Rudolf Abel

• Born Rudolf Ivonovich Abel in Russia in 1902 (although some reports indicate that he was born William Fischer in England).

• Son of a metalworker, Abel moved with his family to England in 1903 and was later educated inn Scotland. Spoke Russian, Yiddish, German, Polish and English (which he spoke with a Scottish accent). Served as a language instructor in the Soviet Red Army and served in Soviet Intelligence in 1930. Ultimately became language instructor for the NKVD. Served as an intelligence officer for the Red Army on the German front during World War II. Was highly decorated for battlefield services and espionage activities, including penetrating the ABWEHR.

After World War II, was selected by the KGB to serve as the resident director (or top spymaster) for Soviet espionage in the United States. Oversaw a spy network in the United States which sought to uncover United States military secrets. Was trained by the KGB in the use and repair of radio equipment, as well as the fundamentals of ciphers and codes, microdots and concealment methods. Had a background in engineering and physics as well as a natural ability with photography and art.

Immigrated illegally from France to Canada in 1947 under the name Andrew Kayotis. Entered the United States in 1948 under the name Emil R. Goldfus, and moved to New York City in 1949, under the codename "Mark" and using a photography studio as his headquarters. Developed a system of intelligence drops, including letterboxes and drop zones throughout New York City. Oversaw the gathering of top secret intelligence information from the United Nations and U.S. military installations and managed the transfer of this information to Soviet agents or directly to Moscow. Oversaw the operations of agents Morris and Leona Cohen.