The Soviet Secret Police, primarily known as the NKVD and later the KGB, was a government agency responsible for state security, intelligence, and the enforcement of political loyalty in the Soviet Union. Established in the early 20th century, it played a crucial role in suppressing dissent, conducting surveillance, and managing political repression during various regimes, particularly under Joseph Stalin. The secret police operated through a network of informants and agents, often employing tactics such as arrest, imprisonment, and even execution to eliminate perceived threats. Their activities contributed to a climate of fear and control, impacting millions of lives and shaping the political landscape of the Soviet Union throughout its existence.