Former Russian Spy Anna Chapman Now Leads Museum of Russian Intelligence: From FBI Arrest to Kremlin Ambassador

Anna Chapman, the notorious red-haired Russian intelligence operative expelled from the United States in 2010, has embarked on a new mission: directing the recently established Museum of Russian Intelligence.

New Delhi:

Once accused of using seduction to access Western secrets, Anna Chapman now leads the newly formed Museum of Russian Intelligence. The institution is directly connected to President Vladimir Putin's foreign intelligence service, the SVR, and is located near Moscow's Gorky Park within the Foreign Intelligence Service press office compound. The museum aims to showcase Russian espionage history and accomplishments under the supervision of SVR Director Sergey Naryshkin, a close Putin associate.

Chapman's life resembles a classic espionage narrative. In 2010, she was apprehended in New York by the FBI as part of Operation Ghost Stories, which targeted a Russian sleeper network. The extensive investigation uncovered deep-cover agents living covertly in America.

After relocating to Manhattan in 2009, Chapman presented herself as a real estate professional. FBI investigations later revealed she utilized her laptop to establish clandestine wireless networks for communicating with Russian officials. Between her arrival and arrest, authorities documented approximately ten such communications.

On June 27, 2010, Chapman and nine others were detained. Within eleven days, they admitted guilt to conspiracy charges involving service as unregistered Russian Federation agents. The United States subsequently deported them to Moscow in a significant prisoner exchange that released four Russians accused of Western intelligence collaboration. Among them was Sergei Skripal, later poisoned in Salisbury in an incident attributed to the Kremlin.

Prior to her American activities, Chapman resided in London, utilizing her charisma and social aptitude to navigate elite circles comprising politicians, executives, and oligarchs. Her story has prompted social media comparisons to Marvel's 'Black Widow' character. A Russian intelligence officer reportedly recognized her networking talents and recruited her.

Chapman acquired British citizenship through marriage to Alex Chapman, though their relationship deteriorated dramatically. Alex later alleged she attempted to harm him with a power tool.

In her 2023 memoir "BondiAnna. To Russia with Love," Chapman portrays herself as a real-life female intelligence operative comparable to James Bond. She writes candidly about leveraging her physical attributes and calculated approach toward men. The autobiography recounts a glamorous existence featuring luxury travel, extravagant celebrations, and interactions with influential figures. One notable anecdote describes securing employment at a London hedge fund after winning at strip poker.

Following her return to Russia, Chapman rapidly transformed her public persona, transitioning from businesswoman to television presenter and social media personality. As a devoted Putin supporter, she frequently participated in pro-Kremlin patriotic initiatives and symbolized national pride in Russian intelligence. She later became mother to a son.

Now 43 and operating under the name Anna Romanova, she utilizes her platform to advocate for traditional Russian values, according to The Sun.