The Billion Dollar Spy - David Hoffman

While getting into his car on the evening of February 16, 1978, the chief of the CIA's Moscow station was handed an envelope by an unknown Russian.

Its contents stunned the Americans: details of top secret Soviet research and development in military technology that was totally unknown to the United States.

From David Hoffman, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Dead Hand, comes the riveting story of the CIA's most valuable spy in the Soviet Union and an evocative portrait of the agency's Moscow station, an outpost of daring espionage in the last years of the Cold War. Drawing on previously secret documents obtained from the CIA, as well as interviews with participants, Hoffman will reveal how the depredations of the Soviet state motivated one man to master the craft of spying against his own nation until he was betrayed to the KGB by a disgruntled former CIA trainee.

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[jaykay]

Hoffman has a wonderful YouTube channel on which he posts beautifully sensitive photos and little stories. A history buff, to me, he comes across to me as a generous man with his desire to include everyone in the experience. I think that’s why he is making sure to make eye contact with as many people as possible. I like his style of storytelling because his genuine passion for telling the story comes across so beautifully. What a wonderful interview. Thank you, David Hoffman, for your stories and interesting facts. You’re a wonderful storyteller. Cheers.

[philbyd]

Great presentation, thanks for posting

[JustMe]

Oh!! Jonna Mendez is also here, asking questions!!! Oh wow!!😁😁

[abc_]

Fabulous video. Hoffman is a great speaker!

[krissy]

Thanks for your service, kind sir!
Edit: the 9 “dislikes” are from KGB

[jeanhawken]

Shame on the system for not caring more about the man and his family. The greed.

[beltigussin]

In telling the story of Tolkachev's wife's reaching out to the agency for help when she had cancer he left out something. She sent a letter describing her husband's work and sacrifice and asked for medical assistance. This was post Soviet collapse. The US response: Tolkachev? Never heard of him. Apparently there are limits to memory and gratitude

[parkers]

Jonna Mendez is in the audience what a badass

[James_Bowie]

A painting of Tolkachev by Kathy Krantz Fieramosca hangs in the CIA's Langley headquarters.

[simonboland]

The book is a masterpiece. It's a great read.

[Teekles]

48-0 air superiority record....damn USA, get it!

[MJ-fjyv]

Adolf was a pragmatist, knew he was going to die sooner or later. Thanks to CIA bureaucrats and lack of empathy used him up. Seems very similar to Iraq and Afghanistan, people left to fend for themselves after the ride is over.

[bertiballermann]

With so many attempts to contact the CIA station chief out in the open while so many KGB agents followed them, how did these first contacts remain undetected?

[ninirema]

very great gentleman
very goodnoon and good luck
super interesting lecture.🌍🌋🐷

[DanNguyen-xdwg]

To find more about Jack in the box trick. Search for The Moscow Rules by Antonio and Jonna Mendez. Husband and wife who worked for CIA.

[MrWonszBoa]

Great lecture and a great book. thanks!

[patrickvitori]

I remember Jonna Mendez talking about the JIB method

[markschafer]

Mr Interviewer, please just let your guest talk. Your questions and comments just interrupt the flow of his story.

[rfa]

Seems to me the CIA in its pathetic handling of Howard cost a man his life! What a shame and tragedy. That's what stands out for me.

[xdude]

Tells you everything you want to know about how cia treats its sources and their families .