Suspect Arrested in Biała Podlaska Murder Investigation

Polish authorities have apprehended a 36-year-old Georgian national suspected of murdering a 44-year-old Russian critic in Biała Podlaska, with officials currently working to identify the potential mastermind behind the hit.

Arrest and Investigation

On Thursday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the arrest of a suspect in the murder of 44-year-old Robert K. in Biała Podlaska. The individual, who carries a Georgian passport, was apprehended by Lublin police and the Internal Security Agency (ABW).

Marcin Kierwiński clarified that the 36-year-old suspect is directly accused of the murder, refuting earlier reports that the man had served only as the driver. Two Belarusian nationals previously detained in the case were released due to a lack of evidence linking them to the crime.

Evidence and Surveillance

Radio ZET reported that police used surveillance footage to identify the license plates of a vehicle involved in the shooting. Witnesses observed the car moving slowly through a park, appearing to wait for the shooter to return.

Prior to the breakthrough, investigators had searched unsuccessfully for burned vehicles across the country, suspecting the perpetrator might attempt to destroy the getaway car. Police counter-terrorism units are now leading the ongoing investigation into the suspect’s connections.

The Victim and Circumstances

The victim, an artist known as Simon Skrepecki, was a vocal critic of the Russian government and Vladimir Putin. He was shot on a sidewalk in a residential area on Monday, June 12.

Forensic examination revealed seven gunshot wounds, including five entry wounds, to the head, chest, and back. Prime Minister Tusk noted that while everything points to a political assassination, officials are waiting for concrete evidence. The victim had previously declined police protection for unknown reasons.