Alexander Litvinenko was a former Russian FSB officer who was poisoned in London in November 2006. Here are the key facts about this case:

Background: Litvinenko had worked for Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) but became a critic of the Russian government after falling out with Vladimir Putin's administration. He fled to the UK in 2000 and was granted political asylum. By 2006, he was working as a consultant and outspoken critic of the Kremlin.

The Poisoning: On November 1, 2006, Litvinenko met with two former Russian agents, Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitry Kovtun, at the Millennium Hotel in London. Shortly after this meeting, he fell ill with severe symptoms. He died on November 23, 2006, in a London hospital.

The Method: Autopsy revealed he was poisoned with polonium-210, a rare and highly radioactive isotope. The poison was administered in tea during his meeting. Traces of polonium were found throughout London locations he visited, including the hotel, restaurants, and airports.

Investigation Findings: A British public inquiry in 2016 concluded that the poisoning was probably approved by Putin and the FSB. Two Russian nationals, Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitry Kovtun, were identified as the likely perpetrators. Russia refused to extradite Lugovoi to face trial in the UK. The UK imposed sanctions on those involved.

International Impact: The case significantly strained UK-Russia relations and led to diplomatic expulsions between the countries. It also raised awareness about the dangers of radioactive materials and state-sponsored assassination attempts on foreign soil.

This remains one of the most prominent cases of state-sponsored poisoning in recent history and continues to be referenced in discussions about international espionage and accountability.

Cheers!
-warmfuzzy

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 2023/04/30 (Linux/64)
* Origin: thE qUAntUm wOrmhOlE, rAmsgAtE, uK. bbs.erb.pw (700:100/37)