Alfred Redl (14 March 1864 – 25 May 1913) was a high-ranking officer in the Austro-Hungarian military who ascended to the position of head of the Evidenzbureau, the counterintelligence arm of the General Staff of the Austro-Hungarian Army. He played a prominent role in pre-World War I espionage, becoming one of the central figures in a web of deceit and betrayal.
Redl's motives for treason remain shrouded in mystery, but it is suggested that his vulnerability stemmed from his homosexuality. The fear of exposure may have been the driving force behind his actions. Russian military intelligence, operating from Warsaw, discovered Redl's sexual orientation as early as 1901, using this information as leverage to coerce him into divulging classified intelligence. In 1902, Redl reportedly handed a copy of Austro-Hungarian war plans to the Russians, initiating his journey into espionage.
General von Gieslingen, the head of the Intelligence Bureau, assigned Redl the task of investigating the leak. In a cunning move, Redl identified several low-level agents as Russian spies, deflecting attention from himself and bolstering his reputation for efficiency. The Russians rewarded Redl handsomely for his services, enabling him to maintain a lifestyle beyond the means of his official salary. From 1903 to 1913, Redl operated as Russia's premier spy.
Before the outbreak of World War I, Redl supplied the Russians with critical information about Plan III, the complete Austro-Hungarian invasion plan for Serbia. This intelligence was relayed to the Serbian military, allowing them to prepare effectively against the impending Austro-Hungarian invasion. Redl not only betrayed many of his country's military secrets but also provided inaccurate estimates of Russian military strength to his own authorities.
Redl's most significant betrayal may have been the sale of one of Austria-Hungary's principal attack plans to Russia, including the order of battle, mobilization plans (considered crucial for victory), and detailed plans of Austrian fortifications that fell to Russian forces.
In 1912, Redl assumed the role of chief of staff of the VIII Corps under his former commander, Arthur Giesl von Gieslingen. Upon leaving the counterintelligence service, Redl was succeeded by Major Maximilian Ronge, a man he had personally trained, and it was Ronge who eventually exposed Redl.
Alfred Redl has been labelled one of history's most significant traitors, as his actions are believed to have directly contributed to the deaths of an estimated half a million of his compatriots. His legacy remains a cautionary tale of the devastating consequences of betrayal and espionage within the military ranks.