An undercover CIA agent was caught while trying to recruit fresh meat from Russia. The Russian Federal Security Service published a statement on their website stating that American, Ryan Christopher Fogle was arrested on Monday night for attempting to recruit a Russian citizen to spy for the US government. Fogle had in his possession at the time of arrest a stack of money, disguises, a microphone, a map of Moscow, a knife, a cellphone and a letter that contained written instructions for the prospective Russian citizen, who was identified as a member of Russia’s special services.

Fogle was working in the political department of the US embassy in Moscow as a third secretary. He has since been handed over to the US Embassy officials. The CIA has been mum on the issue. Fogle’s arrest and subsequent release has been confirmed by the State Department’s spokesperson Patrick Ventrell, but he was reluctant to provide futher details. BY Tuesday Fogle had been expelled from the country.

Extracts from the letter translated from Russian to English read:

Dear Friend,

This is a down payment from someone who is very impressed with your professionalism and who would greatly appreciate your cooperation in the future.

The letter also revealed an email address that the recipient had to used to email the CIA. The new recruit was told to purchase a new laptop and set up a gmail account in a public place to provide a safe means of contact.

The news of the CIA agent’s arrest made news headlines with a picture of Fogle’s identity card released along with a picture of him and the various paraphernalia he carried on his person. According to the Russian Federal Security Services this has not been the first attempt made by US intelligence to recruit members of Russian law enforcement and security.

Some are doubtful about the truthfulness of Russia’s account of the incident. Former counterintelligence officer Eric O’Neil said:

I very much doubt that a highly trained CIA operative is going to be walking the streets of Moscow wearing a really bad blond wig. It’s poor trade craft, and it looks like a setup to me.

O’Neil seems to think that the poor excuses for disguises were placed on Fogle by the Russians.

[Source: CNN News, ABC News, Wired]