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CIA Espionage and Personal Security

Aug 28, 2025

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.