Viktor Chebrikov

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Viktor Mikhailovich Chebrikov (April 27, 1923 - July 2, 1999) was a Soviet Union spy and head of the KGB from 1982 to 1988. [1]

Born in Dnepropetrovsk, in eastern Ukraine, he served in World War II after Germany invaded. Turned down for the military academy after the war, he earned an engineering degree in 1950 and began work at the city's metallurgical plant. That year he joined the Communist Party, and rose the the local ranks until 1967, when he was brought to Moscow as deputy chairman of the KGB under Yuri Andropov. They began an anti-corruption drive that continued until Andropov's death. Following a brief period under Konstantin Chernenko, Chebrikov was appointed head of internal security under Mikhail Gorbachev.

Through information supplied by American spy Aldrich Ames, Chebrikov was able to dismantle the network of CIA operatives in his country. He was also responsible in 1983 for ordering the shooting down of Korean Air Flight 007.

However, the two had differing views regarding reforms, and in October 1988, Chebrikov was replaced by General Vladimir Kryuchkov (who in 1991 attempted a coup against Gorbachev). [2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Montgomery, Isobel (July 7, 1999). Viktor Chebrikov: KGB chief who favoured modest Soviet reforms. The Guardian]]
  2. ^ Wines, Michael (July 5, 1999). Viktor Chebrikov, 76, Leader Of K.G.B. in Spying Heyday. New York Times
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