From bolts to secrets: the intriguing world of spike dead drops |
The recipient, often another agent, would
then retrieve the item without direct contact or raising suspicion. Dead drops
provide a secure and clandestine method of passing information without the need
for face-to-face meetings.
The ‘spike’ is a small, hollow container
usually made of metal or plastic that is buried in the ground or hidden in a
discreet location. CIA operatives or their recruited assets place documents,
messages, or small objects inside the spike, seal it securely, and then bury or
conceal it in a predetermined spot. Its inconspicuous nature makes it an
effective tool for discreetly exchanging information without direct contact
between individuals.
The CIA used a spike dead drop in the
1950s during the Cold War era in Operation Silver. Spike dead drops were used to
exchange information with agents operating behind the Iron Curtain in Eastern
Europe.
In this operation, hollowed-out bolts were
used as the spikes. The bolts had
compartments inside where agents concealed microfilm containing classified
information. CIA officers would visit predetermined locations in cities like
Warsaw, Prague, and Budapest, and discreetly bury or conceal the bolts in
inconspicuous spots such as parks or alongside buildings.
Local agents working for the CIA's
clandestine network ("assets") received instructions about the
spike's location and retrieve the microfilm without raising suspicion. The
information contained in the microfilm contained valuable intelligence on
Soviet activities, political developments, and military plans within Eastern
Europe.
The spike dead drop proved to be an
effective secure, covert communication channel during a time of heightened
tension and intense intelligence operations between the United States and the
Soviet Union.
In my spy thriller novel 'Mission
of Vengeance' I write about this spy craft tactic. CIA spymaster Corey
Pearson made a critical discovery while investigating a spike dead drop.
Uncovering a message left by a former KGB agent he obtained crucial information
that saved FBI agents from an ambush.
The situation was tense as the FBI and Dominican
Republic police prepared to apprehend a corrupt Russian oligarch at his estate
in the Dominican Republic, but the spike drop revealed a new threat, the
arrival of the Spetsnaz assassins.
The intelligence that Corey Pearson
obtained allowed him to modify the estate assault plan. Understanding the need
to neutralize the highly skilled and dangerous Spetsnaz operatives, he devised
a plan to ensure the safety of the law enforcement officers involved.
Corey had the CIA’s special operations
squads take the lead. Their advanced training and tactical capabilities made
them the ideal choice to engage the Spetsnaz threat head-on. By having them go
in first, they could engage the enemy and create a safer environment for the
subsequent actions of the FBI and DR police.
One advantage of using spike dead drops
over other types of dead drops is their inconspicuous nature and ease of
concealment. They resemble everyday objects, such as bolts, nails, or other
small metallic items, making them less likely to draw attention or raise
suspicion when hidden in public spaces. The spike's small size and unassuming
appearance allow for discreet placement in various locations, such as parks,
urban environments, or rural areas.
In the world of espionage, where secrecy
is paramount, the spike dead drop stands tall as a symbol of covert
communication. Its unassuming nature and effortless concealment provide CIA
operatives with an advantage like no other. Hidden in plain sight, spikes
masquerade as ordinary objects, blending seamlessly into the backdrop of our
everyday lives.
They become the guardians of classified
information, the sentinels of secrets. From hollowed-out bolts to inconspicuous
containers, spikes offer a sanctuary for vital intelligence. Buried beneath the
soil or tucked away in forgotten corners, they hold the power to change the
course of history.
The CIA recognized the potential of the
spike dead drop during the tumultuous Cold War era. Operation Silver showcased
its prowess, as microfilm hidden within these unremarkable spikes allowed
agents to defy the Iron Curtain. Information flowed, battles were won in the
shadows, and the free world breathed a little easier.
In "Mission
of Vengeance," Corey Pearson unlocked the truth within a spike
dead drop. A message from a former KGB agent propelled him into action,
averting an ambush that could have spelled disaster. The fate of FBI agents
hung in the balance, but Corey's resourcefulness prevailed, and their survival
was ensured.
The advantage of spike dead drops lies in
their silent effectiveness. They mingle inconspicuously with the mundane, and their
unobtrusive design enables CIA operatives and their recruited agents to pass
critical information undetected, evading the prying eyes of enemies and
counterintelligence.
So, remember, as you walk through the
bustling streets or explore the hidden corners of our cities, the spike dead
drop may be watching, quietly fulfilling its mission. It is a symbol of the
unwavering commitment to protect and defend, standing as a testament to the
resilience of those who navigate the shadows for a greater cause.
In the world of spies and thrillers, where fiction and reality intertwine, the spike dead drop continues to captivate our imagination, a beacon of secrecy in a world longing for the truth.
Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former
Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and enjoys writing about the U.S. Intelligence
Community. He authors the Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster
series. Check out his latest spy thrillers: MISSION OF VENGEANCE.
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