About the book: 2005 / O. Smyslov’s book is dedicated to one of the mysterious figures of the NKVD-MGB of the USSR, Viktor Semenovich Abakumov. Despite the fact that the KGB of the USSR ceased to exist, Abakumov’s case remains classified. His ascent through the highest ranks of the GPU-NKVD began during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, when he served as one of L. Beria’s deputies. During the Great Patriotic War, Abakumov was the head of the Main Counterintelligence Directorate of the Red Army SMERSH. He controlled virtually the entire Soviet intelligence network. In October 1946, Abakumov was appointed to the post of Minister of State Security. In 1951, he was unexpectedly removed from his post as minister, and in the same year he was arrested on the orders of Stalin. In Lefortovo prison he was kept in shackles and handcuffs. Despite severe torture, he did not sign anything and denied all accusations. After a short trial in 1954, BCabakumov was shot.