Summary
Overview
This episode traces the final weeks of Alexander Litvinenko's life in October-November 2006, documenting three separate assassination attempts by Russian agents Andrei Lugovoy and Dmitry Kovtun. The episode reveals the increasingly inflammatory actions Litvinenko took against Putin, including publishing an article accusing Putin of pedophilia, while Russian assassins made repeated trips to London under the guise of business meetings. Despite warnings about a Russian hit list, Litvinenko ultimately consumed polonium-laced tea at the Millennium Hotel on November 1st, 2006, in what would prove to be a fatal encounter.
Escalating Threats and Litvinenko's Growing Vulnerability
By October 2006, multiple factors converged to make Litvinenko a prime target for assassination. Russia passed new counterterrorism laws allowing operations abroad, Litvinenko published an incendiary article accusing Putin of pedophilia, and his friend journalist Anna Politkovskaya was murdered in Moscow. Despite receiving his UK citizenship on October 13th and believing it would protect him, Litvinenko was warned by fellow dissidents that the new Russian laws put critics like him in grave danger.
- Russian FSB used Litvinenko's picture for target practice at special forces training centers, showing he was a well-known hate figure
- In July 2006, Russia passed laws allowing pursuit of 'terrorists and extremists' anywhere in the world, with vague definitions
- Litvinenko published an article accusing Putin of pedophilia based on an incident where Putin kissed a boy's stomach publicly
- Journalist Anna Politkovskaya, Litvinenko's friend and fellow Putin critic, was shot dead outside her Moscow apartment on October 7th
- Litvinenko received UK citizenship on October 13th and told friends 'Now they will not be able to touch me'
" I just received my citizenship. Now they will not be able to touch me. "
" This country took you in and never forget that the UK has saved us. "
First Assassination Attempt: The Business Meeting
On October 16th, 2006, Lugovoy and Kovtun arrived in London for what appeared to be a business trip. They stayed at the Best Western hotel and met with Litvinenko to discuss due diligence work. Evidence later revealed they attempted to poison him during a boardroom meeting, but Litvinenko didn't drink anything. The pair spent their time visiting gentlemen's clubs, expensive restaurants, and partying rather than conducting serious business.
- Lugovoy and Kovtun arrived at Gatwick Airport and a police officer found them suspicious and questioned them
- They met Litvinenko in a boardroom where Lugovoy insistently suggested drinks, but Litvinenko consumed nothing
- After the failed poisoning attempt, the Russians went to Itsu sushi restaurant in Piccadilly
- Litvinenko felt ill after dinner that night, vomiting once and feeling unwell for two days
- Lugovoy and Kovtun visited a gentlemen's club called Hey Joe with mirrors, dance floors and penis-shaped taps, returning at 3am
" What a business trip they've had. What they have done over this three-day run is gentlemen's clubs, drinking, eating out, and attempted murder. "
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