Excerpt – Shadow Missions | Operation Stanley Cup

Moscow’s spies historically carry a reputation as tenacious professionals. And to leave nothing to chance to complicate the work of those who track them, in particular the footmen, the nickname given to agents in charge of spinning on foot, who, however, have received demanding training. Training that continues even at regular intervals once they are in office.

A good shadowing agent must know how to be reactive, have a sense of observation, memory and, of course, blend into the environment without being spotted. During his course, he undergoes several trials designed to test him.

For example, he must enter a bar chosen by the trainer, speak to a stranger, then come out within a given time with a story. He is also walked around town, then on his return, he is questioned about a host of details that he must have noticed along the route.

It also happens that he is confronted during his training period (and when he least expects it) with more muscular situations, which can go as far as an arrest.

If terrorists are “unsophisticated” in their protective measures, this is not the case with spies, who play the same game as them… and know all the tricks of the trade.

Tracking a Russian agent requires nerves of steel.

“They love the traditional spy game. They are very clever and will do everything to tire you out, walking around for long hours and destabilizing you when they suspect they are being followed, remembers, amused, an ex-member of CSIS. For example, they will enter a department store, then drag on in the department of women’s underwear. Or take an escalator, then wait at the top, staring at everyone who goes up. Above all, don’t get upset or blush when you reach them…”

They also avoid going twice to the same restaurant or the same hotel in order to counter the “preventive” planting of electronic devices by CSIS. Or recruiting a staff source.

Agents assigned to the Technical and Scientific Services of CSIS have learned to be extra vigilant when surreptitiously entering premises occupied by spies, particularly Russian ones, and in which they must, after having obtained a warrant from the Federal Court, place listening devices or carrying out searches.

Careful preparation is therefore the key to success, at least to avoid unpleasant surprises. Such an operation will ideally be preceded by a first surreptitious visit to the target location, in order to identify the possible alarm system and to detect other monitoring devices or traps which could be concealed.

The Lamberts^⁠1 were not lacking in imagination in their counterintelligence measures. And it was sometimes funny. For example, before leaving the apartment, they placed small piles of their cat’s kibble under the carpet installed in front of the desk where their computer was placed. A rudimentary but infallible tactic. A crushed pile upon their return was a sign that the Canadian spies had smuggled into their home…

During these visits, CSIS technicians can also take the opportunity to probe the walls, and note their color and texture, in case holes (even tiny ones) have to be drilled and then filled without showing it. And when it comes to old walls, it can be a real headache.

[…]

On D-Day, the same precautions are followed. The agents even go so far as to take photos so that everything is replaced exactly in the same way, once the mission is completed, as when they entered the premises.

As for the target, it will be placed under constant shadowing to ensure that it does not return sooner than expected!

⁠1. Ian and Laurie Lambert were a couple of Russian spies who infiltrated Canada in the 1990s under this assumed name.

Shadow Missions – RCMP, CSIS and Armed Forces Special Operations

Fabrice de Pierrebourg

Editions La Presse, March 2022

312 pages