The Phone Book That Led Us to Assad’s Spy Chief in Hiding

Investigators say they tracked down Assad’s feared spy chief, Hussam Luka—known as “The Spider”—after discovering an unremarkable contact notebook in his former apartment in Damascus. The notebook listed names and numbers that proved difficult to reach, but one Russian-coded number eventually led to a voice they believed was Luka. The contact refused direct interviews and ended calls quickly, suggesting he was attempting to minimize risk. Journalists also reported clues about Luka’s movement, including passage through Lebanon and eventual hiding in Russia.