Ana Belén Montes was released from an American prison this weekend. The American was imprisoned for more than twenty years for one of the most famous and successful espionage operations against the United States.
Before her arrest, Montes was active with the American security service DIA. The German-born started her career there in 1985 and quickly managed to secure the position of Cuba analyst.
Throughout her career, she received coded messages containing orders from the Cuban government. Montes answered it through a pager.
Due to Montes’ espionage activities, the Cuban government was aware for many years of virtually all US covert operations on the island. For example, she revealed the identities of at least four American spies and passed on secret documents.
According to BBC News, the US government considers her to be “one of the spies who have done us the most damage”.
She was arrested in September 2001 after an anonymous tip about a high-ranking official who allegedly collaborated with the Cuban government. Then the FBI caught up with her.
Montes confessed guilt, but was not sorry. “I acted according to my conscience. The attitude of the United States towards Cuba is cruel and unfair. I had to help them there so that they can defend themselves against our influence,” Montes said.
The US will keep a close eye on the former spy for another five years. Her internet use is being monitored and she is never allowed to hold a position in the US government again. She must also ask permission to talk to foreign authorities.
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