Artuzov (Frauchi), Artur Khristyanovich

(1891–1937)

   A child of Swiss immigrants, Artuzov joined the Cheka in January 1919 and rose quickly. He conducted the Trust operation that lured enemies of the state to return to the Soviet Union, where they met jail and death. He served as deputy head of foreign intelligence from 1927 to 1930 and as head of foreign intelligence from 1931 through 1934. He was then assigned to head military intelligence (GRU). Artuzov played a major role in the deployment of illegals in the 1930s and their recruitment of important sources in England, France, Germany, and the United States. An experienced intelligence officer, Artuzov was distrusted by Joseph Stalin. He was arrested in May 1937 and tried and executed on 21 August 1937. Posthumously rehabilitated in 1956, Artuzov is recognized as a hero of the foreign intelligence service.