Overview
This podcast episode features Andrew and Jihei Bustamante, a married former CIA tandem couple, discussing their roles in uncovering a mole within the CIA, the challenges and dangers of espionage, and the broader implications for intelligence operations, personal security, and American society.
Backgrounds and Entry into CIA
- Andrew served as an Air Force nuclear missile officer before joining CIA, where he met Jihei during training.
- Jihei came from a social work background, working with torture survivors before applying to the CIA as a targeter.
- Dating within CIA is encouraged due to secrecy challenges in outside relationships.
The Mole and Falcon Operation
- A foreign ally warned CIA of a mole leaking secrets to an adversarial country, codenamed "Falcon."
- Andrew and Jihei were deployed to a friendly neighboring country (codenamed "Wolf") to build new intelligence sources targeting Falcon and assist in identifying the mole.
- Their operations were compartmentalized to limit exposure to the mole.
Tradecraft and Operational Details
- The couple adopted new aliases and covers, using commercial activities as fronts.
- They employed advanced tradecraft such as cleansing routes, passport swaps, and surveillance detection routes (SDRs).
- The "Shadow Cell" model was implemented, drawing on terrorist cell tactics for operational security and effectiveness.
Compromise and Escape
- Andrew was discovered by Falcon’s security services, likely due to the mole’s leakage.
- He executed a self-rescue escape plan, communicated with Jihei via coded signals, and documented surveillance for future operational use.
- After the incident, Andrew’s alias was considered "burned," and he could not return to Falcon.
Outcome and Impact
- The Shadow Cell successfully built new intelligence assets and indirectly contributed to the eventual arrest of the mole by the FBI.
- Their operational model influenced a broader reorganization within the CIA.
- CIA management denied their request for light duty to focus on family, prompting their departure from the agency.
Insights into Intelligence and Security
- Espionage is a team effort with high risk, compartmentalization, and strong need-to-know culture.
- No digital device is fully secure; air-gapped storage and prudent operational security are advised.
- Intelligence services use both real and front companies for operations and funding.
Reflections on Morality, Society, and Advice
- The intelligence world is morally ambiguous, prioritizing national security over moral clarity.
- The United States is seen as entering a transitional, risk-prone moment with increasing polarization and potential gridlock.
- The Bustamantes advocate living joyfully in the present, not postponing meaningful experiences, and caution against complacency.
Recommendations / Advice
- Prioritize foundational skills (“sticks and bricks”) over reliance on technology in any high-stakes field.
- Regularly reassess who you trust and maintain adaptability.
- Engage proactively in society; avoid complacency and be prepared for rapid change.
- For business and personal success, focus on essential practices and don’t undervalue your own judgment.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Which country was "Falcon," and who exactly was the mole? (Not officially disclosed.)
- Ongoing curiosity from the public and CIA about identifying specifics of the operation and mole.
Decisions
- Leave CIA to prioritize family over ongoing high-risk deployments.
- Declined light duty positions after operational success, leading to resignation.
Action Items
- TBD – Listeners: Comment on which country was Falcon and identify the mole based on clues in the episode.
- TBD – Interested readers: Read "Shadow Cell" for further operational details and lessons.