A highly secretive Russian espionage program, known as “The Illegals,” has operated since before the Russian Revolution and continues to this day with strong support from Vladimir Putin. The program came to light in 2010 following the arrest of “sleeper” agents in the United States. Investigations reveal a significant and longstanding connection between the program and Latin America. Details of this relationship suggest a history of operations extending throughout the region. The program focuses on long-term, deep-cover agents who establish lives in target countries before being activated. Putin is considered a key proponent of maintaining and utilizing this covert intelligence network. The extent of its current activity and specific targets within Latin America remain largely undisclosed.