Heinz Felfe German citizen, Soviet intelligence officer Date of Birth: 18.03.1918 Country: Germany

Heinz Felfe: A Life of Espionage and Betrayal

Heinz Felfe was born in Dresden, Germany in 1918. At the age of 13, he joined the ranks of the National Socialists, and in 1936, he became a member of the SS. Initially, Felfe was a passionate supporter of the regime and Adolf Hitler, genuinely believing that the SS was a noble organization. He admired Hitler and felt that he had provided the German people with a clear goal, strict order, and discipline.

Over time, Felfe's convictions about the regime began to waver. He disagreed with the decision to attack the Soviet Union, believing it violated the non-aggression pact. Additionally, he could not see how Germany could emerge victorious against such a vast country. Despite his doubts, Felfe continued his rise through the ranks, preparing for a leadership position in the SS-controlled security police.

In 1943, Felfe was transferred to the Foreign Intelligence Branch of the Imperial Security Main Office, despite having no prior experience in espionage. He was appointed to a managerial position and given responsibility for Switzerland and the Netherlands. It was during his time in Switzerland that Felfe gained a deeper understanding of Germany's position in the war and foresaw the collapse of the fascist regime. He also could not turn a blind eye to the atrocities committed by the Nazis, particularly against Jews.

Completely disillusioned, Felfe decided to leave the service, but found it difficult as he spent most of his time abroad. He eventually found himself in captivity with the retreating German forces at the end of the war. As a former intelligence officer, he underwent numerous interrogations by the Allies but was later released. By this time, Heinz Felfe had become a staunch anti-fascist and anti-militarist. He dreamt of making a contribution to the cause of peace and found an opportunity to do so as a journalist.

In the early 1950s, Felfe joined the Gehlen Organization, an intelligence organization. He quickly rose through the ranks and eventually became the head of the Soviet counterintelligence department. Felfe was tasked with developing counterespionage operations against the Soviet Union and other socialist countries. However, he also began supplying the Soviet intelligence with information about Gehlen's intentions, particularly regarding disinformation campaigns.

Despite taking great precautions to conceal his meetings with Soviet agents, Felfe was arrested by German counterintelligence in the autumn of 1961. Although he managed to destroy some evidence on his way to the interrogation facility, enough proof of his espionage activities was found. Felfe immediately confessed to being a Soviet agent, and his trial began in the summer of 1963. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison, a relatively lenient punishment.

The prison term was a significant test for Felfe, but it did not last long. On February 14, 1969, he was exchanged at the border with East Germany for three West German students. Starting a new life in East Germany, Felfe earned a doctorate and wrote his memoirs. Heinz Felfe passed away on May 8, 2008, in Berlin.