The Czech Spy Who Stole a Son | Blue Eyes | 3

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0:171986, Hainald Forest, London Václav Jelinek pins a sheet of A4 paper to the trunk of a beech tree It features a blurred photograph of a cat and the word missing Jelinek, however, has not lost a pet Rather, this poster is a signal to his handlers. The description of the cat, the phone number, even the punctuation, all of it is code to be collected and deciphered. To minimize the risk of detection, Jelinek avoids direct contact with his spymasters. Instead, messages travel back and forth through signals like this one, hidden in plain sight, but plausibly deniable. He picks up the bag of wild mushrooms on the ground by his feet and heads deeper into the forest.

1:10Mushroom picking provides a convenient excuse for his regular visits here. As a bonus, it also makes a change from the rubbery tinned mushrooms the British insist on serving, like Second World War rationing never went away. Jelinek spots a porcini pushing through the exposed roots of a beech tree. He crouches, slices it free, and drops it into the bag. Two men in suits approach him on the path. One of them slows. Jelenik looks up. The man smiles politely. Jelenik smiles back, but his training has already kicked in. Suits and ties in the middle of a forest, peeking into a stranger's bag. Something isn't right.

1:56He hurries back to the car park. Jelenic climbs into his Renault 18 GTS and pulls away from the forest. His eyes flick constantly to the rearview mirror. A car follows behind him, its driver barely trying to conceal the pursuit. Or maybe it's just a coincidence they're headed in the same direction. Jelenic turns sharply down a side street. The trailing car follows. He turns again. The car follows. Jelinek approaches a junction. He signals right. The car behind signals right. Jelinek flicks the indicator left and turns sharply. The car turns left as well. Jelinek exhales slowly. So, he is not paranoid.

2:48It's happening. He is being watched, and they're not trying to hide the fact. After nearly 20 years living under a stolen name, the British security service MI5 has finally caught up with the man pretending to be Erwin Van Halen.

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3:58This is Foul Play, an unbelievable tale of sports, spies and family secrets. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts or early and ad-free on Audible. I'm Emilia Fox and this is The Spy Who, an Audible original. In the last episode, Václav Jelinek, the Czech spy using the identity of Erwin van Haalem as cover, found himself playing son to the real Irwin's mother, Johanna. Now, his spy life has a new complication. Britain's security service MI5 is watching him. This is The Spy Who Stole a Son, Episode 3, Blue Eyes.

4:44January 1987, Prague. The headquarters of the Czechoslovakian Intelligence Service, the STB. After the incident in the forest, Jelinek has returned to the Czech capital for an emergency meeting. He sits across from his handler. Do you not understand what I'm saying? They even followed me to Vienna. I'm certain of it. It took me half an hour to lose them just so I could meet you. It's over. I need to come home. Nonsense. You're being paranoid. Haven't you learned? The British are suspicious of all foreigners. Don't think you're anything special. No, they followed me into the forest in suits. They wanted me to see them.

5:30It was a warning, don't you see? No, don't you see? If they had anything on you, they would have taken you in by now. They have nothing. Speaking of nothing, I would be more concerned about Moscow than London if I were you. The quality of your intelligence has slipped recently. Why do you think that might be? I'm being watched. The handler slams his hands down on the table, half rising to his feet. Enough. Enough of this. You will remain in London. That is an order. Have you any idea? The man trails off, then sinks back into his seat, composing himself. Look, we don't have enough people over there.

6:15The only other illegal in London has been compromised. What? Who? How? The presence of another Czech agent in London is news to Jelinek. He fell in love with an MI5 officer's daughter. What are the chances? The father had him checked out. Did he know about me? This is why I'm being followed, isn't it? Calm down. He didn't even know you existed. But with him gone, we need you in place more than ever. You will return to London and continue your work. You are one of our best. I'm your only option, more like. You know the emergency protocols. If in trouble, signal us for a passport you can use for your escape.

7:01And what if they arrest me before I signal for the passport? Then we handle it. Whatever happens, don't talk. As far as we know, the British police might rough you up a little, but they won't torture you. Jelinek sinks into his chair in resignation. And you'll get me out. We always do. Eventually. Eventually. Five years, probably less. Jelinek sits for a moment in silence. The previous day, he stopped in to see his parents for the first time since leaving Czechoslovakia, 11 years earlier. They looked suddenly old and begged him to stay. He might never see them again. So, tonight you will return.

7:49Yes, sir.

7:54A week later, Fryan Barnet, North London. Jelinek returns from the shops, walking toward his flat on Silverbirge Close. Ahead of him, a young couple approaches, pushing a pram. He has seen them before, yesterday, the day before that, and the day before that. He instinctively lowers his eyes as they pass. Then he glances back toward them, trying to catch a look at the baby. There is a bundle of blankets in the pram, but is there even an infant inside? Jelleneck watches the couple disappear around the corner. Inside his building, Jelleneck climbs the stairs and slips into his flat. He peers through the net curtains at the street below.

8:42At the end of the road, a jogger stretches beside a lamppost. Jelinek has seen this man before, too. Directly opposite, a worker in overalls slowly paints a garden fence that doesn't need painting. Jelinek takes them all in. The jogger, the painter, the pram pushers. Perhaps it's nothing. Perhaps it's everything.

9:12Four months later, Silver Birch Close. Jelinek wakes with a start. The clock beside his bed reads three in the morning. Hello? Jelinek recognizes the voice immediately. It's Johanna, the real Erwin van Haalem's mother. He snaps awake, ready to play son again. What's happened? Mother, it's the middle of the night. No, no, it's all right. I'm awake now anyway. Johanna is close to tears. She explains that she has just had a bitter row with her ex-husband. Yes, well, he shouldn't speak to you like that. Jelleneck climbs out of bed and steps toward the window, peeking through the gap in the curtain as Johanna's complaints ring in his ear.

10:01The phone cord stretches taut as he leans to get a better view of the road. No, no, of course you didn't deserve it. Is that why you called? He turns sharply and sits back down on the edge of the bed. His attention is now fully on the conversation. Move here, to London. Mother, slow down. You absolutely should not sell your house, no. No, don't be like that. I just... I don't think you should make a huge decision like that in the middle of the night. Yes, of course I want us to spend more time together. And maybe we should talk about this tomorrow, once we've both had a bit more sleep. Yes, good idea.

10:49All right. Try to get some sleep. Things will be brighter tomorrow, I promise. Yes, yes. I love you too. Jelinek stares into the darkness. MI5 is on his tail. His spymasters are on his back. And now, this. He decides to put the kettle on. There's no way he's sleeping again tonight. A week later, Silver Birch close. Jelinek opens the door of his flat. A bearded man he's never seen before is standing in the hallway. Hello. Sorry to bother you. I've just moved into the ground floor flat. I could use a hand moving a fridge into my car. Would you mind? Jelenic studies him. A new neighbour, perhaps?

11:43Of course. Let me just fetch my shoes. I'll be back in a moment. Jelenic steps into his kitchen and opens a drawer, pulling out a pair of gloves, just in case. Outside, for a moment, Jelinek thinks he sees a flicker of frustration cross the man's face. He smiles warmly. Better grip. I'm Irwin, by the way. Pleased to meet you. Keith, likewise. Shouldn't take long. Follow me. Outside, beside the car. Here, this is perfect. Jelinek pulls off his gloves and prepares to leave. You saved my life there. Come back up and let me get you a glass of wine. Oh, thank you, but there's really no need. Ah, go on.

12:35We're neighbours now. We should get to know each other. Also, I like to pay my debts. Jelinek forces a smile. All right, go on then. Just one glass, though. I have things to do. Keith sits Jelleneck at a small table beside a glass-fronted bookcase. His back is to the kitchen. I've been saving this one for a special occasion. Like getting a new fridge. You're funny. I like that. Jelleneck lifts his glass. Well, congratulations on the move. Hang on. Will you look at that? Your glass is filthy. Here, let me grab you another. Keith gingerly takes Yellowneck's wine glass, holding it from the stem. He carries it into the kitchen.

13:26Yellowneck glances at the bookcase. He freezes. In the reflection of the glass doors, he sees Keith slip the wine glass into a clear plastic bag, as if he's filing a piece of evidence at a crime scene. A small smile flickers across Yellowneck's face. So, this is the game. Sorry about that. Must have been packed before it was last washed. There you go. A clean one for you. Jelinek smiles warmly. No problem at all, Keith. Cheers, then. Jelinek takes a deep sip of wine. The British intelligence officers are no longer just watching him from the street. One of them now lives inside the building.

14:24Around six months later, early 1988, a mechanics workshop in North London. Jelinek stands beside his Renault with a mechanic in oil-stained overalls. The bonnet is propped open between them. You really think someone broke in? Someone absolutely broke in. Guess they were startled by someone and ran off. Trying to jumpstart the engine, maybe? That's the strange thing. You don't need to open the bonnet to do that. I'm guessing you don't keep valuables tucked inside the engine well. Jelinek, lost in thought, doesn't answer. He knows exactly who was trying to open the bonnet and why. Mr. Harlem? Jelinek shakes himself back into the room.

15:14No, nothing was taken. Probably just kids messing about. There's a few of them on the road. Look, thanks for the help, but I'd better be off. Jelanik pays the mechanic and drives out of the garage. If MI5 has opened the bonnet, it's not to steal anything. It's to plant something. A few streets later, he makes a snap decision.

15:50Jelenic steps calmly out of the car onto a quiet side street. He straightens his back. The spy surveys the damage. The car's bonnet is crumpled against the trunk of a sturdy tree. No one's prizing that open in a hurry, he thinks, as a puddle of liquid forms on the roadside. The Renault is a write-off. Soon, it'll be on its way to the scrapyard, along with the tracking device, wherever it's hidden.

16:22March 1988, Silver Birch Close. Jelenic sits at his desk with a copy of Woman's Own Magazine open in front of him. Beside it is a small bowl filled with clear liquid. He begins to write across the glossy page. Nothing appears. Invisible ink. One of the oldest tricks in espionage. Though the STB are especially proud of their own formula, which is almost impossible to detect. Jelenic writes slowly, carefully, in code. I am being followed. Stopping all activities. Situation unmaintainable. Exit protocol requested. it. It's an urgent message to Prague. He needs a new passport. He wasn't being paranoid.

17:14For months now, he's been tailed and surveyed. He's had enough of waiting for the tap on the shoulder. A new identity is the only way out of Britain before the net closes.

17:29Later that day, Frye and Barnett. Jelinek walks quickly toward the edge of the golf course. the copy of woman's own magazine tucked under his arm. He has just managed to shake the MI5 surveillance team, but it won't be long before they find him again. Ahead of him stands a tall black poplar tree. It's the agreed drop site. Jelinek glances behind him. No sign of his watchers yet. In one quick movement, he slips the magazine into a hollow in the tree trunk. Then, after checking over his shoulder, he continues walking. Ten seconds later, the familiar jogger appears at the top of the road. The eyes are back on him.

18:14But it doesn't matter. The message has been delivered. Now, all Jelinek can do is wait for Prague to respond. It will either be a radio transmission confirming that his escape passport is ready, or nothing at all. March 1988, MI5 headquarters, 140 Gower Street, London. At the head of the table sits Stella Remington, Director of Counterespionage, calm and impeccably dressed. Around the table are officers from MI5, the British Foreign Intelligence Service, MI6, and the Police Counterespionage Unit Special Branch. For nearly two years, the three services have been watching a man they know only as Erwin Van Harlem.

19:05The MI5 officer running the surveillance operation starts the meeting. We're confident. Remington cuts in. I sense a butt coming. Well, as you know, evidence of him doing any espionage remains thin. The MI6 officer speaks next. We're satisfied he's not Dutch. We think he's Czech. And who is he really, if not this Johanna woman's son? We still don't know. MI5 summarises the surveillance. He's careful, professional, certainly well-trained. Two years of surveillance hasn't produced anything concrete, but we have produced a map of his connections. Remington looks up. And? He's infiltrated Jewish organisations and he's used those contacts to gain access to Parliament.

20:02Hmm. Anything from his telephone? He stopped using it months ago. The wiretap? Mostly silence. Except when he listens to radio transmissions from Prague. Remington looks around the table. This operation has dragged on for two years. Dozens of officers, endless surveillance, and still no decisive proof. We can't justify this any longer. The costs are astronomical. It's time to close the operation. The room shifts uneasily. They are all convinced the man living as Erwin van Haalem is a foreign agent. Prepare to arrest. Even if we can't secure a conviction, we can at least take him out of play. The special branch officer sits up.

20:54Arrests are their job. When would you like us to arrest him, ma 'am? Next time he's receiving a broadcast from Prague. After two years of observing, the operation to catch Erwin van Haalem is entering its final phase.

21:15Saturday, April 2nd, 1988. Silver Birch Close, early morning. Jelenic rushes to the kitchen table, still in his pyjamas. After another night of drinking alone, he's overslept. The broadcast from Prague has already begun. He quickly extends the aerial of his radio set. Then he plugs in an earpiece and tunes carefully. The signal repeats every few minutes. If Prague has prepared his escape passport, this is where he will find out where to collect it. Jelinek captures the code as it arrives. The letters mean nothing yet. The key to the cipher is currently hidden in a recess behind the kitchen cupboard.

22:01With MI5 watching him, he's doing everything he can to conceal all evidence of his spying. He's even hidden his latest encrypted intelligence report in the toilet roll tube in the bathroom. Then... Police! Police! Jelenic jumps to his feet. The earpiece drops to the floor. He crumples the note and throws it under the table, then reaches for the radio. Stop! It's over! Jelenic glances toward the knife drawer. His hand begins to move, then stops. It really is over. Barefoot, in his pajamas, Jelenic watches as police search the flat. An officer steps forward. Detective Inspector Richard Bird, Special Branch, you are under arrest on suspicion of spying for a foreign power.

22:55Jelenic barely listens. His mind is on the cardboard tube of toilet roll in the bathroom, the one in which he's hidden his latest report. If they find that and the encryption codes behind the kitchen cupboard, they'll have clear evidence that he's a spy. Jelinek turns to the special branch officer assigned to watching him. May I use the bathroom? I'll have to come with you. Sure, I can't wait. Jelinek pulls down his pajama bottoms and sits on the toilet while maintaining full eye contact with a horrified policeman. Good God, I thought he needed a piss. The officer stands rigidly at the bathroom door, watching Jelinek strain.

23:44The officer winces at the smell, but doesn't avert his gaze. Jelinek wipes, then studies the soiled paper closely. Finally, the officer turns away in disgust. The moment his eyes are turned, Jelenic grabs his intelligence report from the cardboard tube in one quick movement, wipes his backside with it and drops it in the pan. The evidence swirls away. Jelenic pulls his pyjama bottoms up, washes his hands and leaves the bathroom. Detective Inspector Bird is waiting for him outside. Listen to me. If you cooperate and work with us, this can go differently for you. No court hearing, no prison sentence.

24:31Maybe you'll receive a new identity, but you must decide now. Once we step outside, your path is chosen. So, what do you say? Jelinek looks at him with disdain. No comment. Very well. Are we going to have to handcuff you? No. Bird nods. Moments later, Jelenic is led from the flat toward the waiting police van The Morse code from Prague still crackles faintly from the kitchen floor But the message has arrived too late

25:13The National Union of Seamen are expected to reject P &O Ferry's latest offer To end the strike in Dover in a vote later The next morning, Scheich, the Netherlands. Johanna van Haarlem stands at the counter preparing her morning coffee. On the radio, the BBC Morning News. In North London, Special Branch have arrested a 42-year-old man for alleged offences under the Official Secrets Act. The man is believed to be a Czech citizen using the Dutch name Erwin van Haarlem. Johanna freezes. He's suspected of spying for Czechoslovakia. The Czech embassy denies any knowledge of the man. Police are continuing to question the man at Rochester Row Police Station.

26:05Johanna begins to hyperventilate. Could it be? Surely not.

26:22April 3rd, 1988. Rochester Row Police Station, Westminster, London. Jelenic sits at a metal table. Beside him is his solicitor. Across from him sit Detective Inspector Richard Byrd and a note-taker. Mr Van Harlem, assuming that really is your name, what were you doing yesterday morning when we entered your apartment? No comment. Then let me jog your memory. We found you at your kitchen table listening to a signal broadcast from Prague. We were both there. When we entered your flat, you were listening to the broadcast and taking down the message. No comment. Actually, sod this. That is not true.

27:12Jelenic's lawyer throws his client a stern glance. Jelenic ignores him. When you forced your way into my apartment, I was standing in the middle of my living room. You are simply lying. That is all I wish to say on the matter. Bird studies him for a moment. We would like to take a blood sample. What? Why? Absolutely not. You want to prick me with some dirty needle? Infect me with AIDS? No chance. I suggest you discuss it with your solicitor. Cooperating on this matter will almost certainly benefit your case. Jelenic turns to his lawyer. What is this blood sample nonsense? The lawyer shrugs his shoulders.

27:59They must want to compare your blood with your mother's. With Johannes. Why? Look, I strongly advise you to provide the sample. On what basis? Because if you refuse, it could lead the jury to think you have something to hide. Think of it like a drunk driver refusing a breathalyzer test. Doesn't look good, does it? Besides, these parentage blood tests aren't that reliable. The results almost certainly won't be admissible in court, whatever they show. Jelinek thinks carefully. His lawyer doesn't know that Johanna van Haalem is not his mother. But if the test is unreliable, it could say he is her son, and that might strengthen his story.