KGB spy Oleg Gordievsky who defected to UK & lived under police protection before starring in BBC series dies aged 86

A FORMER KGB double agent, Oleg Gordievsky, who defected from Russia to Britain has died aged 86.

Gordievsky, who was believed to have been one of Britain’s most important spies, was found dead at his home in Surrey.

Oleg Gordievsky, former Russian double agent.
Former double-agent Oleg Gordievsky has died aged 86Credit: Avalon.red
Oleg Gordievsky, a former KGB colonel and British spy, in disguise.
He was considered one of Britain’s most important spiesCredit: Getty

The Russian official who defected to the UK held the highest rank among spies, and his escape from the Soviet Union involved being smuggled to safety in the boot of a car.

Gordievsky later starred in the BBC series Secrets and Spies: A Nuclear Game, which delved into his incredible life.

His work saw him provide crucial information to the British Secret Intelligence Service from 1974 to 1985.

One significant aspect of the double agent’s espionage work was his role in alerting Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan to the pervasive paranoia displayed by Soviet leaders.

This came during the later stages of the Cold War when the world came fearfully close to all out nuclear war.

Counter-terrorism police are aiding the coroner but Gordievsky’s death is not being treated as suspicious.

The former KGB officer is believed to have died peacefully at his home, according to the BBC.

Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

You May Also Like

Kim Jong-un Successfully Launches Ship Without Sinking: North Korean Leader Inspects Restored Destroyer After Previous Mishap

TYRANT Kim Jong-un has reportedly relaunched his 5,000-tonne colossal warship – after…

Frustrated Man Reacts to BBC Home Makeover Disaster: “Absolute Mess – Disgusting!”

A grimacing man raged ‘it’s an absolute mess!’ after a BBC home…

Angela Rayner’s proposal may lead to walkouts with only 10% of workforce support in a move reminiscent of the 1970s

Angela Rayner has been accused of introducing a new set of laws…

“Brothers from Race Across the World discuss the emotional toll of their tough upbringing and how the show reunited them as older men”

There is a single photograph in Melvyn Mole’s living room, given pride…

Large numbers of patients will receive treatment from general practitioners instead of hospitals as part of major changes to reduce NHS waiting times

To address the NHS crisis, Keir Starmer is implementing radical reforms that…

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport shuts down due to security threat, causing flights to be redirected and travelers to be alerted

A SUSPECT is in custody after a possible security threat at Seattle-Tacoma…

Kind Attacker Takes Injured Victim to Hospital After Slashing With Machete

A Florida man told deputies he “felt bad ” after slashing another…

Live Coverage of Trump Parade: People gathering in Washington DC for Donald Trump’s special US Army birthday celebration

DONALD Trump is set to kick off a massive military parade in…

Intense conflict: Iran fires missiles at Tel Aviv as retaliation for Israeli attack – Netanyahu vows more attacks will come.

Iran has launched ballistic missiles at Tel Aviv in revenge for strikes on…

Guess Which 90s Actress from Classic Comedies was Spotted Out in LA?

Fans of classic ’90s comedies did a double take when one of…

Kanye West Disrespects Diddy in Court by Insulting His Shiny Teeth

An individual identified as “Jane,” who used a pseudonym, appeared in court…

Justin Bieber posts rare photos of his baby son Jack with strange caption following concerns from troubling social media updates

Justin Bieber shared new snaps of his nearly one-year-old son Jack Blues…