Who is the richest CIA agent?

Asked by: scraper  |  Last update: July 29, 2026
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Former CIA officer and convicted Soviet double agent Aldrich Ames is widely considered one of the wealthiest individuals associated with the agency. He amassed an estimated $ 2.5 million in exchange for selling highly classified U.S. secrets to the KGB.

What is the highest paid CIA agent?

The highest-paid CIA agents and officers are typically Senior Executive Service (SES) members, who can earn a maximum base salary capped by the federal government's GS-scale limit, which is around $183,500. However, total compensation can exceed $200,000 when factoring in specific bonuses, locality pay, and foreign language incentives.

Who was the CIA agent who sold secrets?

Aldrich Ames. Aldrich Hazen Ames (/eɪmz/; May 26, 1941 – January 5, 2026) was an American counterintelligence officer with the Central Intelligence Agency who was convicted of espionage on behalf of the Soviet Union and Russia in 1994.

Who was the spy that died in jail?

Aldrich Ames: CIA spy whose treachery caused the deaths of countless sources has died in federal prison | CNN.

Is Andrew Bustamante still in the CIA?

Andrew Bustamante is a former American Central Intelligence Agency covert intelligence officer, entrepreneur, author, and media presenter.

The CIA’s Most Valuable Spy

24 related questions found

What happened to Andrew Bustamante's teeth?

I was born with one missing adult tooth. I had all my baby teeth as a kid, but my adult tooth #23 never developed. It's a generic flaw that carries in my family every second generation. The military installed a bridge with a fake tooth to make me look presentable in uniform.

Who is paid more, CIA or FBI?

Neither agency inherently pays more across the board, but the FBI generally offers higher entry-level base pay because new agents are hired under a specialized law enforcement pay scale (often starting at the GL-10 grade). However, CIA officers frequently have higher overall earning potential at the mid-to-senior levels due to specialized skill bonuses and overseas assignment pay.

Who was the famous CIA traitor?

Aldrich Ames, who died in January 2026, remains the most infamous CIA traitor, having sold secrets to the Soviets/Russians from 1985–1994, leading to the execution of at least 10 U.S. intelligence assets. Other significant betrayals include Harold "Jim" Nicholson, Larry Wu-Tai Chin, and Edward Lee Howard, all of whom caused severe damage to national security.

Who was the most famous death of all time?

The most famous death of all time is arguably that of Jesus Christ, whose crucifixion around 30 AD shaped the foundation of Christianity and fundamentally altered global history.

Who was the female spy executed?

Mata Hari, the archetype of the seductive female spy, is executed for espionage by a French firing squad at Vincennes outside of Paris. She first came to Paris in 1905 and found fame as a performer of exotic Asian-inspired dances.

What actor was a spy in real life?

Proclaimed “The Most Beautiful Man in Hollywood,” Sterling Hayden left acting to fight in WWII. The OSS recruited Hayden, an expert seaman to spy under the pseudonym name John Hamilton. He set up secret shipping operations in Italy and parachuted in Croatia.

What is the most secretive CIA unit?

Seal of the Central Intelligence Agency The Special Activities Division (SAD) is a division in the United States Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) National Clandestine Service (NCS) responsible for covert operations known as "special activities".

Who was a famous FBI whistleblower?

W. Mark Felt was a senior FBI official and was widely known to the world as "Deep Throat" during the Watergate scandal of the Nixon administration. He communicated with Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein after the 1972 break-in to the Democratic National Committee.

What perks do CIA agents get?

CIA employees and agents receive a comprehensive federal benefits package designed to support health, wellness, and financial security. Standard perks include robust health insurance, generous paid time off, and dedicated retirement plans, alongside specialized provisions for overseas duty.

What jobs in the US pay $300,000 a year?

If you want to earn a high salary, look at some of the jobs that pay $300,000 a year to the top earners.

  • Radiologist. ...
  • Chief executive officer (CEO) ...
  • Chief financial officer (CFO) ...
  • Psychiatrist. ...
  • Physician. ...
  • Dentist. ...
  • Orthodontist. ...
  • Oncologist.

What is higher than a CIA agent?

The DCI's title now is "Director of the Central Intelligence Agency" (DCIA), serving as head of the CIA. Currently, the Central Intelligence Agency answers directly to the Director of National Intelligence, although the CIA Director may brief the President directly.

Who is the #1 killer in the world?

Cardiovascular disease (primarily ischaemic heart disease and stroke) is the number one killer in the world. It is responsible for approximately one-third of all global deaths annually.

What is the last 7 minutes of death?

I have read about the 7 minutes after death, when the heart has stopped beating but the brain remains active. There is this “7 minute” period where scientists believe the brain finishes processing the life just ended.

What was Marilyn Monroe's net worth when she died?

How much was Marilyn Monroe worth when she died? When Monroe died, she was single and childless. She had a net worth of $800,000, approximately $7 million today. Monroe lived lavishly and spent her money freely on clothing, jewelry and her home.

Who is the CIA loyal to?

A major member of the United States Intelligence Community (IC), the CIA has reported to the director of national intelligence since 2004, and is focused on providing intelligence for the president and the Cabinet, though it also provides intelligence for a variety of other entities including the United States Armed ...

Who is the biggest spy in history?

Robert Hanssen is generally considered one of the most damaging spies in American history, having provided highly classified U.S. national security information to Russia and the Soviet Union for over 15 years, beginning in 1985. Arrested in 2001, Hanssen compromised numerous human sources and U.S. counterintelligence techniques.

What did John Brennan do to Trump?

John Brennan's involvement with Donald Trump consists of Brennan serving as one of his most prominent and vocal critics, particularly over issues regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election and national security. In return, the Trump administration and its allies have taken legal and administrative actions against Brennan.

Is it hard to get hired by CIA?

Getting into the CIA is exceptionally difficult, as the agency receives thousands of applications but maintains rigorous standards, accepting only a tiny fraction. The process is highly competitive, often taking 9 to 18 months, and requires a pristine background, high academic success, and a willingness to undergo intensive vetting.

What is the most elite unit in the FBI?

The FBI's Hostage Rescue Team (HRT)—federal law enforcement's only full-time counterterrorism unit—is a highly trained group of special agents often called upon during the toughest times.

Is 30 too late to join FBI?

Be at least 23 years old. Apply before your 36th birthday unless you have veteran's preference or federal law enforcement experience. You must complete the SASS process and enter on duty no later than the day before your 37th birthday.