It’s no surprise that society cannot resist the temptation of a honey trap story.

There have been many instances in history of the use of sex to espionage, from James Bond to Greek mythology, and they have been a mainstay in books, television shows, and movies. 

Although many modern intelligence services have launched honey trap operations where female operatives were sent on a mission in order to seduce targets, they are not accused of sexual entrapment. 

‘Like the small-town brothel roundly denounced by the citizenry that nevertheless maintains a lively Saturday night business, sex occupies a distinct place in the world of espionage,’ writes author Henry R. Schlesinger, in his new book Honey Trapped: Sex, Betrayal and Weaponized Love.

“Organisations who refuse to admit that they spy satellites, make clandestine payments or conduct surveillance audio on their employees are exhibiting a persistent shyness around one of its oldest, and most successful tactics.”

Schlesinger begins with Samson and Delilah and then retelling famous and less-known honeytrap cases, such as that of Mata Hari, the most famous female fatale of all time.   

FEMAIL presents just a few of the intriguing cases the author discovered… 

His mistress betrayed the Venetian official of 15 century in Venetian 

Caught out in the bedroom: In 1498, Venetian official Antonio Di Lando shared government secrets with his mistress, who had hid her other lover under the bed. Pictured, The Venetian Lovers, painted 1525-1530

Caught out in the bedroom: In 1498, Venetian official Antonio Di Lando shared government secrets with his mistress, who had hid her other lover under the bed. Pictured: The Venetian Lovers. Painted 1525-1530

Control to Exploitation: Honey traps and their four types

Although honey traps look spontaneous they are just as well controlled. Targets must be identified and assessed before they can be recruited or handled. You will also notice subtle differences in the goals they have. Schlesinger writes:

Control: To obtain the consent of an individual to perform Human Intelligence functions such as sharing secrets for long periods for love and access to sex.

Exploit: Secrets can be revealed through sleep talk, computer access, phone or any other device that contains sensitive material, either unwittingly or wittingly.

Target: Put the target in a situation that favors the opposition intelligence service. This could include making them more vulnerable to assassination attempts or kidnapping.

Discredit: To create an organisational or personal scandal, reveal details and evidence about the scandalous relationship. 

Although the phrase “honey trap” might conjure up images of grainy hotel rooms captured with a hidden camera or clandestine recording device, it was actually a term that existed centuries ago.   

Schlesinger refers to one simple yet effective honey trap operation involved Antonio Di Lando, a low-level official in 15th century Venice who was executed after he was betrayed by his mistress. 

In 1498, Di Lando, 70, who was tasked with decryption and other sensitive matters for the government, shared confidential information with his lover, Laura Troyolo, during a passionate night in bed. 

He was unaware that Troyolo had placed Hironimo Ama, a paramour to Troyolo, under his bed so that Di Lando could discover all of his secrets.

Amai listened attentively to Troyolo as he took him on a journey of pillow talk about his work. 

He then relayed what he heard to Venice’s powerful and shadowy governing body, The Council of Ten. 

Created in 1310, the Council of Ten was a special tribunal tasked with averting plots and crimes against the state.  

The inquisitor of the state was three members who investigated all political, criminal and religious offenses using a secret police.

It is not known what information Di Lando shared, but it was enough for him to be sentenced to death.  

To set an example for other lax officials, the Council of Ten ordered Di Lando to be hanged.   

Catherine de Medici’s group of women seduce European royalty

Head of a honey trap ring? Catherine de Medici, pictured, wife of King Henry II of France, and mother of Francis II, Charles IX and Henry III, was said to oversee a group of women dubbed the Flying Squadron who were despatched to leaders as intelligence operatives. Although it is unlikely this group existed, she is thought to have been involved in similar schemes

Is this the head of a honey trap ring Catherine de Medici (pictured), wife of King Henry II and mother to Charles IX, Henry III and Francis II was believed to have overseen a group called the Flying Squadron that were sent to intelligence operative leaders. While it seems unlikely such a group exists, there are similar theories.

In another instance, Catherine is reported to have called on the talents of Charlotte de Beaune Semblançay, baroness of Sauve, who was reportedly taught sexual technique by prostitutes, to seduce her son Francis, Duke of Alençon, pictured

And her son-in-law King Henry of Navarre

In another instance, Catherine is reported to have called on the talents of Charlotte de Beaune Semblançay, baroness of Sauve, who was reportedly taught sexual technique by prostitutes, to seduce her son Francis, Duke of Alençon (left) and her son-in-law, King Henry of Navarre

Catherine de Medici was rumoured as the wife of King Henry II and mother to Charles IX, Henry III and Francis II. She was rumoured also to have overseen a group called Flying Squadron, which were sent to leadership to act as intelligence operatives and agents of influence. 

‘Acting as sexual shock troops, each one was beautiful, sophisticated and well schooled in the ‘art of love’, and each was chosen with great care for their particular mission,’ writes Schlesinger.

Europe’s serpent Queen’: Catherine de Medici’s scandalous and dark life 

Born on 13 April 1519 in Florence, but orphaned just one month later, Catherine was only 14 when her uncle Pope Clement VII arranged for her to be married to the Duke of Orléans, second son of the King of France.

Catherine was made Queen Consort in France in 1547 after the sudden death of her older brother.

But their marriage ended in lovelessness. In 1540, the Duke had openly taken mistresses, and even had a son with his chief.

Diane de Poitiers was his greatest love and was his true queen. 

Catherine was pressured to bear an heir and didn’t become pregnant after the first ten years of marriage. She tried various methods, including drinking mules urine.

She eventually had 10 children. Seven of them survived to adulthood. 

Francis II became her son at age 15 following the death of his 40 year-old father in a jousting accident. It was Catherine’s first long-term rule through her children. There, she used black magic, poison, and massacres as her way to protect her family’s throne.

‘Their milieu was the golden opulence and complex mirrored internecine politics of Europe’s royal courts. This concept has been popularized for hundreds of years in spy fiction, mythology, and historical espionage.

‘Contributing to the veracity of the tale is Catherine de’ Medici and her famous name, both synonymous with enormous wealth and ruthlessness.’ 

Although it’s unlikely that the Flying Squadron existed ever, honey traps were used in Catherine’s court. 

Multiple accounts exist of Catherine and her lady-in-waiting being involved in honey traps. 

Among them is the tale of Louise de la Béraudière, maid of honour to Catherine and one of the most stylish women at court. 

According to legend, she was sent by Catherine in order to seduce King Antoine de Navarre.  

Schlesinger explains: ‘THis mission was to persuade the King to return to the Catholic church and for him to relinquish the rightful claim to his regency. 

“This would allow Charles, the future Charles IX of Catherine to take the throne at Navarre after the death of his father. Catherine would, naturally, oversee his rule. 

Béraudière did indeed have a relationship with the king and the pair had a child together, Charles III de Bourbon.

History debates whether Catherine was part of the plan. There are also questions as to how much influence Béraudière had over the king. 

In another instance, Catherine is reported to have called on the talents of Charlotte de Beaune Semblançay, baroness of Sauve, who was reportedly taught sexual technique by prostitutes and was known for her bedroom prowess. 

To prevent an alliance of her youngest son, Francis, Duke of Alençon, and her son-in-law, King Henry of Navarre, who later ruled as King Henry IV of France, Catherine sent Charlotte to seduce them both. 

Because of her sexual abilities, Charlotte attracted the attention of both Royals, forcing a chasm. 

Both fought for Catherine’s attention, to the cost of their relationships with Marguerite and political affairs. 

Charming the British with her charm, New York hostess  

Planned delay... or fortunate timing? that of British General William Howe and Mary Lindley Murray, the wife of a New York businessman, depicted together in a painting

Planning for delay…or luck? Mary Lindley Murray (the wife of a New York businessman) is alleged to have deliberately misled British General William Howe as he and his soldiers landed at Kips Bay. Above is Mrs Murray with General Howe in a painting

It is not clear that honey traps were used in the American Revolution. But this doesn’t mean that they weren’t used. 

According to the author, George Washington was an aggressive spymaster and meticulously used stay-behind and commercial agents as well as disinformation against British forces abroad. 

Waylaid by a woman's charms: Sir William Howe, a British general during the American Revolution, was reportedly delayed by the wealthy wife of a New York businessman

Waylaid by a woman’s charms: Sir William Howe, a British general during the American Revolution, was reportedly delayed by the wealthy wife of a New York businessman

‘He was also not opposed to the use of women in intelligence-gathering operations, though the majority of documented cases are those of couriers or sources. 

“Faced by overwhelming military force, the pivotal role of espionage carried out by committed citizen spies was crucial to his strategy.” 

Even though records regarding his civil spy operations may not be complete, they have all been lost to time. 

The surviving records show that Revolutionary strategy used a’simple feminin charm’ rather than full-blown seduction in order to obtain enemy secrets. 

This does not necessarily mean that honey tapping was not done. 

It is more likely that it was too unsavoury for you to put it on paper. 

The most well-known of these innocuous tales is the one of British General William Howe, and Mary Lindley Murray (the wife of a New York businessman). 

The story goes that Howe and his men landed at Kips Bay with Mrs Murray offering wine and cake to her daughter and their daughters. 

The delay gave General Israel Putnam and his rebel troops enough time to retreat from the city.

This version of history may be just a way to portray the Murrays, who were loyal sworn soldiers, in a positive light following the war. 

It is true that General Howe was hosted by Mrs Murray, but the author suggests it could only have been a call to socialize, with any benefits for General Putnam a lucky coincidence. 

German spy schoolteacher married his English wife, a corrupt Navy officer 

Danish diplomat exposed as pro-German sympathizer 

In 1910s America, Count Frederick Moltke, a Danish diplomat, was believed to have been working for Germany. However, circumstantial evidence was not sufficient to prove his spying. 

American Major Ralph Van Deman hired Miss Curtis as his assistant to try and capture him. This was in the hope that Miss Curtis would gain the trust of Moltke who is known for being a maniser.    

Miss Curtis overheard the Dutch diplomat praise her and brag about his medals from the German government during their five month affair. 

Using this information, a member of the Bureau of Security Intelligence was able to order Moltke out of the country in May 1918. 

In 1909, German-born Karl Hentschel, a former merchant seaman and freelance spy, was recruited by German Imperial Admiralty Staff’s intelligence service and set himself up as a language teacher in Chatham, Kent. 

Patricia Riley, an English shopkeeper, was his wife. They were also part of his spy operations. 

The sisters regularly dated seamen and returned with information that would be helpful to the Nachrichten-Abteilung, known as N.

Mr and Mrs Hentschel also recruited a chief gunner, Royal Navy Warrant Officer George Parrott, who went on to supply the German agent with ‘material that would eventually come to include four volumes of a classified Royal Navy report on gunnery technology and twenty-three volumes of secret manuals, for which he was paid between £8 and £10 apiece,’ writes Schlesinger.

Parrott’s intelligence was enormously useful at a moment when the Royal Navy was making major advances in the targeting and range technology of shipboard guns.

Although it is possible Mrs Hentschel may have recruited the main gunner for the spy ring through sex, we don’t know if that was her plan or her husband. 

Parrott was fired from the navy after he fell out with Hentschel over late payments. 

He travelled to Germany where he was given £500 – roughly two years’ salary – in exchange for additional information.  

After his return from Britain, he was detained and brought to trial. Germany first paid the solicitor, but he tried unsuccessfully to argue that he was seduced in Germany by a woman.

Famous femme fatale 

Tragic: Margaretha Geertruida MacLeod (née Zelle), alias Mata Hari, is one of the least effective and most tragic femme fatales in history. She was executed in 1917

Tragic: Margaretha Geertruida MacLeod (née Zelle), alias Mata Hari, is one of the least effective and most tragic femme fatales in history. In 1917, she was executed

Margaretha Geertruida MacLeod (née Zelle), alias Mata Hari, is one of the least effective and most tragic femme fatales in history. 

Born in the Netherlands in 1876, In the little Dutch town where she grew up, her shopkeeper father lavished extremes of affection on his ‘little princess’. She was self-centered and spoilt by it, as well as a thirst for attention from men.  

At 16, after being kicked out of school when the headmaster seduced her, she answered a Lonely Hearts ad posted by Captain Rudof MacLeod, a hard-living, hard-drinking officer 22 years her senior who was home on leave from Holland’s vicious colonial wars in the East Indies.

Two children later, their marriage was ruined by bitter quarrels. The marriage ended when their little boy, aged 2, died. MacLeod was unable to support her.  

Zelle, who was used to finer things in her life, needed money. She left Paris in 1903 with no money or contacts and little to her name. In Paris, she reinvented herself as dancer and adopted the famous stage name Mata Hari.  

By the time she was recruited by German intelligence in 1915, her stage show had fallen out of fashion and she was facing an uncomfortable middle age in which she could no longer rely on the beguiling looks that had taken her so far in life. 

From large sell-out events to private engagements, she has been everywhere. 

After being offered money in exchange for it, she accepted to be a spy for Germany. It is unclear if the money was taken in return for information or whether it was for another purpose.

She was 40 years old when she asked permission to leave Paris to see a Russian soldier aged 23. 

Vittel also served as the base for a new Airbase. This would have been a clear intelligence target to Germany. 

Desperate: By the time she was recruited by German intelligence in 1915, Mata Hari's stage show had fallen out of fashion and she was facing an uncomfortable middle age in which she could no longer rely on the beguiling looks that had taken her so far in life

Desperate: By the time she was recruited by German intelligence in 1915, Mata Hari’s stage show had fallen out of fashion and she was facing an uncomfortable middle age in which she could no longer rely on the beguiling looks that had taken her so far in life

A dancer who was already suspected to be a German spy was offered a large sum of money as well as permission to see her boyfriend if the French spy agency agreed.      

After accepting the offer, she spent one week in Vittel and then returned to Paris. She was supposed to sail to Hague several weeks later but, after she mistakenly identified herself as a Hamburg-based flamenco dancer, was held in Falmouth.

MI5 interrogated Mata Hari, and then she was taken to London via train. There she told the Special Branch Chief of Scotland Yard that she had been a spy but only for the French. 

Scotland Yard booked her for a trip to Spain by booking her aboard a boat. On her arrival in Madrid she met  German Major Arnold Kalle, who took up the role of handler in her efforts to spy for Germany.

 Whether she genuinely let herself be recruited remains in question, though she did pass along Paris gossip, accept money and have an affair with Kalle,’ writes Schlesinger.

‘It was Kalle who sent the fateful 1917 transmission referencing an agent H-21– the H prefix designating an agent recruited prior to the war – describing the value of information received and details that could only be Zelle.

It is not known if the code was deliberately chosen to incriminate Zelle. Some believe that the message was intended to exonerate a costly mistress and ineffective spy as well as a security risk. 

“In the world that is espionage it wouldn’t have been possible for Kalle arrange for French officials to do his dirty job unwittingly.”

Zelle returned to Paris and was taken into custody. She was then tried in court. The evidence was mostly circumstantial. 

While she acknowledged that she took money from German intelligences, she said she didn’t spy. 

She was ultimately not able to persuade the French authorities, and was shot by a firing squad on October 15, 1917.  

Her death was decades ago, and historians are still debating whether or not she was actually in espionage. Or if she was simply wrongly convicted of a crime that she did not commit. 

Honey Trapped: Sex, Betrayal and Weaponized Love, by Henry R. Schlesinger, published by The History Press, is out now.