The GRU illegals

This report surveys the century-long use of Russian and Soviet “illegals” (deep-cover intelligence officers without diplomatic immunity), emphasizing the GRU’s program alongside KGB/SVR efforts. It traces operations from WWII successes such as Richard Sorge, the Red Orchestra, and George Koval to recent exposures including Olga Kolobova, Sergey Cherkasov, Mikhail Mikushin, and Pavel Rubtsov, and notes OPSEC lapses (e.g., consecutively numbered passports) that aided identifications post-2018. The assessment concludes that, despite increased risks and questionable modern utility, Russia appears to maintain an active illegals program today.