Honour for former KGB double-agent
Oleg Gordievsky was a Colonel of the KGB who defected to the British Intelligence Services during the cold war. His first posting following joining the KGB in 1963 was at the Soviet embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark. Disillusioned with his work and the political situation in his country, he came under notice by the British Secret Intelligence Service, MI6. MI6 recruited Gordievsky as an intelligence asset and double-agent. At one point, he was stationed in the UK by the KGB to spy on the UK, which was particularly useful to MI6. His help led to the discovery of 25 Soviet agents working undercover in the UK.
However, on 22 May 1985 he was called back to Moscow by the KGB and arrested. It was suggested that a CIA double agent blew Gordievsky’s cover, and hence his discovery. Gordievsky was interviewed for weeks, but was released in June 1985 due to a lack of evidence that he was working for a foreign power. Still under surveillance, he got word to MI6 who hatched an elaborate plan to extract Gordievsky via Europe into the UK. His wife and two children were able to join him 6 years later.
Oleg Gordievsky will be made a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George. The honour is used to value individuals who have rendered important non-military services in relation to Commonwealth or foreign nations.