Mihael Allahverdov Soviet intelligence officer. Date of Birth: 01.01.1900

1. Childhood and Education
2. Military and Early Intelligence Career
3. Diplomatic and Intelligence Roles
4. Espionage in Europe and the Middle East
5. World War II and Postwar Service
6. Retirement and Legacy

Childhood and Education

Mikhail Andreevich Allahverdiyev was born in 1900 in Shusha, Nagorno-Karabakh, into a merchant family. He studied at a gymnasium in Andijan, Uzbekistan.

Military and Early Intelligence Career

In 1918, Allahverdiyev joined the Red Army as a volunteer and fought against the Basmachi rebels as part of the 3rd Turkestan Rifle Regiment. Later, he worked as a teacher and studied at pedagogical courses. In 1919, he entered the organs of the All-Russian Extraordinary Commission (VChK). In 1920, he joined the Russian Communist Party (Bolsheviks).

Diplomatic and Intelligence Roles

In 1921, Allahverdiyev became deputy head of the special department of the Pamir Military-Political Expedition, which established Soviet power in the region. In 1923, he transferred to the Eastern Department of the OGPU in Moscow. He spoke Uzbek, Persian, French, and English.

After graduating from the oriental faculty of the M.V. Frunze Military Academy of the Red Army in 1925, Allahverdiyev was sent to Iran as a secretary at the consulate in Kermanshah under the diplomatic cover. In 1928, he became the resident of the Foreign Intelligence Department (INO) in Iran. He successfully infiltrated anti-Soviet emigre groups and disrupted Turkish, German, Japanese, and other intelligence agencies operating against the USSR from Iran.

Espionage in Europe and the Middle East

In 1933-1934, Allahverdiyev worked as an illegal resident in Vienna, Zurich, and Paris. From 1934-1936, he served as a legal resident in Afghanistan and from 1936-1938 in Turkey. In these roles, he effectively countered anti-Soviet emigration and foreign intelligence activities.

World War II and Postwar Service

During the Great Patriotic War, under the pseudonym "Zaman," Allahverdiyev returned to Afghanistan as a legal resident. He uncovered a network of German agents and, in cooperation with British intelligence, paralyzed German and Japanese intelligence in the region. Upon his return to the USSR in 1943, he became head of the newly created information department of the 1st Directorate of the NKGB.

In 1945, Allahverdiyev traveled to Switzerland on a special assignment. From 1947-1955, he served as deputy head for training and scientific affairs at the Higher Intelligence School of the Committee of State Security (KGB).

Retirement and Legacy

Allahverdiyev retired in 1955. He was awarded the Orders of Lenin, the Red Banner, the Patriotic War 1st degree, and the "Badge of Honor." He also received the "Honorary Officer of State Security" medal.