In June 2010, Russian national Anna Chapman was arrested along with nine other less-photogenic compatriots on charges of carrying out deep-cover espionage assignments in the United States on behalf of Russia. According to the Justice Department, Chapman – as well as those other people who weren't young female redheads – hid messages in digital photographs, wrote notes in disappearing ink, swapped identical-looking bags while passing each other in train stations, and used ad hoc wireless networks and shortwave radio transmissions.
But for all their elaborate subterfuge, the "spies" apparently didn't manage to obtain any actual secrets. Instead they made several clumsy mistakes. At one point Chapman signed up for a Verizon cell phone, giving her address as "99 Fake Street," according to a receipt that was retrieved from the public trash can by FBI agents following her.
The 10 Russians were swapped in Vienna for four Russian nationals accused of spying for the West. Chapman, instead of fading into obscurity, launched an iPhone poker app that allows you to play against a virtual Anna. Winners will be rewarded by Ms. Chapman herself friending them on Facebook.
She also works at the little known asset management firm, called FondsServiceBank.
As for the other Russians? Considering nobody remembers anything about them, perhaps they can safely return to their old jobs as spies.
What we've learned: You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em.
