American Traitor: The Robert Hanssen Story

American Traitor: The Robert Hanssen Story is a counterintelligence case study that traces the multi-year hunt for a traitor who is believed by many to have been the most destructive spy in US history. While Hanssen eventually was arrested and pleaded guilty to selling US intelligence secrets to the Soviets (and later Russians) for more than two decades beginning in 1979, he was not the initial target of the FBI-led investigation. For over three years prior to Hanssen’s arrest on 18 February 2001, the FBI focused substantial resources building a case against a CIA counterintelligence officer who ultimately proved to be innocent—Brian Kelley.

This true story of the Hanssen case, as told by Kelley himself, demonstrates the extraordinary complexities and intricacies of counterespionage investigations. Kelley draws on his four decades of counterintelligence experience to guide participants through the evolving probe, illustrating how lack of objectivity, cultural blindness, and institutional bias in any organization can hinder or discredit otherwise sound analysis.

During the course, participants are asked to assume the role of the FBI—drawing their own conclusions from the facts of the case taken from published official government documents such as the Hanssen affidavit, the Webster Commission report, the Department of Justice Inspector General’s report, and various court documents. By mirroring the progression of the actual investigation, participants gain keen insights into counterintelligence practices and potential pitfalls.

Included in the program is a viewing of the FBI’s arrest video, a relevant “60 Minutes” story, a Discovery Channel special, and various television and movie clips about the Hanssen case—followed by a guided tour of Foxstone Park in Vienna, Virginia, where Hanssen laid down his last “dead drop” package just minutes before being seized. Participants hear the true story surrounding the arrest and learn startling revelations of behind-the-scenes activities that preceded it…including the intriguing story of the “wrong bridge.”

Kelley’s role as the FBI’s primary suspect gives him a unique perspective and makes for a riveting presentation.  Participants are provided with ample opportunities to ask questions and hear candid firsthand accounts of the events surrounding the investigation.

Course Objectives:
This course uses a classic counterespionage case to illustrate the complex methodologies and tradecraft that are brought to bear during spy investigations. Specifically, the course:

• Demonstrates how “padlocking” on what appears to be a foregone conclusion at the outset of any inquiry can lead to bias and wrongful interpretations of data and evidence.
• Illustrates how silencing countervailing views can lead to confirmation bias in the early stages of an investigation, and ultimately contribute to the misguided and wasteful application of human and technical resources.
• Provides participants with a better ability to identify and manage potential security risks in their midst, including “red flags” of espionage.

Who Should Attend: Anyone who works in the security, counterintelligence or counterterrorist fields—from beginners to seasoned professionals, in government or private industry—will gain many memorable lessons that can be applied to their work.  At the discretion of your Facility Security Officer, this course can be used to satisfy mandatory annual security-awareness requirements.

Length of Course: One (1) day
Instructor: Brian Kelley

 

Submit your registration request form here.