LONDON — 2006 · Murder
The Alexander Litvinenko Case
ClosedSources: BLast updated: 14 October 2026
Former Russian intelligence officer and Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko was poisoned with radioactive polonium-210 slipped into tea at a London hotel on 1 November 2006, and died on 23 November. Britain sought two Russian nationals, but Russia refused extradition. The public inquiry led by Sir Robert Owen concluded in January 2016 that the killing was carried out by Russia's FSB and 'probably approved' by President Putin. Russia rejected the findings. No one has ever stood trial.
- Date
- 2006
- Place
- Mayfair, England, London, UK
- Category
- Murder
- Case Status
- Closed
- Coordinates
- 51.5110, -0.1520 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 1 November 2006Litvinenko was poisoned at a hotel.
- 23 November 2006He died in hospital.
- 2007Britain sought extradition; Russia refused.
- 21 January 2016The public inquiry report was published.
Sources
- CNBC — Putin likely approved Litvinenko murder: UK inquiry cnbc.com ↗
- PBS NewsHour — British inquiry: Putin probably approved Litvinenko poisoning pbs.org ↗
- CNBC
- PBS NewsHour
Source grade B: at least one verifiable linked source. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.