Victor Ivanovich Cherkashin (Russian: Ви́ктор Ива́нович Черка́шин; born 22 February 1932) is a former Soviet foreign counter-intelligence officer of the PGU KGB SSSR.
Cherkashin served for many years in the KGB's First Chief Directorate, the department dedicated to foreign counter-intelligence.
His career included tours in Lebanon, India, Australia, West Germany and Washington, DC.
Victor and his wife Elena made an appearance on Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations on the Travel channel.
[4] He discussed a little about life as a spy and handler but also showed him helping Anthony pick wild mushrooms and then having his wife cook them and share stories while snacking.