In this episode, retired agent Steve Conley reviews his investigation of the 18-year period in which Katrina Leung, one of the Bureau’s highest-paid assets, was operated by former FBI Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) James J. Smith, known as JJ. Katrina Leung’s code name was Parlor Maid. Steve’s investigation determined that during the time Smith was Leung’s handler, not only was she actively spying for the People’s Republic of China against the United States and but they were involved in a sexual relationship.
Steve received the Director’s Award for his work on this espionage case. He is currently working on a crime novel in which he fictionalizes his investigation of Operation Parlor Maid.
Special Agent (Retired)
Steven L. Conley
07/1996 – 02/2021
Steven Conley served in the FBI for over 24 years. He began his career as a surveillance specialist in the Los Angeles Field Office. After receiving his appointment as an agent, he worked counterintelligence, counterespionage, and health care investigations in Los Angeles.
Steve was promoted to FBIHQ as a supervisory special agent in the Counterintelligence and Inspection Divisions at FBIHQ and then to a supervisory position in the Chicago Division, managing counterintelligence and counterespionage investigations.
He continued in management as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) and Acting Special Agent in Charge (SAC) in the Milwaukee Division, where he managed all programs. Steve worked on various high-profile investigations throughout his career.
Steve returned to FBIHQ as a Section Chief and Acting Deputy Assistant Director over Human Sources and Intelligence Integration in the Directorate of Intelligence and served numerous temporary assignments including in Islamabad, Beijing, Astana, and on the Domestic Investigations and Operations Guide Task Force which wrote the FBI’s operating manual.
He took his retirement transfer to the Detroit Division, where he conducted intelligence operations until retiring.
The following are links to articles and documents about the investigation of FBI asset Katrina Leung and former supervisory agent JJ Smith:
The Guardian – 4/21/2003: The Parlour Maid and her lovers leave the FBI with a Chinese puzzle
New York Times – 1/7/2005: All Charges Are Dismissed in Spy Case Tied to F.B.I.
Department of Justice, OIG – May 2006: Review of the FBI’s Handling and Oversight of FBI Asset Katrina Leung (Unclassified)
We Are The Mighty – 8/4/2022: The FBI’s golden Chinese intelligence asset was a double agent the whole time
Listen to these FBI Case File Review episodes to learn more about espionage investigations involving former FBI and CIA personnel:
031: Mike Rochford – FBI Betrayal, Robert Hanssen
037: Dell Spry – CIA Betrayal, Aldrich Ames
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