Born November 29, 1935 in Leningrad in a family of a serviceman.
He graduated from the editorial department of Ukrainian Polygraphic Institute. Ivan Fyodorov.
. From 1958 to 1988 he served in the system of the Soviet Interior Ministry security officer, chief of department of Ministry of Internal Affairs of the journal "Education and the rule of law," deputy chief of the Office of Non-departmental divisions of Kamchatka Oblast and the Komi Republic Ministry of Internal Affairs.
. From 1988 to 1996 - the browser, then - executive editor of the investigative weekly magazine Ogonyok, 1996 to February 1998 - columnist Ogonyok.
. From February to May 1998 - Law Department columnist weekly general newspaper ".
. From May to July 1998 - a senior editor of Ogonyok, from July 1998 - editor of the law Ogonyok.
. Since September 1999 - a special correspondent for Novaya Gazeta.
. In 1967 - 80 collaborated with the weekly satirical magazine Krokodil, in 1994 - with the weekly "Top Secret" in 1995 - with the magazine "Faces".
. Military rank - lieutenant colonel of internal service in retirement.
. Married
. Has two sons.