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Pavel MeshikOne of the heads of state security agencies |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Entry into the Security Services
- Rise in the NKVD
- World War II and Aftermath
- Atomic Bomb Project and Arrest
Early Life and Education
Pavel Yakovlevich Meshchik was born on September 23, 1910, in Konotop, Ukraine. The son of a government employee, Meshchik pursued his education at the Samara Energy Institute but did not complete his degree. He later enrolled in the Higher School of the OGPU, graduating in 1933.
Entry into the Security Services
In November 1930, Meshchik joined the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU). Two years later, he entered the security services and was assigned to the Economic Directorate of the OGPU-NKVD. In 1937, he transferred to the counterintelligence department of the Main Directorate of State Security (GUGB).
Rise in the NKVD
By 1939, Meshchik had become an assistant to the head of the Investigative Department of the NKVD. He was appointed head of the newly created Investigative Department of the Main Economic Directorate in September 1939. Following the division of the NKVD in 1941, Meshchik served as People's Commissar for State Security of Ukraine and later became head of the Economic Directorate of the NKVD.
World War II and Aftermath
During World War II, Meshchik headed the 7th Special Department and held several high-ranking positions in counterintelligence and the 1st Ukrainian Front. After the war, he was sent to Poland as an advisor to the Ministry of Public Administration and played a key role in establishing Poland's security apparatus.
Atomic Bomb Project and Arrest
From 1945 to 1953, Meshchik served as deputy head of the 1st Main Directorate, which was responsible for developing and constructing the Soviet atomic bomb. He was directly responsible for ensuring the utmost secrecy of the project. In 1953, Lavrentiy Beria appointed Meshchik as Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. However, after Beria's downfall, Meshchik was arrested and sentenced to death by a special court. He was executed on December 23, 1953.
