A suspected spy with family ties to Russia’s shadowy FSB has been found dead outside the country’s embassy in Berlin.
Kirill Zhalo, 35, was found lifeless outside the building in central Berlin at 7.20am on October 19 by German guards assigned to protect it. Medics were called but were unable to revive him.
Zhalo appears to have fallen to his death from the upper floor of the building, German newspaper Der Spiegel said, as it broke news of the death today.
But no official cause of death has been given because the embassy refused an autopsy and German prosecutors have no powers to investigate because of Zhalo’s diplomatic status.
Zhalo’s body was repatriated to Russia the following day.
The Russian embassy has acknowledged Zhalo’s death since the news became public, describing it as a ‘tragic accident’ and saying it will not comment further for ‘ethical reasons.’
Germany’s foreign ministry also confirmed the death today, but said it cannot give more information due to ‘privacy reasons’.
Zhalo was identified by investigative websites Bellingcat and The Insider, which said he is the son of prominent FSB officer Lieutenant General Alexei Zhalo.
Full story at the Daily Mail
