DEEP DIVE — Few Americans have ever heard of Unit 29155 or 161 Center. For those who have, the names evoke fear and loathing.
Created in 1963 as a headquarters element of the GRU – Russian military intelligence – Unit 29155, also known as 161 Center, is notorious for its old-school brutality. Murders, poisonings, blackmail – the unit’s brand is thug.
Access all of The Cipher Brief’s national security-focused expert insight by becoming a Cipher Brief Subscriber+ Member.
Sign Up Log In