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By 1936, Yagoda had lost his position as the NKVD's head to Nikolai Yezhov, a shift reflecting Stalin's growing mistrust. In March 1937, Yagoda was arrested under accusations of corruption, espionage, and even attempts on Stalin’s life, among numerous other charges—none of which were substantiated with credible evidence.
Yagoda's fall from grace culminated in a humiliating trial in 1938, during which he pleaded for mercy, invoking his past loyalty and service to the state. Nevertheless, he was executed on March 15, 1938.
The Legacy and Aftermath
The consequences of Yagoda's downfall were tragic for his family; many were arrested, executed, or forced into hiding. His son avoided death by using his mother’s surname, and later emigrated to Israel.