Eye Spy examines a number of real issues that enable spies to perform with near impunity
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THE ART OF GOING GREY
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n the UK there is a clear distinction between an intelligence officer and agent. An officer is usually an ‘official’ on the payroll of government. If working overseas he or she is probably attached to an embassy or in the employment of a registered company. An agent can be anyone prepared to pass on useful information, be it a simple tip-off or high-grade intelligence; they can be hired, trained and given guidance on how to obtain it. The agent is paid by the state via his controller or handler, but don’t expect to find a wage slip. This description varies from country to country; some nations describe intelligence officers as ‘agents’, though for the purposes of this Tradecraft feature, we have used the British model. Both officer and agent must remain anonymous to counter-intelligence agencies and both must be able to travel freely and conduct their activities
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