Robert Hanssen Free Essay Example, 1250 words

The affidavit lays out in detail the mechanism for the system through which Hansen communicated this information. It lists how he transferred information of highly classified national security interests and counterintelligence in exchange for cash and diamonds worth over $600,000. Hanssen was also involved in earlier espionage and national security cases. According to the affidavit, the cases such as Aldrich Ames and Felix Bloch also point to Hansen as the chief suspect. Hansen had left packages on purpose for the KGB and its successor SVR on more than 20 separate occasions (FBI, 2001). Hansen also gave them more than two dozen computer disks that contained additional information. In all of these instances, Hanssen collectively gave over 6000 pages of sensitive documents (FBI, 2001). According to the affidavit, Hansen compromised many human sources of the United States intelligence. His shared many classified US government documents that were of "Top-Secret" or "codeword" importance. Technical operations of high importance were also included in Hanssens plan. He also shared secret information about FBI counterintelligence investigative techniques. The methods, operations sources of these techniques were communicated to the KGB. We will write a custom essay sample on Robert Hanssen or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now The KGB got to know about Felix Bloch, which the FBI was investigating for espionage charges. The loss done could not be formally assessed before arresting Hansen. It would have jeopardized the whole investigation. However, by the nature of the charges it can be quickly determined that the damages done would be grave. Arrest: Joint Efforts of FBI and CIA When Hansen started dabbling in illegal activities against the state he was at operating at the counterintelligence position in New York and Washington. Because of his post he had direct access to huge volumes of sensitive information about FBI’s programs and operations. The complaint suggested that Hansen used his skills and training that he had learned at the FBI Office to go unchecked. He avoided the tradecraft, his identity and his workplace from the Russians he was working with. To answer if it was sheer luck or hard work that Hansen got caught is difficult because it was a mix of both. Because an investigation by the FBI identified an American spy who appeared to be working for the FBI had matched the profile of Hanssen. The investigation against Hanssen and his ultimate arrest was the result of the combined effort of FBI and CIA. They tracked down Hanssen for years trying to identify the foreign penetrations the US intelligence.