Poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko
A murder traced to rare poison
4.4 (11)
71 mins
Get to know the chilling story behind the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko in London. Explore how a rare radioactive substance turned a quiet meeting into an international crisis.
Ep 1:
The Tea That Killed a Man
In a wood-paneled London bar, three sips of tea set off history's strangest assassination—one that accidentally irradiated a city and pointed straight at the Kremlin.
Ep 2:
From Loyal Spy to Marked Man
Before he was a dissident, Litvinenko was a loyal officer ordered to kill an oligarch—his refusal, and a chilling handshake with Putin, sealed his fate.
Ep 3:
Chicken Pancakes and Poison
Fleeing to London, Litvinenko rebuilt his life as an MI6 asset and Kremlin critic, escalating accusations against Putin until one fateful anniversary dinner never got eaten.
Ep 4:
Tracing a Radioactive Ghost
As Litvinenko's body inexplicably collapses, baffled doctors chase a mystery poison while he races the clock to tell police who did this to him.
Ep 5:
Bumbling Assassins, Nuclear Fingerprints
A chance spike on a Geiger counter cracks the case wide open, revealing a botched, three-attempt assassination plot soaked in radioactive fingerprints across London.
Ep 6:
A Dying Man Names His Killer
Sent to interview suspects in Moscow, detectives meet stonewalling and staged confessions, while the killers' own carelessness—and Kovtun's failed cold-call to a chef—undoes their cover.
Ep 7:
The Long Shadow of Silence
From his hospital bed, Litvinenko names Putin as his killer; years of political stalling follow before a judge finally declares the truth in open court.
Discussions (7)
Roger
Level 7 · 6 mo agoKillers were total noobs
Ralph
Level 6 · 6 mo agoWorst tea party ever.
Griffin
Level 5 · 6 mo agoThe fact that Kovtun tried to call a random cook for help is hilarious. Absolute amateur hour.
