Alexander Balashov - First Minister of Police

At the end of the XVIII century was born Alexander Balashov, his birth date is unknown to us, we only know that it was 1770. Subsequently, he will become Minister of Police. Over the years, he developed a large spy network in St. Petersburg, began using the method of police provocation. He was awarded many national and foreign awards, among which the Order of A. Nevsky and St. Vladimir I degree.

Rise and fall

Acting in this way, Alexander Balashov, whose biography is described in this article, actively struggled with crimes, including political ones. The crowning of his career was the arrest of M. Speransky. However, in 1819 the Ministry of Police was liquidated. Alexander Balashov was already ready for this, because he was removed from the leadership of this department as far back as 1812. Now we know how his career ended. And how did it begin?

Carier start

Alexander Balashov, whose photo can be seen at the beginning of the article, comes from a noble family. As was customary at that time, he was recorded by the non-commissioned officer of the Life Guards, when he was five years old. To command a company as a lieutenant, he began at the age of 21, having completed the Corps of Pages. In retirement Alexander Balashov left in 1800, being a major general, but could not leave military service and two months later was appointed Chief Policeman of Moscow. Acquired detective skills are very useful to him in the future work. It turned out that he has a predisposition to this kind of activity. Although not all his compatriots liked it. Not for nothing spies do not like at all times.

Sociable character

However, Alexander Balashov did not pay attention to idle talk and continued to work. In 1807 he was appointed the chief quartermaster of the army, and a year later became the chief police officer of St. Petersburg. In February next year, Alexander Balashov becomes the adjutant-general of the emperor and occupies the post of military governor of St. Petersburg. The Adjutant-General, which Alexander Balashov at that time began to wear, was closely associated with Alexander I. Thanks to this friendship, as well as his intelligence and education, in the beginning of 1810 he became a member of the State Council. And in July, he is appointed Minister of Police.

Special Office

This agency was only established and it was required to fully organize its work. Alexander Dmitrievich could hardly cope alone with the duties entrusted to him. After all, among them there were also supervision of prisons, debaucheries, rioters, prisoners, schismatics, pritonosoderzhateli and other similar people. The police were also ordered to observe order and to prevent all violations and disobediences. This same department was supposed to provide recruitment kits, monitor drinking establishments, and watch for food supplies to run smoothly. In addition, to build bridges.

Therefore Alexander Dmitrievich Balashov organized the Special Chancellery. This institution was engaged in especially important cases, among which the observation of foreigners, checking of foreign passports, the revision of censorship, the fight against anti-state activities. In simple terms, employees of the Special Office conducted espionage activities. This institution was headed by Ya.I. De Sanglen.

War with Napoleon

Over time, the activities of Alexander Dmitrievich begins to dislike the emperor. Also dissatisfied with it are M. Speransky and J. Sanglen. However, Balashov managed to convince the emperor and even to achieve the arrest and exile of M.Speransky. But, despite this, Alexander I already does not trust him as before. From 1812 to 1819, Alexander Balashov was in disgrace with the emperor. However, the sovereign uses the diplomatic abilities of his subordinate during the war of 1812.

On his orders Balashov goes with a letter to Napoleon. However, he can not persuade him to stop military operations. It is said that Napoleon even asked him to point the way to Moscow. However, the diplomat did not lose his head, and hinted to the Emperor of France that one of the roads to Moscow goes through Poltava.

Sunset career

Later, Balashov wrote a petition to the emperor about his departure from the army. After that, he accompanies Alexander I on trips, gathers the people's militia, takes part in battles. Also Alexander Dmitrievich persuaded the King of Naples to change Napoleon. After the victory in the Russo-French war, he negotiated a post-war arrangement with European courts.

When the Ministry of Police merged with the Ministry of the Interior, Balashov was removed from office and appointed governor-general of the central district. In this field, he showed himself from the best side. Improved collection of taxes, records management. Landscaped the province. Thanks to his efforts, a house of diligence was opened in Ryazan. In Orel there was organized a school of clerical workers, a military school.

Alexander Dmitrievich petitioned for the opening of a monument to Dmitry Donskoy on Kulikovo Field. The post of Governor-General of the central district he left in 1828 due to its abolition, but continued to be a member of the State Council. Six years later he retired due to illness. He died in Kronstadt in 1837.