The article by Shaun Walker, published on April 10, 2025, reveals how Rudi Herrmann, a deep-cover KGB spy operating as an illegal in East Germany, recruited his own son Peter Herrmann into the Soviet intelligence apparatus. The narrative details the Herrmann family’s life under KGB influence, highlighting their Moscow visits in the 1970s and the psychological and operational dynamics of familial recruitment for espionage. This rare personal exposé sheds light on KGB covert methodologies, specifically the grooming of close relatives as intelligence assets. The piece includes photographs depicting Peter Herrmann and his family, enriching the historical context and illustrating the human element behind Cold War espionage tactics.
Category: Intelligence & Espionage
Subcategory: Human Intelligence (HUMINT)
Incident Type: Recruitment of locals
Country: Germany
Source report: www.theguardian.com/news/2025…
