Highlights
- Andrew Bustamante, a former CIA officer, has a mixed heritage.
- His life story includes overcoming personal challenges and a successful career in intelligence and corporate America.
- Bustamante now shares his experiences through public speaking and writing, applying spy craft to everyday life.
Andrew Bustamante, a former covert CIA intelligence officer and decorated military veteran, has captured public attention for his intriguing career and the mystery surrounding his ethnicity.
While Bustamante’s professional achievements are well-documented, his mixed heritage intrigues his already fascinating life story.
Ethnicity And Background
Bustamante describes himself as “brown and ethnic,” indicating a diverse background despite being born and raised in America.
Online discussions have speculated about Venezuelan American heritage, though Bustamante has neither confirmed nor denied these rumors.
This ambiguity around his ethnic roots adds to the mystique of his persona, fitting for a former intelligence operative.
A Challenging Childhood
Bustamante’s early life was marked by significant challenges. He grew up believing he was “a bastard child,” raised by his mother and grandmother.
It wasn’t until his mother remarried and had two half-sisters that he began to question his family dynamics.
The truth about his biological father came in fragments over time.
Bustamante learned that his father had died when he was only one year old, killed by a drug-addicted stranger in California.
This loss profoundly impacted Bustamante, leading to unresolved grief that he would later have to confront during his CIA recruitment process.
It rained in the desert today… And the rain was cold! Amazing…🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/mGiuTtl3WB
— Andrew Bustamante (@EverydaySpy) November 11, 2019
Nonetheless, he has left the trauma far behind and is now a different person.
When asked about his greatest admiration, Bustamante points to his mother.
Her resilience in overcoming widowhood twice while raising three children and ultimately becoming the CEO of a for-profit hospital has clearly left a lasting impression on him.
From Air Force To CIA
After serving as a nuclear missile officer in the Air Force, Bustamante’s path took an unexpected turn. Initially considering the Peace Corps, a mysterious phone call led him to the CIA.
His training at “the farm” equipped him with diverse skills, from helicopter operations to advanced manipulation techniques.
During his time with the CIA (2007-2014), Bustamante met his wife Jihi, also an intelligence officer.
Together, they worked on international operations, balancing the demands of their high-stakes career with their growing family.
Life After the CIA
Andrew Bustamante’s transition to civilian life brought new challenges. With a fabricated resume crafted by the CIA, he had to rebuild his professional identity.
He successfully navigated this period, eventually securing a position with CVS Health and later revealing his true background to his employer.
Wet, cold, windy and rainy… Beautiful day to be exploring in #Portugal! (The paper cup with Port #wine also helped🍷) #FridayFeeling #Entrepreneurship pic.twitter.com/tRX3hZ2IAW
— Andrew Bustamante (@EverydaySpy) December 10, 2021
Today, Bustamante lives with his wife and two children in the United Arab Emirates.
Bustamante has ventured into public speaking and writing, sharing his unique insights on applying espionage techniques to everyday life and business.
