Former Russian intelligence operative Anna Chapman has revealed intriguing details about how she employed her allure to manipulate influential men during her time as a spy. In her new tell-all autobiography titled “BondiAnna: To Russia With Love,” published in Moscow, Chapman presents herself as a contemporary femme fatale, reminiscent of a real-life 007. Her book spans an impressive 461 pages, detailing her tactics that helped her navigate the world of espionage.
Chapman, now 42 years old, writes candidly about her recruitment into the world of spying. She explains that her journey began after her marriage to Alex dissolved, and she was approached while living in the capital. “I was acutely aware of my impact on men,” she recounts, adding, “With a slim waist, a full chest, and flowing red hair, I knew how to draw attention.” She emphasizes that she never overdid her appearance; rather, she opted for simple yet striking outfits, limited makeup, and a natural demeanor that exuded confidence.
She notes, “When someone is too eager to please, it creates a barrier.” Chapman argues that excessive embellishments or over-the-top behavior — either from women or men — can be counterproductive. Her approach was to be unaffected and genuine, which, according to her, had a mesmerizing effect. She claims that her charm captivated English lords and Arab sheikhs, leading to flirtatious advances.
Chapman’s roommate, Elena Savitskaya, who appears in the book under a different name, supports her claims, detailing how Chapman would approach men she deemed advantageous. She recounts one instance where Chapman openly disclosed her previous intimate encounters with a businessman merely for his financial gain, stating, “I never enjoyed the sex, but his wealth was appealing.”
Chapman’s espionage career reportedly took off after a Moscow spy named Kirill recognized her social prowess, particularly among powerful figures. Their initial interaction occurred on an Aeroflot flight, where he tapped into her sense of patriotism while subtly seeking personal information from her friend Savitskaya. Another recruiter referred to as Vladimir Vladimirovich also played a role in her enlistment.
One memorable anecdote from her book involves a daring strip poker game that led to a job at a hedge fund. “I didn’t do well at first – I lost the hand and ended up removing my knickers, which delighted the men present,” she shares without reservation.
However, Chapman’s activities were abruptly halted when the FBI apprehended her in New York in June 2010 as she was identified as a Russian spy. After pleading guilty to conspiracy charges, she faced deportation back to her homeland.
In the wake of her espionage scandal, Chapman transitioned to various business opportunities and made a brief appearance on “Dancing With the Stars,” though she was eliminated in the first round. Reflecting on her experience with the show, she expressed feeling undermined by the judges and viewers, emphasizing the competitive nature of the dance realm rather than popularity.
Chapman’s story invites readers to consider the complex interplay of beauty, intelligence, and deception in the world of espionage, as she continues to captivate public attention through her revelations.