The death of a Russian diplomat in Cyprus raises new questions, with an independent researcher claiming he was a GRU (Main Intelligence Directorate) officer.
According to the Cypriot diplomatic list, the deceased was Alexei Panov, 41, third secretary at the Russian Embassy in Nicosia. Official reports attribute his death to suicide, without details on circumstances.
Researcher Dmitry Khmelnitsky, author of “Russian Influence Agents in Germany,” told Echo that sources identify Panov as a GRU captain.
Alleged intelligence role and prior work
Khmelnitsky’s Dossier research details Russian networks in Cyprus, counter-espionage, and influence operations.
Before Cyprus, Panov worked in Moscow at a radio technology institute linked to Russian intelligence activities, per the researcher.
His embassy duties reportedly included maintaining and managing spy equipment inside and possibly outside the mission.
Delays and restricted investigation
Emphasis falls on the delay: the embassy states Panov died on 8 January, but announced it four days later.
Cypriot Police entry to the embassy was reportedly denied, and any suicide note was not handed over.
“If purely personal reasons, concealing the death for days is unexplained,” Khmelnitsky notes, suggesting Moscow consultations. He does not rule out a foiled escape attempt, a known Soviet/Russian intelligence practice.
Broader Russian embassy context
Russian embassies historically function more as intelligence centres than pure diplomatic posts, a role intensified recently, according to Khmelnitsky.
“Eight advisors, colonel-equivalent, at the Russian Embassy in Cyprus alone,” he states.
No confirmed link exists to Vladislav Baumgertner’s disappearance, Uralkali ex-head missing in Cyprus the day before Panov’s death.
Russian authorities have not detailed the cause. The embassy’s terse statement refers to a “deep personal tragedy for his family,” using only initials. No public data exists on Alexei Panov’s life or actions.
Also read: Russian Embassy announcement regarding the death of employees in Cyprus
Subscribe to our Youtube channel for the latest updates.
