Walter Krivitsky

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Walter Krivitsky (born Samuel Ginsberg; June 28, 1899 – February 10, 1941) was a Soviet intelligence officer and defector. He is best known for his revelations about Soviet espionage activities in Western countries during the 1930s.

Early Life

Krivitsky was born in Podwołoczyska, Galicia, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He joined the Bolshevik Party during the Russian Revolution and subsequently became involved in Soviet intelligence operations.

Career in Soviet Intelligence

Krivitsky served in the Red Army during the Russian Civil War and later joined the Cheka, the Soviet secret police. He was assigned to various intelligence roles, eventually becoming a senior officer in the GRU, the Soviet military intelligence agency. His work primarily involved espionage activities in Western Europe.

Defection

In 1937, disillusioned by Joseph Stalin's Great Purge, Krivitsky defected to the West. He initially sought refuge in France before moving to the United States. His defection was a significant blow to Soviet intelligence, as he provided detailed information about Soviet espionage networks in Europe and the United States.

Revelations and Writings

Krivitsky's most notable contribution was his series of articles and his book, In Stalin's Secret Service, where he exposed Soviet espionage activities and the inner workings of Soviet intelligence. His revelations included information about Soviet infiltration of Western governments and the existence of Soviet spy rings.

Death

Krivitsky was found dead in a hotel room in Washington, D.C., on February 10, 1941. The official cause of death was ruled as suicide, but there has been speculation that he was assassinated by Soviet agents to prevent further disclosures.

Legacy

Krivitsky's defection and subsequent revelations had a lasting impact on Western perceptions of Soviet espionage. His work provided valuable insights into the operations and strategies of Soviet intelligence during a critical period in history.

See Also

• Soviet espionage in the United States
• Great Purge
• GRU
• Cheka
• Joseph Stalin

Further Reading

• In Stalin's Secret Service by Walter Krivitsky