A Russian Embassy Employee Mysteriously Died in Cyprus: He Was an GRU Officer.

According to ТСН: A third secretary of the Russian embassy, Alexey Panov, who investigators say was a GRU captain, died in Cyprus. This incident occurred after the disappearance of the former general director of Uralchem, Vladislav Baumgertner.

In Nicosia, it was reported that the Russian embassy employee died under unclear circumstances, allegedly committing suicide. Local law enforcement could not conduct a full investigation into this case.

According to a diplomatic letter from Cyprus, the deceased was identified as Alexey Panov. According to the publication Echo, he was actually a GRU officer with the rank of captain.

What is known about Alexey Panov?

Dmitry Khmelitsky, an author of investigations into Russian intelligence services in Cyprus, stated that according to his sources, 41-year-old Panov worked in Moscow at an institute related to radio engineering before going to Cyprus. Likely, his wife was there too. Responsible for the espionage equipment at the embassy, he probably had access to important information.

Mysterious Death of Panov

Khmelitsky points out a number of anomalous circumstances: Panov’s death was recorded on January 8, but information about it appeared only on January 12. During this time, Cyprus police had no access to the embassy territory and did not receive a suicide note, presumably left by Panov.

“If the cause of death was personal circumstances, then it is unclear why his death was concealed for so long. There must have been something that put them in a difficult position,” noted Khmelitsky.

Russian Spies Are Actively Working in Cyprus

The expert emphasized that Russian diplomatic missions perform functions of intelligence centers. According to Khmelitsky, in the current situation, where Russian diplomacy has diminished to a minimum, intelligence has become virtually their only activity.

“There are currently eight colonel positions, not to mention the first, second, and third secretaries, in the Russian embassy in Cyprus,” he commented.

The expert also had no information regarding the disappearance of Baumgertner, which occurred shortly before Panov’s death.

The Russian authorities did not officially specify the cause of Panov's death. The embassy's statement only mentioned that it was a “deeply personal tragedy.” At the same time, any public information about Panov is absent on the Internet.

Previously, it was reported about Baumgertner’s disappearance in Cyprus, and he was last seen in Limassol on January 7. The police used aviation and other resources for the search. Baumgertner is known for a scandalous biography, including his arrest in Belarus in 2013, which led to an inter-state conflict.

This incident regarding Panov's death raises questions about the activities of Russian spies on the territory of Cyprus. It is important to clarify how other events related to Russian businessmen may affect the situation in the region. The investigation continues, and further details may shed light on these mysterious circumstances.