no spy report

sometimes they fail

but i checked it did not get caught

they just don't work sometimes

There is a difference between not succeeding and not getting caught. Generally with spies, those situations are not exclusive but can both happen. One way of thinking about spies is there are four possible outcomes at each day change:

1 - they accomplish the mission without getting caught

2 - they accomplish the mission and get caught

3 - they do not accomplish the mission without getting caught

4 - they do not accomplish the mission and get caught.

Although after I write all that out, I suppose there are a few more possibilities considering when they’re caught, there is a chance they identify you an their employer and a chance they don’t.

There are also many instances where the spy reports are NOT recorded for hours, sometimes not shown until the next logout/login cycle.

Don't forget the fact they have to be paid at day change.

The spies have a certain chance of succeeding, a certain chance of failing, a certain chance of getting caught and failing and, a certain chance of getting caught but succeeding. Whatever the outcome, you have to pay them.