What is “Ghouling,” and how is it utilized in intelligence?
Espionage and intelligence operations have always been shrouded in mystery, employing various covert tactics and methods to gain information. One such method that has often been utilized, albeit discreetly, is known as “ghouling.” In this article, I will delve into the topic of ghouling and how it is used in the worlds of espionage and intelligence, while trying to shed some light on its origin, development, and impact.
What is Ghouling: Ghouling, in the context of intelligence and espionage, refers to the practice of extracting information from deceased individuals or utilizing their identities for covert operations. It involves exploiting the personal details, networks, and reputations of the deceased to further intelligence objectives. Many spies who are required to work deep undercover in a foreign country depend upon an identity (name, place of birth) that will not arouse any form of suspicion or attention. Just like the mythical macabre creatures who sustain themselves off the remains of the dead, spies search for victims of identity theft to sustain themselves by forging a new life.
Ghouling can be performed in various ways, but the most direct and well-known is when an intelligence officer or spy goes to a cemetery and walks around to identify an individual who has passed on. Once the tombstone data is acquired, the intelligence officer or spy then uses this information as the foundation of their cover or legend. Typically, using the information of a deceased infant or small child is prized over that of an individual who lived for several decades. The reason being, a deceased infant or child is less likely to have made numerous or substantial relationships with others, and the assumption of the identity by the intelligence officer or spy will be under less scrutiny.
Although strolling through the graves isn’t the only way to be a “Ghoul,” acquiring access to religious records (baptisms, confirmation) or hospital records such as birth or death records has also been utilized as a starting point for an intelligence officer or spy to build a false identity. More recently, identity theft has become big business on the dark web, and it is unlikely that intelligence organizations wouldn’t take advantage of this plethora of potential personas.
A Brief history of Ghouling: The origins of ghouling can be traced back to ancient civilizations where spies would assume the identities of the deceased to gather sensitive information or infiltrate enemy territories. For instance, in ancient Egypt, it was common for spies to pose as mourners or embalmers during funeral rituals to glean valuable insights about the deceased and their connections.
During the Middle Ages, ghouling found a place within the intelligence practices of various nations. In feudal Europe, spies employed the strategy of assuming the identities of deceased nobles or prominent figures to gather intelligence or gain access to privileged information. These impersonations were often conducted by skilled actors who could convincingly imitate the deceased individuals.
The modern development of ghouling as an espionage technique can be attributed to advances in forensic science and the rise of organized intelligence agencies. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, intelligence organizations started to exploit the identities of the deceased, primarily for creating new undercover agents.
Operation Lavender Mist: This military operation during World War I is a notable example of ghouling. During Lavender Mist, British intelligence agents utilized the identities of fallen soldiers to infiltrate enemy lines and gather critical information. This early operation demonstrated just how effective ghouling could be for espionage purposes.
Operation Mincemeat (World War II): The use of tombstone data in creating a legend for a living spy isn’t the only example of ghouling. In 1943, during Operation Mincemeat, British intelligence devised a plan to mislead the Axis powers about the Allied invasion of Sicily. They acquired the body of a deceased man named Glyndwr Michael. The body was dressed as a Royal Marines officer, “Major William Martin,” and equipped with false intelligence documents indicating an imminent Allied attack on Greece instead of Sicily. The body, along with the false information, was released into the sea, where it was eventually discovered by Spanish authorities and passed on to German intelligence. The operation successfully deceived the Axis forces and played a significant role in the subsequent Allied invasion’s success.
During the Cold War, ghouling became increasingly sophisticated and pervasive. Both the Soviet Union and the United States extensively employed this technique to recruit spies and conduct covert operations. Intelligence agencies would create new identities using the personal details of deceased individuals, often altering them slightly to avoid suspicion.
The Soviet “Illegals” Program: The Soviet Union had a long history of utilizing deceased identities for espionage purposes. One case of ghouling involved the Soviet “Illegals” program during the Cold War. The program employed undercover agents who assumed the identities of deceased individuals, often children who died at an early age. These agents infiltrated Western societies, established new lives, and gathered intelligence for the Soviet intelligence agencies. Notable examples include the case of Rudolf Abel, also known as William August Fisher, a Soviet spy operating in the United States, who assumed the identity of a deceased Canadian artist. Another example is Jack Barsky, a former Soviet spy who revealed his story after living undercover in the United States during the Cold War. Barsky assumed the identity of a deceased American child named Timothy Barnes, who died in early childhood. Under this false identity, Barsky integrated into American society and worked as a KGB spy, gathering intelligence for the Soviet Union.
Just a Ghoul in a Modern World: With the advent of modern technologies, such as DNA analysis and computer databases, ghouling became more refined. Intelligence agencies could forge comprehensive profiles of deceased individuals, including their backgrounds, associations, and even physical appearances. This enabled spies to convincingly assume their identities, making detection considerably more challenging.
The Intelligence Exploitation of Terrorist Identities: Intelligence agencies have occasionally exploited the identities of deceased terrorists for operational purposes. By assuming the identities of deceased militants, intelligence operatives can infiltrate terrorist networks or gain valuable insights into their operations. While specific cases may not be publicly disclosed, such practices have been reported in the context of counterterrorism efforts. Terrorists and terrorist organizations have also been able to utilize ghouling. Specifically, Richard Reid, a British citizen who attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on a transatlantic flight in December 2001, had assumed a false identity. Reid had obtained a fraudulent British passport in the name of Richard T. Colvin, a deceased child, which he used to travel.
Contemporary Applications: In recent years, technological advancements have shaped the evolution of ghouling. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms have facilitated the creation of highly realistic digital personas based on deceased individuals, amplifying the possibilities for covert operations.
Stolen Identities in Cyber Espionage: In the realm of cyber espionage, stolen identities, including those of deceased individuals, have been used to facilitate covert operations. Hackers and state-sponsored cyber groups have been known to create fake online personas based on deceased individuals to deceive targets and gain access to sensitive information. While specific examples may not be readily available, numerous reports have highlighted the use of such tactics in cyber espionage activities.
Ethical and Legal Considerations: The practice of ghouling raises ethical and legal concerns. Impersonating deceased individuals infringes upon their privacy and can cause distress to their families. Furthermore, it can potentially undermine public trust and confidence in intelligence agencies if exposed. Consequently, many countries have implemented stringent regulations and oversight to ensure the responsible use of ghouling techniques.
Ghouling, as a practice rooted in ancient times, has evolved, and adapted alongside advancements in intelligence techniques and technologies. From ancient civilizations to the modern era, the exploitation of deceased identities has been an enduring tool in the espionage and intelligence world. Despite the ethical and legal challenges, it presents, ghouling remains an integral part of covert operations.
