Autumn Marathon

The Spy Who Loved Me

I was approached on LinkedIn by Anna Chapman, one of the alleged Russian spies described by the New York Post as a “flame-haired 007-worthy beauty” on LinkedIn last November.  Of course, I didn’t know she was “007-worthy” and, as a professional social network, LinkedIn excludes photo-sharing features.  Ms. Chapman and I had never met nor had any other contact when she sent me an invitation to connect with the following message: 

Jason, I am about to launch a tech start-up in NYC and looking for co-founder responsible for technology in the company. Would it be something interesting to discuss?

How come you know Russian? :)

- Anna Chapman

I responded as follows:

Don’t think that role is for me. I’m American, but spent lots of time studying, living and working in Russia - my profile covers a lot of it. Sounds like an interesting idea. Good luck!

Normally, I am interested in hearing start-up technology ideas (especially those connected with Russia), but something about her profile didn’t add up: youth, the absence of any tech credentials, the almost too-perfect resume struck a false note.  And I didn’t really give it another thought until, having seen the name several times in the news stories about the spy ring, I realized the connection.