Covert exchanges. 

         

Passing a document in the open is a sure fire way to be burned and let's face it, email and texting information is a no-go. Old fashioned ways are still the best.

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Many methods can be employed by agents to covertly pass items from one agent to another, with minimal chance of discovery.  Since agents must always assume they are being watched by surveillance teams, it is important that any exchanges be done very discreetly.  Why?  If the agent was to just meet the other agent in a cafe and hand over the item, the exchange could be seen.  Also, the local counter intelligence agency is always on the lookout for anyone new that a known agent meets.  This is how other agents and espionage networks are discovered, infiltrated and neutralized.   

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Agents can use any one of the following covert methods to pass items. 

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- Brush Pass:  This technique requires practice and coordination, but is the easiest method of transfer.  Simply stated, the two agents literally "brush" past one another, passing the item from hand to hand as they go by.  This may be done any number of places; however, it is most securely done in very busy areas, with a thick crowd of people.  The busier it is, the more difficult it would be for any surveillance teams to see the item being passed.  Variations include standing together on a busy train or passing documents between bathroom stalls in a busy public washroom.  The options are unlimited.  

 

- Dead Drop or Dead Letter Box:  This technique is more useful in a quiet setting, unlike the brush pass.  In this case, a location must be scouted and pre-planned before a dead drop can be utilized.  The agent will "load" the dead drop by placing the item for later pick up by another agent.  This method alleviates the need for the two agents to be in the same place at the same time.  Again, the variations are almost unlimited, however, the main criteria is privacy.  As an example, an agent may make a habit of walking through a park every morning.  The agent has a letter to pass and has several Dead Drops picked out in the park.  As he walks down a quiet trail in the park, the agent places the letter inside a hollow tree, just off the trail and continues on his way.  Later, the other agent will walk the same trail and discreetly retrieve the letter.  This method can be used almost anywhere, such as an alley between buildings or in a small restaurant or book store.  Agents have been known to place items under the tank in a public washroom and inside a particular (but unpopular) book in a library.  Agents must always be sure that their actions are not seen by any surveillance or the Drop will be staked out and the other agent will be caught as he retrieves the item.

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- Live Drop or Live letter box:  The live Drop is similar to the dead drop except that a person is used instead of an object.  For example, the agent will bring his suit to the drycleaners, where a person known to the agent works.  Inside his jacket will be the letter that needs to be transferred.  To any surveillance watching, the agent is just dropping off laundry.  Later, another agent will come in to retrieve his shirts and will be given the letter by the employee, probably inside one of the shirts.  Again, if anyone is watching the shop, they can have no way of knowing which of the many customers could be the other agent.  Of course, the inherent risk of a live drop is that the "live Drop" person knows both agents and if caught, can expose both of them.