The identities of several Russian agents become known to the West. The chase is on to gather the evidence needed to incriminate them. One of the leaders of the hunt is the brilliant British spycatcher Joe Shapiro, who persuades the Americans into exchanging a notorious and high-ranking KGB spy for the seemingly unimportant American spy-pilot Gary Powers.

Joe Shapiro has more than a professional interest in the case, and the intricate web of lies and deception behind the exchange of spies hides secrets that must never be revealed.

Inspired by historical events surrounding the infamous 1960 U-2 incident which also forms the basis for Steven Spielberg's critically acclaimed thriller Bridge of Spies.