spy ring
Covert operative network
A spy ring is an organized network of spies working together, typically for a foreign government.
The term emphasizes the interconnected, clandestine nature of espionage operations—agents, handlers, and informants linked in a covert structure: The FBI uncovered a Soviet spy ring operating in Washington.
Also called an espionage ring.
- double agentSpy betraying their side
- intelligenceMental ability, cognitive capacity
- secret serviceGovernment espionage organization
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
- moleSubterranean insectivore
handler · covert operations · dead drop · brush pass · sleeper agents · secret agents · safe house · cover story · tradecraft · clandestine operations · surveillance · intelligence network · compartmentalization · classified information · traitor · covert · CIA · black ops
- espionagespies, double agent, double agents, moles, secret agents
- Spy Fictionsecret agent, double agent, MI6, CIA, KGB
- political intrigueintrigue, conspiracy, treason, plot, collusion
- secret organizationscabal, secret society, secret societies, conspiracy, sleeper cell
- secret groupssecret society, cabal, Freemasons, cult, coven
- Red ScareHUAC, McCarthyism, blacklist, loyalty oaths, Joe McCarthy
ring, spy, spying, rings, ringed, ringer, spied, espionage, ringleader