Disintegration, 1976-77. Folder 22. The Chekist Anthology

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In 1976, Leningrad KGB Directorate initiated active measures against "Plushkin," laboratory director, and "Monarkhist," employee of a suburban forestry, both of whom were intending to establish an anti-Soviet organization. They formed a group of 22 members--representatives of intelligentsia in science and technology, workers, and students. The members described themselves as "truly Russian patriots" and pursued the policy of "bringing about an evolutionary change of an existing regime."

Back in 1967, Plushkin used to be a member of the All-Russian Social-Christian Union for the Liberation of People. Active measures against Plushkin and Monarkhist were aimed primarily at neutralizing their influence on politically undecided people. Seven agents were asked to work on Plushkin and Monarkhist. Two additional agents in a position to conduct counterintelligence operations were recruited. These recruits--codenamed "Vladimir" and "Chebyshev"--were well-read in matters of philosophy and literature, and were able to penetrate entourage of Plushkin and Monarkhist.

Agent "Kovrov" was instructed to gain leadership of the group and bring its members into conflict. The most difficult assignment was entrusted to agent "Tumenets." His objective was to gradually dissuade Plushkin from his anti-social activity.

The effort to disintegrate the group was divided into several stages. First, the agents narrowed down the circle of the dissidents' associates. By 1977, the group lost 12 members. Then, criminal charges were pressed against
Monarkhist. The ensuing police investigation caused distress and confusion, leading to a confrontation between Plushkin and Monarkhist.

The third step in disintegrating the group was for Tumenets to convince Plushkin to contact the KGB. Plushkin consented, fearing that because of his past involvement in the All-Russian Social-Christian Union for the Liberation of People his identity had been exposed, and hoping that cooperation with the KGB might improve his case. He pleaded+ guilty and confessed to organizing illegal meetings and harboring anti-Soviet views. In April 1987, Plushkin summoned the remaining members to his apartment and they agreed to cease their underground activity.