Georgian suspect in murder of Putin critic Kuzowkow remanded for three months in Poland

The attack

On Monday, 15 June, at about 9:30–9:45 am on a pavement in a housing estate in Biała Podlaska, a man approached 44‑year‑old Russian citizen Robert Kuzowkow and fired two shots from a handgun. When the victim fell, the attacker walked up and fired three more rounds at close range. An autopsy recorded seven gunshot wounds to the head, chest and back (five entry, two exit).

“It looked like an execution. Several shots from close range and one to finish him off.”

The victim, known publicly as Siemion Skriepiecki (also spelled Simion Skrepecki), was a caricaturist and satirist who ridiculed Vladimir Putin, Alexander Lukashenko and Ramzan Kadyrov. He had moved to Poland in 2021, claiming he faced political persecution in Russia. According to deputy minister Radosław Kujawa, Polish services had warned Kuzowkow of danger, but he declined the protection that is offered upon request. RMF FM reported that the artist had received threats on social media before his death.

The suspect

Elnur A., a 36‑year‑old Georgian citizen, was arrested on Thursday morning in a hostel in Piastów near Warsaw and brought to the Lublin prosecutor’s office on Friday evening. He was charged with the 15 June murder of a Russian Federation citizen. The suspect did not confess before the prosecutor and initially refused to give explanations. On Saturday, the Lublin‑Zachód District Court ordered him held in pre‑trial detention for three months.

“Today the Lublin‑Zachód District Court in Lublin imposed a preventive measure of three months’ temporary arrest on the 36‑year‑old suspect.”

The court cited the risk of flight, possible obstruction of the investigation and the severe penalty (life imprisonment) as grounds. Judge Renata Borek, spokesperson for the Regional Court in Lublin, said that although the preparatory proceedings are short, the evidence gathered so far is sufficient to render the charge probable. For the first time, the suspect gave partial explanations before the court, but their content was not disclosed in the interest of the investigation. His defence lawyer stated that he will appeal the detention.

Political dimensions

Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the case is being treated very seriously, adding that there is a suspicion of masterminds behind the potential killer. He noted that a confirmed foreign‑ordered assassination would be the first such case in Poland.

“The case of the Russian’s murder is being treated very seriously. There is a suspicion that there are masterminds behind this potential killer.”

Minister Tomasz Siemoniak confirmed that the possibility of foreign involvement will be examined particularly intensively. Police are still investigating whether the suspect acted alone or had help in organising the attack and his escape.

Investigation

“If someone approaches a specific person on the street and fires shots, everything indicates that he planned to kill him. However, we do not yet know the perpetrator’s motives.”

The suspect used a passport issued to a 36‑year‑old Georgian citizen. Police currently believe he probably acted alone, but all circumstances are being checked. The prosecutor’s office applied for arrest on the grounds of flight risk, obstruction and the gravity of the penalty. The case is being handled by the Lublin branch of the National Prosecutor’s Office for organised crime.