 |
Lavrentiy TsanavaSoviet counterintelligence officer
Date of Birth: .
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Education and Rise through the Ranks
- World War II
- Post-War Career
- Downfall and Death
- Awards
Early Life and Career
In 1921, a young man entered the ranks of the Soviet state security apparatus, beginning a distinguished career in counterintelligence. Born in 1921, he joined the Bolshevik Party in 1921. However, his early days were marred by controversy. In 1922, he was expelled from the party for allegedly abducting a bride.
Education and Rise through the Ranks
Despite this setback, he remained committed to his work in the organs of state security. In 1937, he graduated from the Odessa Pedagogical Institute. His abilities and dedication were recognized in December 1938, when he was appointed People's Commissar of Internal Affairs of the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic.
World War II
As war broke out in 1941, he was assigned to the front lines as the head of the Special Department of the Western Front. From June 1942, he served as Deputy Head of the Special Departments of the NKVD (People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs). In March 1943, he became Head of the Special Department of the NKVD Central Front.
Post-War Career
After the war, his career continued to flourish. In October 1951, he was appointed Deputy Minister of State Security of the USSR, while concurrently holding the position of Head of the 2nd Main Directorate of the MGB (Ministry of State Security).
Downfall and Death
However, his fortunes took a dramatic turn in 1952 when he was dismissed from his positions in the state security apparatus. On April 4, 1953, he was arrested. While in prison, he committed suicide on October 12, 1955, under mysterious circumstances.
Awards
Throughout his career, he received numerous decorations, including:- Four Orders of Lenin
- Six Orders of the Red Banner
- Order of Suvorov, 1st Class
- Two Orders of Kutuzov, 1st Class
- Order of the Red Banner of Labor of the Georgian SSR
- Order of the Republic (Tuvan People's Republic)
- Order of Grunwald, 3rd Class (Poland)
- "Honored Worker of the NKVD" badge
