Robert Hanssen

Robert Hanssen was an FBI agent who secretly defected to Russia and spied for them over two decades, starting in 1985. He provided the Russians with sensitive intelligence about U.S. operations, which compromised national security and endangered lives. His betrayal was highly damaging due to the depth of information he revealed. Hanssen’s espionage was discovered in 2001, leading to his arrest and conviction for espionage, for which he is serving life in prison. His case underscores the profound impact that internal betrayal can have on national security and the importance of counterintelligence efforts.