In the 1980s, during the height of the Cold War, the FBI undertook one of its most audacious operations: Operation Monopoly. Agents secretly dug a tunnel beneath the Soviet Embassy in Washington, D.C., to install surveillance equipment and monitor classified communications.

In this episode of Stories from the Vault, we explore the full story as revealed by FBI Vault documents—planning, construction, and the risks involved in this daring espionage mission. This is a tale of secrecy, innovation, and Cold War paranoia.

🧾 Real FBI Vault Artifacts

•Internal memos detailing tunnel logistics

•Engineering blueprints and surveillance plans

•Reports on operational challenges and risk assessments

Explore the full Vault files here: vault.fbi.gov

⚠️ Content Warning: Contains references to espionage, covert operations, and government surveillance.