Viktor Yerin began his career in Soviet security forces (police).

In November 1992, he led an operative staff for re-establishing constitutional order in the Ossetian-Ingush conflict region.

On 30 June 1995, after the failed operation to free hostages taken by Chechen terrorists in Budyonnovsk, Yerin had to resign (as did the then-FSB director Stepashin).

On 5 July 1995, Yerin was assigned the position of deputy director of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service.

In 1993, Viktor Yerin was awarded the title Hero of the Russian Federation for his part in quelling the anti-Yeltsin rebellion in October 1993.