Former CIA Officer Aldrich Ames Dies In Prison
PUBLISHED Jan 6, 2026, 11:45 PM ET
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Washington — Aldrich Ames, a former CIA counterintelligence analyst, died in federal custody Monday at age 84, the Bureau of Prisons confirmed, citing official records. Ames, a 31‑year agency veteran who led the Soviet branch in counterintelligence, sold classified information to the Soviet Union and later Russia from 1985 until his 1994 arrest, prosecutors said. He admitted receiving roughly $2.5 million and disclosed the identities of multiple Western assets, a breach blamed for the deaths of several agents. Ames pleaded guilty to espionage and tax evasion and received a life sentence without parole. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
By Adyan K. | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- September 1983: Ames becomes chief of the CIA Soviet counterintelligence division.
- April 1985: Ames reportedly begins passing classified material to the Soviet embassy/KGB.
- 1985–1994: Ames receives approximately $2.5 million and discloses multiple Western assets and operations.
- 1994: Ames is arrested, pleads guilty to espionage and tax evasion, and receives life without parole.
- Recent report (Monday): Bureau of Prisons confirms Aldrich Ames died in federal custody at age 84.
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Former CIA Officer Aldrich Ames Dies In Prison
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