KGB handler describes recruiting Aldrich Ames based on resentment, not greed

KGB handler describes recruiting Aldrich Ames based on resentment, not greed The passage provides a direct quote from former KGB officer Cherkashin describing how Aldrich Ames was recruited, highlighting personal resentment as the key vulnerability. It offers a concrete lead—specific motivations, cash amounts, and a timeline—that could be pursued for deeper insight into Soviet espionage tradecraft and CIA internal culture. While Ames is a well‑known case, the detail about the recruiter’s criteria and the cash figures adds actionable context for investigative follow‑up, especially regarding potential parallels in current insider threat assessments. Key insights: Cherkashin claims Ames approached the KGB himself, not the other way around.; Recruitment was driven by Ames’s resentment toward CIA leadership, not solely financial need.; Cash payments of $20‑$50k per delivery, totaling $4.6 million over nine years, are cited.