NKVD

The NKVD was used by Joseph Stalin as a secret police force in the Soviet Union. Its chief, Lavrenty Beria, was charged primarily with purging Stalin's political opponents.

During World War II, and especially during the war against the Race's Conquest Fleet, the NKVD took on a somewhat military function, with special forces based on those of the German SS. During this time, it also continued its normal secret police functions, and handled both human and Lizard prisoners of war.

After Stalin's death, the NKVD and Beria continued to serve as the Soviet secret police and took on intelligence duties as well.

In 1963 the NKVD was heavily purged following an unsuccessful attempt by Beria to overthrow General Secretary Vyacheslav Molotov. While it recovered from the purges, many of its duties were filled by the GRU, the Red Army intelligence division, which the NKVD saw as something of a rival.