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Former CIA Agent Aldrich Ames Dies, Remembered for Espionage

1/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Aldrich Ames, a former CIA counterintelligence officer and Soviet double agent, died January 5, 2026, at age 84 in Maryland.
Ames compromised at least 100 U.S. intelligence operations, leading to the execution of at least 10 American sources.
Ames began espionage in 1985.
The FBI arrested Ames in February 1994 after a 10-month investigation linked him to Russian intelligence.
He later pleaded guilty to espionage and tax evasion.

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Story summary

Aldrich Ames, a former CIA counterintelligence officer and Soviet double agent, died January 5, 2026, at age 84 in Maryland.
Ames compromised at least 100 U.S. intelligence operations, leading to the execution of at least 10 American sources.
Ames began espionage in 1985.
The FBI arrested Ames in February 1994 after a 10-month investigation linked him to Russian intelligence.
He later pleaded guilty to espionage and tax evasion.