Alexander Perepilichny

Alexander Perepilichny was a Russian businessman and whistleblower who died under mysterious circumstances in the UK in November 2012, after fleeing from Russia in 2009.[1] He was alleged to have been killed as part of the conspiracy to cover up the theft of $230 million from the Russian Treasury.[2] However, the cause of death remains unknown.[3]

Whistleblowing

Perepilichny, an investment banker, fled Moscow in 2009 after a disagreement with business partners saw him fearing for his life. He moved to the exclusive Saint George's Hill estate in Weybridge, where he lived in a £12,500-a-month luxury home.

In 2010, Perepilichny handed over documents to Swiss prosecutors detailing the involvement of senior Russian officials in the fraud of $220 million from the Russian Treasury through Hermitage Capital Management. The case has developed worldwide media coverage through the death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky.[4]

Death

On 10 November 2012, Perepilichny travelled back to the UK from a three day trip to Paris. After arriving home, he went out to jog, and was found dead on the road by a neighbour. A video of his corpse was widely circulated online in the aftermath of his death.[5]

Perepilichny had no reported health issues when he collapsed. Two autopsies proved inconclusive, as did advanced toxicology tests. A plant expert at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, Monique Simmonds,[1] found traces of a deadly poison fern, Gelsemium elegans, "used in Russian and Chinese assassinations," in his stomach.[2][6]

Allegations of conspiracy

Weeks after his death, the British press first reported that in 2011 Perepilichny's name had been placed on a list of targets wanted dead by conspirators in the Treasury theft.[7]

References

  1. 1 2 Harding, Luke; Walker, Shaun (19 May 2015). "'Poisoned' Russian whistleblower was fatalistic over death threats". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
  2. 1 2 Harding, Luke; Townsend, Mark (3 May 2016). "Russian embezzlers went on $30m spending spree in UK, MPs told". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
  3. ↑ Galpin, Richard (16 March 2013). "What killed Alexander Perepilichny?". BBC News. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  4. ↑ MacIntyre, Darragh (27 April 2013). "Is Russian crime arriving on UK shores?". BBC News. Retrieved 28 April 2013.
  5. ↑ Townsend, Mark (17 March 2013). "Are Russian killers on the streets of Britain?". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  6. ↑ "Alexander Perepilichny: Rare Chinese poison found in stomach of Russian whistleblower". ABC News. 20 May 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  7. ↑ Taylor, Jerome (29 November 2012). "Russian whistleblower Alexander Perepilichnyy was warned his name was on gang hit list". London: The Independent. Retrieved 2013-04-28.
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