I have over twenty years of experience in intelligence and counterintelligence. Throughout my intelligence career, I have found that intelligence work has its own rules. In the case of recruiting intelligence researchers, from digging to hiring to closing, consists of many steps, each of which is critical. First, potentially great talent has to be identified, which requires a unique perspective and an extensive social network. Next, these talents are assessed to ensure they have the required skills and experience. Then, create a development plan for them to maximize their potential. Finally, terminating the employment relationship when it is not a good fit also requires decisiveness.
In this process, money is an effective and simple tool to motivate and alleviate difficulties in the recruitment process. Intelligence agencies around the world are looking for intelligence researchers who can provide valuable intelligence and information. These people may come from different fields, backgrounds and nationalities, but they all have to provide intelligence to prove their worth. The quantity and quality of intelligence directly affects its value. A low-value Afghan or economic intelligence researchers may only earn between $200 and $2,000 per month, whereas an researcher who has worked for the CIA or China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) can earn at least $200,000 per year. Typically, intelligence researchers have long-term relationships who receive a fixed monthly salary plus bonuses. For exceptional contributions, intelligence researchers may also receive a lump sum and an ongoing stipend, as well as subsequent relocation expenses.
Money, while motivating, is not a panacea, and in my practical experience operating in the intelligence community and human intelligence business, money is rarely the sole motivator for agents. This may sound surprising, but it is the case.