Robert Hanssen, FBI agent exposed as Russian spy, found dead in prison cell

A former FBI agent who took more than $1.4 million in cash and diamonds to trade secrets with Russia and the former Soviet Union in one of the most notorious spying cases in American history died in prison Monday.

Robert Hanssen, 79, was found unresponsive in his cell at a federal prison in Florence, Colorado, and later pronounced dead, prison officials said.

Hanssen is believed to have died of natural causes, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. The person was not authorized to publicly discuss details of Hanssen's death and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

He had been serving a sentence of life in prison without parole after pleading guilty to 15 counts of espionage and other charges in 2001.




9NEWS (KUSA) is located in Denver, Colorado.

[livenotonevil]

They need to revive that guy. He's got 14 more life sentences to go

[flatwater]

So much negative stuff in the news today. This is heartwarming.

[loveanarchy]

He lived 20 years longer than he should have.

[connieellerbe-maycock]

There are no tears shed for Robert Hanssen.

[missinformed]

He's 79 years old and been in jail since 2002, so it's doubtful that he died in suspicious circumstances. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[scottmac-cheeserae]

How much did the taxpayer have to fork out for him for the past 20-odd years?

[MissUnConcerned]

Countless people lost their lives because of this traitor. It's about time he left this earth. I hope his victims are resting in peace. 😔🙏

[johndastoli]

I am personally not big on the death penalty. But I do think there is a difference when you sign up I. The military or other security services that are meant to protect America and you directly aid our nations adversaries. This man led to the death of several intelligence assets and greatly compromised the security of our country. He deserved the death penalty.

[dolores]

At least he isn’t on tax payer dime anymore.

[MomMomCubs]

My Daddy would've loved this, if he didn't pass 16 years ago. He HATED this man, mostly because of the hazards his treason added to work of our servicemen and women.

[alphabravo]

Golly, treason can get you prison time? He must not have been rich enough.

[abee]

There are lots of things I would do for money but selling out my country is not one of them.

[BarbaraJoanneBJ]

Remember those who died because of his betrayal.

[luminnous]

Every agent is spying for someone and that someone is none of us.

[clintwestwood]

Actually, quite pathetic.. to become a traitor for some cash and diamonds, at least these other crazies have some bizarre beliefs as motivation.

[garyK.ACP]

Good riddance. I was tired of paying for you.

[joejohnson]

The movie The Breach that was made about this story was a really good movie. Ryan Philippe, Laura Linney, and Chris Cooper all played great roles. Highly recommend for anyone who hasn't seen it

[oldsoldier]

Bet he knew who the Big Guy was Hilarious to hear him labeled a traitor when the entire agency is compromised.

[compimagaol]

I'm guessing it was a suicide where he shot himself in the head 20 times before crawling back to his bed. Only $1.5 million in cash, we have somebody that has topped that.

[jvillebil]

Warden said it was a terrible case of suicide. His hands were tied behind his back his legs tied and his mouth gagged. He was hanging from the ceiling with a sheet tied around his neck. Warden said when they got there he was flopping around but they waited 15 minutes for him to get calm so they could get him down.