EPISODE · Apr 14, 2026 · 40 MIN
The Story Isn't Over: Inside Havana Syndrome and the CIA’s Response
from SpyCast · host SpyCast
Confusion and controversy are growing around the intelligence community’s handling of Havana Syndrome. This is what the government refers to as Anomalous Health Incidents, or AHIs. The mysterious health condition has left a group of American spies, diplomats, and service members with serious brain injuries. Many believe Russia’s hand is at play. But an intelligence community assessment from 2023 said most agencies concluded it is “very unlikely” a foreign adversary was behind the affliction. It hasn’t changed its stance despite new details coming to light. As Sasha first reported, the US government bought and has been testing a weapon that some scientists believe is likely the cause of these brain injuries. Sasha reached out to the CIA, which declined to comment then and declines to comment now. Accusations of a cover-up have been mounting, from inside the House Intelligence Committee to journalists covering AHI. Reporter Michael Weiss is part of a team that uncovered new information. Subscribe to Sasha's Substack, HUMINT, to get more intelligence stories: https://sashaingber.substack.com/ For more information about the International Spy Museum, visit: https://www.spymuseum.org/ And if you have feedback or want to hear about a particular topic, you can reach us by email at [email protected]. This show is brought to you by N2K Networks, Goat Rodeo, and the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC. This episode was produced by Flora Warshaw and the team at Goat Rodeo. At the International Spy Museum, Mike Mincey and Memphis Vaughan III are our video editors. Emily Rens is our graphic designer. Joshua Troemel runs our SPY social media. Amanda Ohlke is our Director of Adult Education and Mira Cohen is the Vice President of Programs.
What this episode covers
Confusion and controversy are growing around the intelligence community’s handling of Havana Syndrome. This is what the government refers to as Anomalous Health Incidents, or AHIs. The mysterious health condition has left a group of American spies, diplomats, and service members with serious brain injuries. Many believe Russia’s hand is at play. But an intelligence community assessment from 2023 said most agencies concluded it is “very unlikely” a foreign adversary was behind the affliction. It hasn’t changed its stance despite new details coming to light. As Sasha first reported, the US government bought and has been testing a weapon that some scientists believe is likely the cause of these brain injuries. Sasha reached out to the CIA, which declined to comment then and declines to comment now. Accusations of a cover-up have been mounting, from inside the House Intelligence Committee to journalists covering AHI. Reporter Michael Weiss is part of a team that uncovered new information. Subscribe to Sasha's Substack, HUMINT, to get more intelligence stories: https://sashaingber.substack.com/ For more information about the International Spy Museum, visit: https://www.spymuseum.org/ And if you have feedback or want to hear about a particular topic, you can reach us by email at [email protected]. This show is brought to you by N2K Networks, Goat Rodeo, and the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC. This episode was produced by Flora Warshaw and the team at Goat Rodeo. At the International Spy Museum, Mike Mincey and Memphis Vaughan III are our video editors. Emily Rens is our graphic designer. Joshua Troemel runs our SPY social media. Amanda Ohlke is our Director of Adult Education and Mira Cohen is the Vice President of Programs.
NOW PLAYING
The Story Isn't Over: Inside Havana Syndrome and the CIA’s Response
No transcript for this episode yet