In 1985, a Group of Spies Had a Target-and a Plan. It Turned Into One of the Most Sensationally Botched Crimes of the Century.
Briefly

In April 1985, Frédérique Bonlieu arrived in Auckland to volunteer at Greenpeace, folding newsletters and assisting with translation. Despite her broken English, she actively sought French speakers in the office. Bonlieu's views, particularly her support for French colonialism in Polynesia, clashed with the ideologies of Greenpeace staff, creating communication challenges. Though perceived as snooty by her colleagues, her youthful demeanor and lesbian identity aligned her with the organization. Greenpeace was known for its activism against whalers and the French navy's nuclear testing initiatives, often leading to confrontations with authorities.
Frédérique Bonlieu volunteered at Greenpeace in Auckland in April 1985, folding newsletters and helping with translation, despite her struggles with English.
Bonlieu expressed support for French colonialism in Polynesia, a view not shared by her Greenpeace colleagues, leading to challenges in communication.
Many colleagues perceived Bonlieu as lonely and eager for conversation, often facing difficulties due to her perceived snootiness.
Greenpeace had gained notoriety for its environmental activism against whalers and the French navy, leading to tense moments with law enforcement.
Read at Slate Magazine
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