An investigation by The New York Times has uncovered a Russian spy ring operating in Brazil that was only dismantled by counterintelligence agents after operating for several years with impunity. The Russian espionage network was built on forged documents and false identities, and was only revealed after a chance tip-off by the CIA. The exposure of what authorities have described as a "spy factory" highlights the sinister nature of Russian spycraft and the ability by Moscow to place deep-cover operatives in foreign countries. And it's a skill based on centuries of practice.
So, what led to the spy ring being uncovered, and how have Russian espionage techniques evolved over the years? Click through this gallery and uncover more about the history of Russian spycraft.