Redfin real estate agent among those busted in Russian spy ring |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
- Paul Allen's Vulcan wants taller South Lake Union buildings
- Apple seen unveiling iPad 3 in first week of March
- Microsoft, Apple speak out on patents amid mobile-technology wars
- What's the most you'll pay for an app? Execs have their limits
- Startup seeks a new start: What's next for EquaShip?
- WTIA announces Industry Achievement Award finalists
- Hey recruiters: Here's an R&D lab run by, and for, students
- Can Microsoft overcome the smartphone app gap?
- UW opens New Ventures Facility for startups
- Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen 2011's most generous living donor
- Keiretsu Forum NW invested $24 million in 36 startups in 2011
- Daptiv cuts staff; CEO Franklin departs
Mass High Tech
Redfin real estate agent among those busted in Russian spy ring
Foley
A Redfin real estate agent by the name of Tracey Foley is among the 11 people accused of operating as a Russian spy in the U.S., a high-profile espionage case that The New York Times says reads "like an old-fashioned cold war thriller."
Foley, who was hired as a contract field agent by Redfin in February, was based in the Boston area along with her husband and two teenage sons. In a blog post Monday night, Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman provided more details about Foley who applied for the Redfin job under the name Ann.
Kelman writes:
Before we hired Ms. Foley in February of this year, at least two Redfin employees interviewed her, using a template that focuses on character, specifically situations where the candidate has put customers’ interests ahead of her own, and where the candidate has worked on a team. She interviewed well.
According to her application, she had worked since 2007 for the real estate brokerages Weichert and Channing Real Estate. As with every agent we hire, Redfin validated her social security number, her deal history and that her real estate license was in good standing; as with every agent we hire, we ran a criminal background check, which came up clean.
At a field agent meeting in Boston last week, Kelman said that Foley didn't show. But he added that her absence was not necessarily meaningful since field agents are expected to stay at their posts if they have work to do.
Foley did not represent clients at Redfin, but did show homes to prospective clients. She was not an employee of the company, working as a part time contractor. In the blog post, Kelman said they have not communicated with Foley since their arrest on Sunday.
The Washington Post, Fox News and Wicked Local Cambridge have more details on Foley and her husband Donald Healthfield, who is also accused of spying.
The New York Times reports that the accused spies were instructed to gather information about nuclear weapon programs, CIA leadership, American policy toward Iran and other details.
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
Register here by February 10!
If you are interested in buying a table, email Monica Alquist or call her at 206-876-5404.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
