![]() The HVA ( Hauptverwaltung Aufklärung), under Markus Wolf (in office as Leiter der HVA from 1952 to 1986), gained a reputation as one of the most effective intelligence agencies of the Cold War. Erich Mielke, the Stasi's longest-serving chief, controlled the organisation for 32 (1957-1989) of the 40 years of the GDR's existence. The Stasi had its headquarters in East Berlin, with an extensive complex in Berlin-Lichtenberg and several smaller facilities throughout the city. Its operatives also maintained contacts and occasionally cooperated with West-German terrorists. The Stasi also conducted espionage and other clandestine operations outside the GDR through its subordinate foreign-intelligence service, the Office of Reconnaissance, or Head Office A ( German: Hauptverwaltung Aufklärung or HVA). This organization contributed to the arrest of approximately 250,000 people in East Germany. This was accomplished primarily through the use of a network of civilian informants. ![]() ![]() ![]() The Stasi's function in East Germany resembled that of the KGB in the Soviet Union - it served as a means of maintaining state authority, i.e., as the "Shield and Sword of the Party" ( German: Schild und Schwert der Partei). The Ministry for State Security, ( German: Ministerium für Staatssicherheit, pronounced abbreviated as "MfS") commonly known as the Stasi ( German: ( listen)), an abbreviation of Staats sicherheit, was the state security-service of East Germany (the GDR) from 1950 to 1990. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |