Igor Gouzenko
Cipher clerk, Soviet defector (1919-1982) · Russia · On the map · Politicians · Died at 63
Igor Sergeyevich Gouzenko was a cipher clerk for the Soviet embassy to Canada in Ottawa, Ontario, and a lieutenant of the Soviet Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU). He defected on September 5, 1945, three days after the end of World War II, with 109 documents on the USSR's espionage activities in the West.
Igor Gouzenko is read about 136 times a day, in 25 languages.
A typical day, 30 days to 6 November 2026
The middle day of the days counted, so one week of news cannot move it. The line under it is the last 121 days, one point a day.
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Photos 5
Gouzenko's Somerset Street apartment (upper right, facing street) in 2007
Igor Gouzenko's pistol, which he was carrying when hiding in his neighbour's apartment (exhibit of the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC)
Igor Gouzenko's tombstone at Spring Creek Cemetery in Mississauga, Ontario, CanadaAwards
About this person
In response, Canada's Prime Minister, Mackenzie King, called a royal commission to investigate espionage in Canada.
Country
Russia
Category
Politicians
Type
Public Official
Status
Deceased
Dates
Lived 1919 to 1982 · aged 63
