Beria (Lavrentiy Beria)

Lavrentiy Beria was a Soviet politician and security official who led the Soviet secret police (NKVD) during Stalin's regime. He played a central role in political repression, surveillance, and purges, controlling a vast network of spies and informants. Known for his ruthlessness, Beria was involved in mass executions and forced labor camps. After Stalin’s death in 1953, he briefly gained influence but was quickly arrested and executed during a power struggle. Beria's legacy is associated with repression and authoritarian control within the Soviet Union.