espionage networks
Covert intelligence systems
Espionage networks are organized systems of spies, informants, and handlers working together to gather intelligence.
The term implies structure—safe houses, dead drops, coded communications, chains of command: The CIA dismantled a Russian espionage network operating in Washington.
Networks may be run by governments, corporations, or other entities seeking secret information about rivals or enemies.
- double agentSpy betraying their side
- counterintelligenceDefense against enemy espionage
- handlerOne who manages something
- cutoutShape removed from material
- brush passSurreptitious walking exchange
mole · foreign agents · surveillance · dead drop · dead letter box · cryptanalysis · tradecraft · need to know · infiltration · cover story · encryption · sleeper cell · safe house · agent · covert operations · steganography · whistleblowing · compartmentalization
- espionagespy, spies, double agent, double agents, spying