Russian security services are reportedly on the hunt for one of their own officers in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate President Vladimir Putin.
The suspected conspiracy came to light following a chance encounter between the would-be assassin, described as a rogue officer from an undisclosed Russian law enforcement agency, and a businessman at a suburban karaoke bar.
This revelation was reported by the Telegram channel VChK-OGPU, which claims to have close ties to Russia’s security apparatus. According to the report, Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs learned of the purported plan to kill Putin, who is turning 71, earlier this week from a specialist in the presidential administrative directorate.
The specialist had received an early-morning phone call from a man identifying himself as 37-year-old Mikhail Yurchenko, as per a source speaking to VChk-OGPU. Yurchenko introduced himself as an entrepreneur in the construction field and expressed alarm about his involvement in what he described as a “strange story.” This unusual incident unfolded at the swanky karaoke bar “Honey” in the city of Chekhov, located about 40 miles from Moscow.
The whistleblower’s account revealed that he encountered an unfamiliar individual at the karaoke bar, leading to an extended and deeply personal conversation focused on subjects like the ongoing war and the prospective future in Russia, as disclosed by the Telegram channel.
During their interaction, Yurchenko’s newfound companion unexpectedly revealed a red service identification card and proclaimed that he had a mission to “eliminate Vladimir Putin,” according to VChK-OGPU. Yurchenko chose not to engage in an argument and promptly shifted the conversation to another topic.
Interestingly, the businessman couldn’t recall the name of his drinking companion and had not had a clear look at the identification card the individual had presented.
Nonetheless, the conversation left Yurchenko unsettled, and after several days of concern, he decided to report the encounter to the authorities. His account is said to have triggered a manhunt for the potential assassin.
Following Yurchenko’s tip, law enforcement officials visited the karaoke bar to investigate the situation further and gather information.
