Mihael Andronnikov Prince, in 1896 assigned to the Ministry of Internal Affairs Date of Birth: 01.01.1874 Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Education
2. Government Service and Shady Dealings
3. Association with Rasputin
4. Conflict and Disgrace
5. After the Revolution

Early Life and Education

Mikhail Mikhailovich Andronnikov (1875-1919) was born into the aristocratic Andronnikov family. His father, Mikhail Andreevich Andronnikov, was an adjutant to Grand Duke Mikhail Nikolaevich. Andronnikov attended the Page Corps but was dismissed due to illness (or, according to other accounts, for petty theft and homosexuality).

Government Service and Shady Dealings

In 1896, Andronnikov was assigned to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. However, he was dismissed in 1914 for failing to attend work. He was then appointed as a special assistant to the Ober-Prokuror of the Holy Synod, a position he held until 1917.

Andronnikov was a notorious con artist and embezzler. He unsuccessfully attempted to involve Grigory Rasputin in his schemes. Rasputin denounced him and played a role in his expulsion from Petrograd in December 1916.

Association with Rasputin

Andronnikov was closely associated with Rasputin. He served as Rasputin's consultant on personnel appointments and acted as an intermediary between Rasputin and officials. Andronnikov provided his apartment for secret meetings between Rasputin and Alexander Khvostov, Sergei Beletsky, and Bishop Varnava.

In an attempt to ingratiate himself with the religious atmosphere at court, Andronnikov created a makeshift chapel in his bedroom. He also used the bedroom for inappropriate liaisons with young men seeking his patronage.

Conflict and Disgrace

In 1916, Andronnikov fell out with Rasputin, leading to Empress Alexandra Feodorovna's disfavor. Suspected of espionage for Germany, he was ordered to leave both capitals in January 1917.

After the Revolution

After the October Revolution, Andronnikov was appointed head of the Kronstadt Cheka by V.I. Lenin and F.E. Dzerzhinsky. However, he was caught taking bribes and executed on charges of "spying for Germany," which were not substantiated.