In 2017, former CIA officer Kevin Mallory was drowning in debt when a message landed in his LinkedIn inbox. A Chinese “headhunter” said he had consulting work. Mallory - fluent in Mandarin, seasoned in intelligence, and once trusted with some of America’s most sensitive secrets - replied.

In this episode, David and Gordon unpack how Chinese intelligence services used think-tank cover, tailored taskings, and a custom encrypted smartphone to reel Mallory in. From FedEx scans of classified documents to a frantic attempt to reinvent himself as a double agent, this is the anatomy of a recruitment gone disastrously wrong.

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Make someone a Declassified Club Member this Christmas – go deeper into the world of espionage with exclusive Q&As, interviews with top intelligence insiders, regular livestreams, ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, and weekly deep dives into original spy stories. Members also get curated reading lists, special book discounts, prize draws, and access to our private chat community.

Just go to <a href="https://therestisclassified.supportingcast.fm/gifts">https://therestisclassified.supportingcast.fm/gifts</a>

And of course, you can still join for yourself any time at <a href="therestisclassified.com">therestisclassified.com</a> or on Apple Podcasts.

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THE REST IS CLASSIFIED LIVE 2026: Buy your tickets<a href="https://www.livenation.co.uk/the-rest-is-classified-live-tickets-adp1627115"> ⁠HERE⁠</a> to see David and Gordon live on stage at London’s Southbank Centre on 31 January. 

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Try Attio for free at ⁠<a href="https://www.attio.com/tric%E2%81%A0">https://www.attio.com/tric⁠</a>

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Email: therestisclassified@goalhanger.com

Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@triclassified⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social Producer: Emma Jackson

Producer: Becki Hills

Head of History: Dom Johnson

Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

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105. The Chinese Spy Scandal: Mastering LinkedIn (Ep 2)

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