John Vassall
British civil servant who spied for the Soviet Union (1924-1996) · United Kingdom · On the map · Politicians · Died at 72
William John Christopher Vassall was a British civil servant who spied for the Soviet Union, allegedly under pressure of blackmail, from 1954 until his arrest in 1962. Although operating only at a junior level, he was able to provide details of naval technology which were crucial to the modernising of the Soviet Navy.
John Vassall is read about 65 times a day, in 5 languages.
A typical day, 30 days to 17 August 2026
The middle day of the days counted, so one week of news cannot move it. The line under it is the last 60 days, one point a day.
Something wrong?Also in Français
Media & music
Photos 1
About this person
He was sentenced to eighteen years' imprisonment, and was released in 1972, after having served ten. The Vassall scandal greatly embarrassed the Macmillan government, but was soon eclipsed by the more dramatic Profumo affair.
