Episode 079: Joe Wolfinger – Family Espionage, John Walker Spy Ring

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Retired agent Joe Wolfinger reviews the investigation of John Walker, a retired U.S. Navy chief warrant officer and communications specialist who sold secrets about American military codes to the Soviets for nearly 20 years.

Walker also recruited his friend, brother and son and together they caused extensive damage to America’s national security. The John Walker spy ring has been described as the “most damaging Soviet spy ring in history. Walker pled guilty and was sentenced to life in prison.

At the time of the investigation, Bob Hunter was the case agent and Joe was the supervisor of the Norfolk Division’s counterintelligence squad.

For those who want to learn more about the investigation, Joe Wolfinger recommends retired case agent Bob Hunter’s book Spy Hunter: Inside the FBI Investigation of the Walker Espionage Case.

Assistant Director in Charge (Retired)

Joe Wolfinger

7/14/1969 – 1/1/1999

Joe Wolfinger served with the FBI for nearly 30 years. During his Bureau career, he rose through a variety of positions—serving as a squad supervisor, inspector, Special Agent in Charge (SAC), and last, as Assistant Director in Charge (ADIC) of the FBI Academy at Quantico, VA.

After retiring from the FBI, Wolfinger served pro bono for fourteen years as the executive director of the Major County Sheriff’s Association.

The following are an FBI article and newspaper articles about the Norfolk FBI Office’s investigation of the John Walker spy ring:

FBI Website – Year of the Spy (1985) – John Walker

USNI News – The John Walker Spy Ring and The U.S. Navy’s Biggest Betrayal

UPI Archives – Walker: Espionage crimes no worse than insider trading

Washington Post – John A. Walker Jr., who led family spy ring, dies at 77

1990 miniseries – Family of Spies

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