Aldrich Ames, a former CIA officer and one of the most damaging turncoats in U.S. history, has died in a Maryland prison at 84. He was paid $2.5 million by Moscow for U.S. secrets, leading to the executions of Western agents and a significant setback for the CIA during the Cold War.
Aldrich Ames, a 31-year CIA veteran, died at 84 in a Maryland prison, where he was serving a life sentence without parole. He admitted to being paid $2.5 million by Moscow from 1985 until his 1994 arrest for betraying U.S. secrets. His disclosures included the identities of 10 Russian and one Eastern European official spying for the U.S. or Great Britain, along with details of spy satellite operations, eavesdropping, and general spy procedures. His betrayals are directly blamed for the executions of Western agents working behind the Iron Curtain and caused a major setback for the CIA during the Cold War. Ames pleaded guilty to espionage and tax evasion, stating "profound shame and guilt" for his actions, which he attributed to financial troubles. Despite his confession, he downplayed the damage caused, claiming he hadn't "noticeably damaged" the United States or "noticeably aided" Moscow. He began spying while working in the Soviet/Eastern European division at CIA headquarters and continued while stationed in Rome and after returning to Washington. His wife, Rosario, also pleaded guilty to assisting his spying and served 63 months in prison. Ames's case is often mentioned alongside that of FBI agent Robert Hanssen, another prominent spy for Moscow.
