Polish police detain suspect in murder of Russian critic in Biała Podlaska

On 15 June 2026 a 44‑year‑old Russian artist and outspoken critic of Vladimir Putin, Siemion Skrepetski (also known as Robert Kuzowkow), was shot dead on Królowej Jadwigi Street in the town of Biała Podlaska, Poland. Police recovered five bullet wounds – three from a distance and two at close range – and found a 9 mm cartridge at the scene.

The investigation was led by a special task‑force of the Lublin Provincial Police, supported by BOA and SPKP counter‑terror units and agents of the Internal Security Agency (ABW). Two Belarusian nationals were initially detained but later released.

On 18 June 2026 detectives arrested a 36‑year‑old man near Warsaw in Piastów. He carries a Georgian passport and is believed to be of Chechen origin. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the suspect “posługuje się gruzińskim paszportem” and that authorities are working to identify the alleged hiring party. Minister of Internal Affairs Marcin Kierwiński said the arrest was the result of “intensive work of many services” and that “the search for the instigator continues.”

Police continue to appeal for witnesses and any dash‑cam or CCTV footage from the area of the shooting.