term industrial espionage in favor of Russia. German investigators say the couple have worked for the Russians since the days of the KGB.
7) June 1, 2012, USA - China
China announced the scandalous resignation of the PRC Deputy Minister of State Security. For several years, a senior official collaborated with the US CIA, passing on classified information to the Americans about China's military and political plans.
6) October 3, 2012, USA - Russia
The FBI announced the arrest of 8 people who were accused of exporting microelectronics developed for military purposes. Four of those arrested have Russian passports: Victoria Klebanova, Alexander Posobilov, Alexander Fishenko and Nastya Dyatlova. The Russians face a prison sentence of several decades.
5) December 7, 2012, USA - Russia
Former military man Robert Hoffman was detained while trying to transfer classified information about US national security. The fact of Hoffman's cooperation with Russia has not been confirmed; FBI agents used his alleged affiliation to the Russian Federation as a legend to capture the suspect.
4) February 6, 2013, Taiwan - China
Taiwanese Air Force officer Yuan Xiaofeng was sentenced by a Taiwan court to 12 life sentences for spying for the PRC. The number of life sentences is not accidental - the special services have identified 12 episodes of the transfer of classified data, for each of which, according to the law, a life sentence is imposed.
3) May 13, 2013, USA-Russia
On the night of May 13-14, the FSB of Russia detained Ryan Christopher Foghl, a US CIA officer, who worked under the guise of the secretary of the American Embassy in Moscow. The agent was detained while trying to recruit a Russian intelligence officer. After investigative procedures, Fogle was handed over to US representatives.
2) June 17, 2013, UK and USA - G8 countries
The Guardian, citing data from Edward Snowden, reported that UK intelligence services spied on computer data and phone calls from G8 leaders during the 2009 G8 summit. The installation of tracking devices was carried out by employees of the US NSA and the British Center for Government Communications.
1) June 2013, USA
The loudest spy scandal of the decade was the information released by Edward Snowden about the total surveillance of the American special services, both for US citizens and foreigners. The PRISM program, in which Microsoft, Google, Skype, Yahoo !, Facebook, YouTube, etc. are participating, allows you to view e-mail, attachments and track data on social networks.