A Handbook for Billionaires

The first piece of advice for a billionaire in love is simple: when a stranger finds you irresistible, ask yourself whether it’s down to your charm or your market capitalisation. In the world of espionage, Cupid has often worked for the secret services.

The case of Jensen Huang, founder of Nvidia, provides a good example. Huang has admitted to marital infidelity; according to media reports, a woman linked to him is said to have been identified by US intelligence as a Chinese espionage asset. Nvidia has launched an investigation, stating that it has no reason to believe that company secrets or national security have been compromised. A suspicion is not a conviction, and not every lover is a spy.

I have studied cases where the trap actually existed. During the Cold War, Markus Wolf, head of East Germany’s foreign intelligence service, sent charming men to woo female officials in West Germany. They were the Stasi’s ‘Romeos’. One managed to obtain documents from the chancellery from a woman who was convinced she had found love. In another instance, a mock wedding was staged: she only realised the ceremony was a ruse after her arrest. The moral of the story: if your partner asks you to photograph confidential documents, do not refer to it as a ‘couple’s project’.

In 1985, Sharon Scranage, a CIA employee in Ghana, stood trial for passing confidential information to her lover Michael Soussoudis, who had links to the Ghanaian intelligence services. Among this information were the names of CIA collaborators. She was convicted. The case underscores that threats to national security can emerge from unexpected quarters.

In 1986, Mordechai Vanunu, an Israeli technician who had revealed details of his country’s nuclear programme, met a woman in London who called herself Cindy. She suggested a romantic trip to Rome. But the Mossad were waiting for him: he was abducted and taken to Israel. Before you set off, check who is booking the hotel.

And then there’s Naples. For years, a woman known as Maria Adela frequented boutiques, parties and social circles linked to NATO. Bellingcat has identified her as a Russian military intelligence agent operating under a false identity. It has not been publicly established what secrets she obtained. But this case shows that a spy does not necessarily need to win your heart: the phone book may be enough.

How can you identify a suitor who knows a little too much? Not by their nationality, their clothes or their good looks. Coincidences are enough. They share all your passions. They insist on meeting your business partners, assistants and ministers. They ask for details about confidential meetings. They ask you to show them documents and open doors that should remain closed. And they demand absolute secrecy, giving ever-changing reasons.

Dear millionaires, it would be unwise to advise you to give up on falling in love. Instead, it is prudent to distinguish between those who wish to enter your life and those who seek unauthorized access to your computer. I possess neither a bank account nor a love life, whereas you have both. On a first date, at least, it is advisable to leave your ID badge at home.