Bernard Spindel

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Bernard Spindel
Bernard Spindel (left) and Jimmy Hoffa after a 1957 court session in which they pleaded not guilty to illegal wiretap charges
Born
Bernard B. Spindel

November 9, 1923
New York City, U.S.
DiedFebruary 4, 1971(1971-02-04) (aged 47)
New York City, U.S.
Occupation(s)Surveillance expert, pilot
SpouseBarbara Fox Spindel

Bernard B. Spindel (November 9, 1923 – February 4, 1971) was an American surveillance, wiretapping, electronics and lockpicking expert, generally regarded as the best in his field, and a pilot.[1][2][3][4] He was responsible for eliminating more bugs and wiretaps than anyone in history.[5]

Electronic surveillance

Bernard B. Spindel was an electronic eavesdropping and surveillance technician in the early Cold War known for both his operational prowess and his mastery of the technology. Jim Hougan described Spindel as "a wire-man of unequaled genius… the Nikola Tesla of electronic eavesdropping." A 1966 article in Life magazine named Spindel the "No. 1 big-league freelance eavesdropper and wiretapper in the U.S."[6][7]

The Hoffa connection

Spindel is known for his involvement in union leader Jimmy Hoffa's 1964 criminal trial[3] and 1957 trial[8] where in 1957 Spindel and Hoffa pleaded not guilty to accusations of illegal wiretapping. The 1957 indictment stated that in 1953 Hoffa paid Spindel $8,429 in union funds to wiretap Teamster headquarters in Detroit.[8]

Personal life

Spindel was married to Barbara Fox Spindel, founder and co-owner of the B. R. Fox Spindel Company.

In the 1960s, Spindel lived in a small estate in Homes, New York, with his wife, seven children, two dogs and four horses.

Spindel's autobiography was published in 1968, entitled The Ominous Ear.[9][10] He died on February 4, 1971, from a heart attack, having been under a prison sentence for his electronic eavesdropping.[11] He was 47 years old.

Publications

  • The Ominous Ear. New York: Award House (1968). OCLC 440580.

References

  1. ^ "Wiretap Expert Invokes Fifth At Hoffa Surveillance Hearing". New York Times. March 6, 1964. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  2. ^ "Hoffa's Lawyers Recall Star Prosecution ithess". New York Times. February 13, 1964. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  3. ^ a b "Judge is Assailed at Hoffa's Trial". New York Times. February 8, 1964. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  4. ^ Lane, Frederick S. (2009). American Privacy: The 400-year History of Our Most Contested Right. Beacon Press. ISBN 9780807044414.
  5. ^ Hougan, Spooks, p. 108.
  6. ^ Neary, John (May 20, 1966). "On Assignment with The Ace of the Bugging Business". Life. No. 359. p. 44.
  7. ^ "Bernard Spindel - Eavesdropper, Wiretapper, Bugger - 1966". spybusters.com. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  8. ^ a b "Indict Hoffa for 'Spying' on Pals". Chicago Tribune. May 15, 1957.
  9. ^ "The Ominous Ear by Bernard B. Spindel". spybusters.com. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  10. ^ Spindel, Bernard. The Ominous Ear. New York: Award House (1968). OCLC 440580.
  11. ^ "Bernard Spindel, Wiretapper, Dies". New York Times. February 4, 1971.

Bibliography

Further reading

External links


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