When Cold War Spy Games Turn Deadly | True Life Spy Stories

This is the story of Alexander Dmitrievich Ogorodnik, a mid-level Soviet diplomat turned CIA spy. Ogorodnik was a Soviet diplomat who was recruited to spy on the Soviet Union while stationed in Bogotá, Colombia. Codenamed Agent Trigon, he was later transferred to the Soviet Foreign Ministry in Moscow where he photographed secret diplomatic cables and requested a suicide pill from the CIA in case he was caught.

His handler, Martha 'Marti' Peterson was the first female CIA case officer to operate within Moscow. At the height of the Cold War, she had the daunting task of running one of the CIA's most valuable spy prospects.

Agent Trigon was ultimately betrayed by a CIA translator and arrested by the KGB.

What happened next is a story that not even the best spy authors could come up with...

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[PhilipThompson]

A fact not mentioned in the video is that Ogorodnik sadly never met his daughter, Alejandra Suárez Barcala, whom he fathered with his mistress in Colombia, Pilar Suárez Barcala. After Alejandra discovered her father's identity, she wrote a book about him, including details contained in a memoir that Ogorodnik wrote and gave to Pilar.

[fratercontenduntocculta]

My favorite part of the Cold War are all of the crazy spy stories like this. Great job!

[alejandrasuarez]

Thanks so much for this tribute to my dad

[victornderu]

Your detail quality is unmatched. Keep them coming and this channel will go far.

[erix]

Once again, a wonderful piece! Love how you effortlessly merge different found footage material and original photographs and footage… you‘re putting in the works for sure! Hope this will pay off. Brilliant content. I will definitely spread the word.

[royboiiiluo]

i had the privilege of meeting her twice when I was in college. The most respectable intelligence officer in our history.

[Herman]

"Trigon died his own way -- a hero."

[stevesick]

This channel is great!! Glad I found it

[surfer]

Hey, I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your content! Please keep it up and continue putting out du h marvellous videos, I am most certain that this channel will blow up very shortly

[thormusique]

A story beautifully and succinctly told!

[tatianalyulkin]

She's quite fluent in " French ". Even the KGB officers themselves were impressed. Like I said- the lady is my hero.

[ronnie]

I have seen several of your videos now and I have to say, I have enjoyed watching your videos. You are informative and your style keeps me very interested. Please keep them coming.

[geneloscowski]

There is a lot more to this incident than has ever been reported.

[yvc]

These people live on a different level of reality. Entire sections of your life devoted to deceit and ruthlessness.

[redtobertshateshandles]

You would think the CIA chief would have taken his agents concern seriously. And a mark on a street sign in a totalitarian country seems like such a bad idea. I suppose they were desperate for something, anything. Or compromised.

[silverman]

Fascinating to learn more about Trigon after first hearing this from Marti's perspective!

[annehersey]

I have heard a couple of stories like this where the agent requested a cyanide pill and the US initially denied it. This is absurd. These agents KNEW the torture they would receive if caught and how horrible and drawn out it would be. The CIA should have asked an agent very early in the relationship if they WANTED the pill. It should NEVER have been the US decision but the person who was risking his life and maybe the life of his family.

[dmmchugh]

I am fascinated by spy stories.
Could we have one on Shadrin ?

[alisonkotze]

It took me a second to realise the accent isnt American or British....its home 🇿🇦. Keep up the good work.

[RedcoatsReturn]

Excellent spy documentary! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏😉 fantastic detail and very professionally produced 👍👍