Spies in America who stole and sold U.S. secrets | 60 Minutes Full Episodes

The first paragraph introduces the story of Jack Barsky, a former KGB spy who led a triple life in America. Barsky, originally named Albrecht Dietrich, was a national scholar in East Germany before being recruited by the KGB. His training involved learning espionage skills like Morse code and micro dot photography. The Soviets created a new identity for him as Jack Philip Barsky, using the birth certificate of an American boy who died in 1955. Barsky's mission was to infiltrate American society, get close to National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski, and spy on him. However, the plan failed due to inadequate instructions on obtaining a U.S. passport. Barsky eventually settled into a life in the United States, working as a computer programmer and administrator at American corporations, all while spying for the KGB.

In the second paragraph, Barsky's successful assimilation into American society is detailed. Despite the KGB's lack of understanding of the U.S., Barsky managed to create a life for himself, obtaining a Social Security card and enrolling at Baruch College in Manhattan. He excelled academically, becoming class valedictorian, and later securing a job as a programmer at Metropolitan Life Insurance, where he had access to sensitive personal information. Barsky's espionage activities included stealing computer code, notably IBM code, which was valuable to the Soviet Union. His communication with the KGB was maintained through weekly encrypted radiograms. Barsky's cover was so effective that even when questioned about his origins, his explanation of being from New Jersey and having a German mother was accepted without suspicion.

The third paragraph delves into the personal complexities of Barsky's double life. He was a dedicated spy, a bigamist with two wives in two countries, and a father to two children. The paragraph reveals the emotional turmoil Barsky faced when the KGB ordered him to return to East Germany, threatening his cover. Choosing his American daughter Chelsea over his German family, Barsky decided to stay in the U.S., taking the risk of being discovered or abandoned by the KGB. His decision was a significant departure from his self-centered past, indicating a change in his priorities and loyalties.

The fourth paragraph describes the FBI's investigation into Barsky after a KGB archivist defected and provided information about Soviet spying operations. The FBI's surveillance and eventual bugging of Barsky's home led to his exposure as a Soviet spy. However, instead of arresting him, the FBI chose to use Barsky's knowledge of the KGB and the Russians. Barsky's clever deception of the KGB, telling them he had contracted AIDS to avoid returning to East Germany, is also highlighted. This deception led the Soviets to declare him dead, allowing Barsky to continue living in the U.S. without raising further suspicion.

In the fifth paragraph, Barsky's quiet suburban life in America is depicted, showing how he integrated into a typical middle-class existence with a family and a job. The paragraph also details the FBI's meticulous surveillance and the eventual revelation of Barsky's true identity to his American wife and daughter. It discusses the emotional impact of these revelations and the complex family dynamics that resulted from Barsky's past actions, including the discovery of a half-brother in Germany.

The sixth paragraph outlines Barsky's life after his espionage activities, focusing on his work, his transition to American citizenship, and his efforts to reconcile with his past. It also touches on the story of Robert Hansen, an FBI agent who betrayed his country by selling secrets to the Soviets. The paragraph explores the paradox of Hansen's devout religious life alongside his espionage activities, highlighting the complexity of his character and the psychological aspects of his behavior.

The seventh paragraph continues the exploration of Robert Hansen's character, examining his motivations and the extent of his betrayal. It delves into the psychological profile of a spy, discussing the contradictions in Hansen's life and his ability to maintain multiple secret lives. The paragraph also provides insight into the FBI's perspective on Hansen's case and the impact of his actions on national security.

The eighth paragraph describes the eventual capture of Hansen and the consequences he faced. It discusses the complexity of his sentencing and the impact on his family, particularly his wife Bonnie. The paragraph also shifts focus to contemporary espionage, highlighting China as a significant threat to American security and detailing a case of Chinese espionage involving the theft of military secrets.

The ninth paragraph expands on the threat of Chinese espionage, detailing the extent of China's efforts to obtain American technology and military secrets. It discusses the methods used by Chinese intelligence to recruit spies and the significant damage caused by the theft of classified information. The paragraph also emphasizes the challenges faced by U.S. counterintelligence and the ongoing efforts to protect national security.

The tenth paragraph concludes the narrative by examining the legal consequences for spies like Tai Shin Guo and Greg Bergerson. It discusses the evidence gathered by the FBI and the eventual sentencing of the two men. The paragraph also reflects on the broader implications of espionage, the potential for unknown threats, and the importance of vigilance in protecting national security.

The eleventh paragraph serves as a cautionary note on the pervasive nature of espionage and the continuous threat posed by foreign intelligence services. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the extent of the threat and the need for ongoing efforts to counter espionage activities. The paragraph also suggests that the full scope of espionage activities may never be fully known, underlining the importance of remaining vigilant and proactive in counterintelligence efforts.