Intelligence work of the NKVD-MVD in the camps for foreign prisoners of the Great Patriotic War

Abstract

The article, based on archival materials, shows the process of creating of intelligence agent network in the camps of the NKVD-MVD for foreign prisoners during the Great Patriotic War. The author points out that the recruitment of agents from POW camps began in the late 1930s. However, it acquired a new intensity after the completion of the major battles of the war, and admission to the camps of several millions of prisoners of war. The article shows how the organization of a unified system of operational records of prisoners of war in the camps and their subsequent recruitment was carried out in accordance with the orders of the NKVD. It is noted that the less compromised prisoners were recruited first. They were supposed to be integrated into public, political, scientific, religious, sports and other organizations in the post-war period. At the same time, internal camp secret informing was actively practiced. The work with the NKVD informer agents was carried out in the camp areas with special rooms. Secret operations with informer agents helped to reveal thousands of war criminals and to organize open trials. According to the author, due to an extensive network of agents, the NKVD-MVD got the opportunity to respond immediately to all manifestations of reaction. The agents’ information on the moods of the prisoners of war allowed the camp authorities to take measures to ease tension in the camps and to prevent preparing escapes. Refs 15.