Gevork and Goar Vartanyan, legendary Soviet spies, dedicated their lives to serving their country, operating undercover for 45 years and remaining married for 66, until Gevork’s death. Their extraordinary commitment and daring exploits made them heroes of the Soviet Union.

Gevork Vartanyan’s career began at the young age of 16, when he led a group of intelligence officers in Tehran, Iran. Their primary mission was to identify and neutralize Nazi saboteurs planning to assassinate the “Big Three” leaders: Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt, during the Tehran Conference in 1943.

The Vartanyan family’s involvement in intelligence work began with Gevork’s father, Andrei Vasilievich, also a Soviet intelligence officer. Under the guise of a successful businessman and owner of a chocolate factory in Iran, Andrei provided cover for dispatched illegal agents and recruited new operatives.

Gevork’s team, known as the “Light Cavalry,” tracked down Nazi agents in Tehran, including a key figure named Franz Mayer. Though British intelligence ultimately apprehended Mayer, Vartanyan’s group contributed significantly to disrupting German operations in the region.

Goar Levonovna, Gevork’s wife and partner in espionage, joined his group as a teenager and played a crucial role in their operations. Together, they posed as an ordinary couple while carrying out dangerous missions, always maintaining strict secrecy and never discussing work at home.

After the Tehran Conference, the Vartanyans continued their intelligence work, operating in numerous countries across the globe under different identities. Their dedication and skill allowed them to evade detection for decades, making them invaluable assets to Soviet intelligence.

In 1984, Gevork Vartanyan was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his exceptional service. He continued to work in intelligence until 1992 and later trained young recruits. He passed away in 2012.

Goar Vartanyan, who received the Order of the Red Banner, remained devoted to her husband and his legacy until her death in 2019. Their story stands as a testament to their unwavering loyalty, courage, and commitment to their nation.

A museum dedicated to Gevork Vartanyan is planned to open in Rostov, Russia, to honor his remarkable life and achievements. This museum will serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these unsung heroes of the Cold War.