Funkspiel

English

Etymology

German Funkspiel; originally the name of a Nazi counterintelligence operation during World War II.

Noun

Funkspiel (uncountable)

1. (espionage) The practice of sending deceptive information to the enemy by means of their official channels that have been subverted.
   • 1969, Gilles Perrault, The Red Orchestra, page 147:

     After a few months of Funkspiel, Giskes' bag was impressive: fifty-three agents taken prisoner immediately on arrival from England; […]

   • 1981, Anthony Read, David Fisher, Operation Lucy: most secret spy ring of the Second World War:

     At the same time, Gehlen began to score successes with one of his other specialities, his own form of Funkspiel, […]

   • 2009, Dan Speers, Master Spies Die Laughing, page 93:

     Used the Russian version of funkspiel to do it, too.