The Tragedy of Colonel Redl: Betrayal and Tragic Ending in the World of Intelligence

Colonel Redl, who served in the Austrian Army from 1907 to 1912 as chief of intelligence, etched his name in history with his ground-breaking exploits. Since 1900, he served as head of counterintelligence, but despite his exalted position, Redl also served in a dual role as a Russian spy. Over the next 11 years, Redl meticulously conveyed secret information about codes, ciphers, letters, maps, photographs, army orders, mobilization plans, even the condition of Austrian roads and railways to his enemies. He even created a false reputation in his counter-intelligence work by actively providing false information about the enemy and exposing low-level Russian spies. However, in 1913, a trail of cash from two envelopes found in another country could be traced back to French and Russian Intelligence. When Redl tried to claim the prize, his betrayal was finally revealed. Redl admitted his actions as a traitor and ended his life by committing suicide. Before leaving this world, he left a note to his brother and senior officers, ending the tragic story of his life in the intelligence world full of betrayal and suffering.