Lavrentiy Beria
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About
Soviet politician and state security chief best known for being one of Joseph Stalin's most powerful and widely feared associates. As head of the NKVD, he led mass arrests, executions, forced labor camps, and political repression during the Great Purge. Following Stalin's death, his influence briefly grew before he was ultimately arrested and executed.
Before Fame
He studied engineering before transitioning to revolutionary and intelligence work. In 1917, he joined the Bolsheviks and quickly gained a reputation for his ruthlessness and steadfast loyalty.
Trivia
He oversaw logistics and security for the Soviet atomic bomb development program.
Family Life
In 1922, he married Nina Gegechkori and they went on to have one son together, named Sergo Beria.
Associated With
He and Vyacheslav Molotov were both influential figures within the Soviet leadership.
