Third Russian suspect accused of attempted murder in Salisbury Novichok attack
CCTV images of the man have now been released
Last updated 21st Sep 2021
A third suspect has been identified and had charges authorised against them in relation to the Novichok attack in Salisbury in 2018.
Detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing have continued to investigate the attack on Sergei and Yulia Skripal and Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey in March of that year and found a third man who they believed to be involved.
Enquiries identified a man known as ‘Sergey Fedotov’ entering the UK at approximately 11:00hrs on Friday 2 March 2018 on a flight from Moscow to London Heathrow.
This was around four hours prior to the first two suspects, Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov, arriving from the Russian capital into Gatwick airport.
Evidence gathered by the investigation team suggests that Fedotov met with Petrov and Boshirov on more than one occasion in central London over the course of the weekend.
Evidence also suggests that the three men previously worked together, for the GRU, as part of operations outside of Russia.
All three men – ‘Sergey Fedotov’, ‘Alexander Petrov’ and ‘Ruslan Boshirov’ – are now wanted by UK police and arrest warrants are in place for all three.
The process of applying for Interpol notices will commence for Sergey Fedotov today, with Interpol Notices already in place for both Petrov and Boshirov.
'IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO CHARGE FEDOTOV'
Prosecutors from the CPS Counter Terrorism Division considered the evidence against 'Fedotov' and they have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction and that it is clearly in the public interest to charge Sergey Fedotov with the following offences:
• conspiracy to murder Sergei Skripal;
• attempted murder of Sergei Skripal, Yulia Skripal and Nick Bailey;
• causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Yulia Skripal and Nick Bailey;
• and possession and use of a chemical weapon, contrary to the Chemical Weapons Act 1996
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dean Haydon, who has been leading the Counter Terrorism Police investigation into the Salisbury and Amesbury attacks said:
“This marks another significant development in our investigation. Ever since these terrible incidents occurred, we were clear that we would be relentless in our investigation and our pursuit of justice for the victims of the attacks and their families.
“Whilst public attention gradually moved away from what happened in Salisbury and Amesbury, the investigation team has remained absolutely focused, meticulously poring over the evidence and building our case. This has been one of the most complex investigations ever undertaken in Counter Terrorism policing and the skill, professionalism and dedication shown by everyone involved has been remarkable.
“We continue to appeal to the public for any information that might assist with our investigation. The information we’re releasing now may well jog somebody’s memory, so I would urge you to get in touch with any information about the three men we have identified – whether you may have seen them in the UK between 2-4 March 2018, or if you know them.”
Anyone with information should call police in confidence on 0800 789 321 or email salisbury2018@met.police.uk
Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned with the nerve agent after it's believed they came into contact with it on their door handle.
Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey, who was the first officer into the former Russian spy's home, also became seriously ill with Novichok poisoning.
All three survived.
In June 2018, Dawn Sturgess and her partner Charlie Rowley also both fell ill in nearby Amesbury.
They were exposed to the nerve agent, after Mr Rowley found what he believed to be a bottle of perfume which contained the substance.
Ms Sturgess died at the beginning of July.
Officers cannot account for the whereabouts of the bottle, nozzle or box between the attack on the Skripals and Nick Bailey on 4 March 2018 and when Charlie Rowley said he found it on 27 June 2018.
Anyone who saw the pink box, or glass bottle during this time should call police, in confidence, on 0800 789 321 or email salisbury2018@met.police.uk.
Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said:
“I welcome the significant news today from the Counter Terrorism Policing Network regarding the identification of a further suspect in relation to the ongoing investigation in to the Salisbury Novichok attack. Furthermore, I also welcome the news from the CPS that sufficient evidence has been secured to bring charges against this third individual, ‘Sergey FEDOTOV’ (alias for Denis SERGEEV).
“I know this announcement by the CT Policing network today will affect many people – the victims, their families and the communities of Salisbury and Amesbury. These shocking incidents had a significant impact on all involved and my thoughts, and those of Wiltshire Police, remain with Sergei and Yulia Skripal, Charlie Rowley, the family of Dawn Sturgess, who tragically died, and former Wiltshire Police Detective Sergeant, Nick Bailey.
"The Counter Terrorism Policing Network investigation team continues to work tirelessly to seek to bring those responsible to justice and Wiltshire Police will continue to offer our full and ongoing support in this investigation. "