He was one of the leading figures of pre-World War I espionage; his term in office was marked by radical innovations and the use of advanced technology to ensnare foreign spies.

Redl's homosexuality was publicized during the investigation, and it has been debated whether his sexuality or the money he received was related to his decision to spy.

Despite lacking the advantages of wealth or family connections, Redl rose quickly within the officer ranks of the Austro-Hungarian Army.

[citation needed] In 1902, Redl reportedly passed a copy of Austro-Hungarian war plans to the Russians.

General von Gieslingen, head of the Intelligence Bureau, delegated Redl himself to investigate the source of this leak.

[7] Redl was paid well by the Russian government for his services, and acquired a lifestyle far beyond what his official salary could cover; explained by references to family/inheritance.

A Russian report of 1907 describes Redl as "more sly and false than intelligent and talented", a cynic "who enjoys dissipation."

In 1912, Redl became chief of staff of the VIII Corps under his old commander, Arthur Giesl von Gieslingen.

Arriving at the hotel, the detectives told the management to ask the guests if any of them had lost the sheath and then waited in the lobby.

Field Marshal Franz Conrad von Hötzendorf, the army's Chief of Staff, ordered that Redl was to be left alone with a loaded revolver.

Whilst soldiers elsewhere are taught to love their homelands, lack of patriotism is held to be the greatest military virtue in this unfortunate monarchy.

In 1950, senator McCarthy brought up the case of Alfred Redl in an influential speech at the outset of the Lavender Scare, in which gay employees of the State Department were fired.

McCarthy believed the Redl case illustrated that "the pervert is easy prey to the blackmailer," and that therefore homosexuals should be banned from working for the State Department.