About
Alexander Litvinenko was a British-naturalised Russian defector and former officer of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). As a specialist in tackling organized crime, he gained notoriety as a vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Litvinenko advised British intelligence and is credited with coining the term "mafia state." His life and career were marked by controversy and ultimately ended with his poisoning in London.
Career Timeline
Joins KGB
Begins career in Soviet security services.
Public Criticism of FSB
Publicly accused FSB of ordering assassination.
Asylum in United Kingdom
Sought political asylum in the UK, becoming a vocal critic of Putin.
Advises British Intelligence
Worked with British intelligence agencies, sharing information on Russian organized crime.
Poisoned in London
Fatally poisoned with polonium-210 in London.
Symbol of Russian Opposition
Remains a symbol of opposition to Putin's regime, but his story is fading from mainstream awareness.
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Last updated: February 25, 2026