Inside the Robert Hanssen Investigation with Debra Smith

Twenty years ago today, the worst spy to ever penetrate the FBI was arrested at Foxstone Park near his home in suburban northern Virginia. Robert P. Hanssen was a veteran FBI agent with thwarted ambitions. Feeling underestimated he turned traitor. Beginning in 1979, he provided highly classified national security information to Russia and the former Soviet Union on and off through 2001.

FBI Director Louis J. Freeh stated at the time: “A betrayal of trust by an FBI Agent, who is not only sworn to enforce the law but specifically to help protect our nation’s security, is particularly abhorrent. This kind of criminal conduct represents the most traitorous action imaginable against a country governed by the Rule of Law. It also strikes at the heart of everything the FBI represents — the commitment of over 28,000 honest and dedicated men and women in the FBI who work diligently to earn the trust and confidence of the American people every day.” Imagine being inside this case.

Join us for an inside look at Hanssen and the investigation that rolled him up with Debra Smith, former Deputy Assistant Director of the Counterintelligence Division at FBI Headquarters. 

During her FBI career of more than 30 years, Smith supervised numerous espionage investigations and recruitment operations, most notably, this investigation. Smith received the Attorney General Award for Intelligence and the United States Attorney’s Award for her role in this major espionage investigation.

Amanda Ohlke, Director of Adult Education at the Spy Museum, will sit down with Smith to discuss what it was like to be a lead in this incredible manhunt. Following the discussion, you’ll be able to ask questions via our online platform.