Back in 2006, Russian state-run TV aired accusations against the UK that sounded like they were stolen from “Get Smart”. According to the Russians, the Brits planted a “spy rock” filled with electronic gadgetry in a Moscow park. They broadcast pictures and X-Rays of the allegedly captured “spy rock” and grainy surveillance footage showing alleged British agents interacting with the rock.
It seemed like a 2nd rate propaganda story written by someone who fancied themselves the Russian Ian Fleming. Especially since the Russians used the “scandal” to place restrictions on the work of NGOs with British funding doing things such as election monitoring and reports on human rights abuses within Russia.
Well it all turns out to have been true — at least according to a former chief of staff to Tony Blair named Jonathan Powell.
The rock apparently contained data storage, wi-fi of some description and a transmitter. British agents could go for a walk in the park, transmit secret data and reports to the rock without appearing to do anything and without getting within a mile of the British Embassy or any other British intelligence personnel, and the rock could then transmit the report on to another agent walking past later that day.
Foolproof, except for the bit where the Russians probably got a bit curious about all the suspected agents they were following visiting this park and glancing nervously at a fake-looking rock. Remember, in 2006 wi-fi wasn’t what it is now. Technology experts have speculated the rock used Bluetooth or infra-red, which would have required agents to get fairly close to the rock to get a clear signal.
In an interview with the BBC, Mr Powell is quoted as saying “The spy rock was embarrassing. They had us bang to rights.”
The British government has not officially confirmed Mr Powell’s admission, nor have they officially confirmed or denied North Korean accusations of British spies communicating using tiny telephones concealed in their shoes.
(Don Adams photo via Wikipedia)
(“Spy rock” images from Russian state television, 2006)
