Ep 5. The Covert Poisoning of an Ex-Russian Spy

In the fifth episode of season four of BuzzFeed Unsolved: True Crime, the team dives into the unbelievable case of the covert poisoning of an ex-Russian spy. The incident took place in the UK back in 2006, and it shocked the world when news of it broke out.

The former spy, Alexander Litvinenko, had fled to the UK with his family after he became a critic of the Russian government. However, in November of that year, he suddenly fell ill and died just a few weeks later. The cause of death was discovered to be poisoning with a rare and highly toxic substance called polonium-210.

The episode begins with a brief overview of Litvinenko's background and his work as an FSB officer. Viewers learn that he became disillusioned with the agency after being ordered to assassinate a wealthy Russian businessman, and he eventually fled to the UK seeking asylum.

The hosts then delve into the events leading up to Litvinenko's poisoning, including his meeting with two former KGB agents, Andrei Lugovoy and Dmitry Kovtun, at a hotel in London. Using interviews with people close to the case, the hosts paint a complex picture of the events leading up to Litvinenko's death.

They also explore the investigation that followed, which turned into one of the most high-profile murder cases in history. The episode delves into the evidence against Lugovoy and Kovtun, including extensive CCTV footage from the hotel where Litvinenko met with the men.

Throughout the episode, the hosts weigh the evidence against the suspects and discuss various theories about what might have happened. They also explore the possible motivations behind the poisoning, including Litvinenko's outspoken criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts discuss the aftermath of Litvinenko's death, including the diplomatic fallout between the UK and Russia. They also explore how the poisoning has affected other former Russian spies who have fled to the UK seeking asylum.

Overall, this episode of BuzzFeed Unsolved: True Crime is a fascinating look into one of the most high-profile assassination cases of recent years. The hosts deliver a concise and informative overview of the events leading up to Litvinenko's death, while also exploring the various theories and motives behind the poisoning. For anyone interested in true crime or international espionage, this episode is not to be missed.