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Zalman PassovSenior Major of State Security (1938).
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Service
- Career in the Security Apparatus
- Rise Through the Ranks
- High-Level Positions
- Arrest and Execution
- Posthumous Investigation
Early Life and Military Service
Born in Staraya Russa to a clerk, Yakov Efimov received only three years of elementary education. In June 1919, at the age of 17, he joined the Red Army but was discharged as a minor after just five months. He continued his studies at a local school before taking on various positions in military and administrative roles.
Career in the Security Apparatus
In 1922, Efimov joined the State Political Directorate (GPU) in Staraya Russa. Over the next decade, he held numerous positions in the GPU and its successor agencies, including the United State Political Directorate (OGPU) and the Main Directorate of State Security (GUGB).
Rise Through the Ranks
During the 1920s, Efimov's career rapidly ascended. He served as an assistant commissioner for the Special Department of the 56th Rifle Division, a commissioner for the Novgorod OGPU, and a commissioner for the GUGB in Leningrad. In 1934, he became deputy head of the 7th Department and later head of the 11th Department of the GUGB.
High-Level Positions
In 1937, Efimov reached the pinnacle of his career. He was appointed assistant head and then deputy head of the 3rd Department of the GUGB. In 1938, he became head of the 5th Department (formerly INO) of the NKVD and later the GUGB. During this time, he received the Order of Lenin and the "Honorary Worker of the VChK-GPU" badge.
Arrest and Execution
On October 23, 1938, Efimov was arrested on charges of participating in an anti-Soviet conspiracy within the NKVD. On February 14, 1940, he was sentenced to death by the Military Collegium of the Supreme Court and executed the following day.
Posthumous Investigation
In 1957, the Chief Military Prosecutor's Office found Efimov guilty of using illegal interrogation techniques and falsifying criminal cases, but declined to rehabilitate him.
