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Disguises as tourists were often used to help agents appear "inconspicuous" in places frequented by Westerners. Props such as plastic shopping bags and cameras were often used. Simon Menner/BStU
These pictures from a staged surveillance scene helped to train prospective agents in how to keep suspects under watch. The dates all these photos were taken is unknown. Simon Menner/BStU
All parcels mailed to the GDR from West Germany were opened by the Stasi. The contents were sometimes confiscated. Simon Menner/BStU
The U.S. Embassy in East Berlin was constantly photographed and filmed. Simon Menner/BStU
An arrest is staged and documented for training purposes. Simon Menner/BStU
This picture was taken in the room of a teenager that allegedly showed pro-Western sympathies. Simon Menner/BStU
High-level Stasi functionaries pose for the camera. Simon Menner/BStU
Many of the disguises used by Stasi agents are detailed in Simon Menner's book. Simon Menner/BStU
Who would have guessed this gentleman was a Stasi agent? Simon Menner/BStU
So versatile: A Stasi agent blends in with the crowd. Simon Menner/BStU
East Germany had one of the highest levels of surveillance in the world. Simon Menner/BStU
After the fall of the Berlin Wall and the GDR, the Stasi began destroying its files by hand and with shredders, but many documents and images still exist. Simon Menner/BStU
So casual: This Stasi agent can blend into any situation. Simon Menner/BStU
Agents bugged apartments and drilled small holes in walls to film citizens with video cameras to find out intimate details of their lives. Simon Menner/BStU
A Stasi agent takes a picture of himself in the car. Simon Menner/BStU
