Red-haired Russian spy Anna Chapman, who was once at the center of one of the world's most publicized espionage cases, is back in the spotlight, but this time in Moscow, not New York.
Chapman, 43, has been reported to be tasked with heading the newly opened Museum of Russian Intelligence, a project that is connected to Russian President Vladimir Putin's top spy agency, the SVR, Hindustan Times reported.
The museum, to be situated close to Moscow's famous Gorky Park, will present the history, successes, and "heritage" of Russian spying. The project is being driven by Sergey Naryshkin, the SVR chief and longtime Putin friend and associate, indicating the project's high-level significance.
Who is Anna Chapman?
Chapman initially rose to prominence in London, where she effortlessly socialized with oligarchs, politicians, and powerful business groups through her charm and networking abilities. According to a report by The Sun, her networking skills was noticed by a Russian agent working in London, who recruited her into the world of espionage.
Her tale soon made her a real-life 'Black Widow', inspired by the popular Marvel comics. Chapman then gained British citizenship by marrying Alex Chapman-a fleeting dalliance that lasted as long as it did. She then chronicled her adventures in her book BondiAnna: To Russia with Love, claiming to be a living female James Bond. In it, she wrote, “I knew the effect I had on men. Nature had generously endowed me with the necessary attributes: a slim waist, a full chest, a cascade of red hair. All I needed was to emphasise it – which I did with simple yet sexy outfits, light makeup, and an effortless air about me. Most importantly, I didn’t try too hard to please. And it worked like magic.”
Anna Chapman became a household name in 2010 after her arrest by the FBI in New York, part of a decade-long investigation into Russian sleeper cells operating illegally in the United States. Following the arrest, she was deported to Moscow in a widely publicized spy swap that also included double agent Sergei Skripal moving to Britain.
How's her life now?
According to a report by Hindustan Times, in Russia again, Chapman rebranded herself as an entrepreneur and then as a television personality. She continued to be an outspoken defender of Putin and is now a mother to an infant son. She recently reappeared in public life under the pseudonym Anna Romanova, now playing an institutional figure in the history of Russian intelligence.
