Oleg Gordievsky is arguably the highest-ranking KGB defector ever. The former KGB colonel became a double agent for Britain from 1974 to 1985, providing hugely valuable information which not least prevented nuclear war when the Soviets misinterpreted a Nato exercise as a potential first strike. He was also one of the first to identify Mikhail Gorbachev as a potential future leader of the Soviet Union. In mid-1985 Gordievsky, who had various codenames including Sunbeam, Nocton and Tickle, was suddenly called back to Moscow. On his arrival home, he was drugged and interrogated. The Soviets did not have enough evidence to…

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Tom Lyons: Russia has long sought to buy influence in Ireland. Cobalt, whoever he is, is unlikely to be alone

To understand why Russia would seek to develop intelligence in Ireland, just look at the volume of multinational data stored in Irish data centres or the huge volume of Russian funds that have flowed through the IFSC. In fact, I was once offered Russian money to buy an Irish newspaper.

12th Oct, 2024 - 4 min read

Tom Lyons

Chief Executive

Special Six Nations offer

Become an annual member today for €200 and receive a free copy of ‘From Rags to Riches; The Irish Men’s Team in the Professional Era’ by Feargal O’Rourke

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Become an annual member today for €200 and receive a free copy of ‘From Rags to Riches; The Irish Men’s Team in the Professional Era’ by Feargal O’Rourke

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