Third Novichok attack suspect charged with GBH, attempted murder, use of chemical weapon

Denis Sergeev has been charged with 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.

The suspect is believed to have been using an alias and work for the same Russian military intelligence service as the other two suspects.

Detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing have continued to investigate the attack on Sergei and Yulia Skripal and Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey in March 2018, as well as the murder of Dawn Sturgess and poisoning of Charlie Rowley in Amesbury in June 2018.

They identified Sergey Fedotov and began collecting evidence which they then presented to prosecutors from the Crown Prosecution Service's Counter-Terrorism Division, who considered the evidence and decided there is enough to provide a realistic chance of conviction.

THE INVESTIGATION

Police enquiries uncovered evidence to show that ‘Sergey Fedotov’ is an alias for ‘Denis Sergeev’ and that he is a member of the Russian military intelligence service, the GRU.

Further evidence shows that ‘Ruslan Boshirov’ and ‘Alexander Petrov’ are aliases for ‘Anatoliy Chepiga’ and ‘Alexander Mishkin’ respectively, and that these individuals are members of the GRU as well.

Enquiries identified a man known as ‘Sergey Fedotov’ entering the UK at approximately 11am on Friday March 2 2018 on flight from Moscow to London Heathrow. This was around four hours prior to Petrov and Boshirov arriving from Moscow into Gatwick airport.

Detectives identified that Fedotov stayed at a hotel in central London between March 2 and March 4 2018. Tests were carried out in the room Fedotov is believed to have stayed in, but no traces of Novichok and no risk to the public were identified from these.

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. Fedotov left the UK on Sunday March 4 2018 on a flight to Moscow departing from Heathrow at approximately 1.45pm.

Sergey Fedotov arriving in Heathrow on March 2 2018 and leaving on March 4

Evidence suggests that Petrov, Boshirov and Fedotov previously worked together, for the GRU as part of operations outside of Russia. As is the case with Petrov and Boshirov, detectives believe that Fedotov was using an alias when visiting the UK and has been identified as ‘Denis Sergeev’.

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.

'SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT'

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dean Haydon has been leading the Counter Terrorism Police investigation into the Salisbury and Amesbury attacks.

He 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.

“While 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."

APPEAL FOR INFORMATION

Police continue to appeal to the public for any information regarding these three men whilst they were in the UK between March 2 and 4 2018. Detectives are releasing three images of Sergey Fedotov and anyone who knows them or saw any of the three men should call police in confidence on 0800 789 321 or email salisbury2018@met.police.uk

Mr Haydon added: “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 March 2-4 2018, or if you know them.”

Since the announcement in September 2018 that charges had been authorised against two men known as ‘Alexander Petrov’ and ‘Ruslan Boshirov’, the investigation team has continued to work to gather further evidence and identify anyone else who may have been involved in the attacks.

WHY CHARGES WERE AUTHORISED

Nick Price, CPS Head of Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said "We are working closely with the police to ensure that, where possible, those responsible for this attack are brought to justice.

"Our specialist prosecutors have considered the additional evidence against the third suspect and 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, who is a Russian national, with a number of offences including conspiracy to murder, attempted murder and the use and possession of a chemical weapon.

"We will not be applying to Russia for the extradition of Sergey Fedotov as the Russian constitution does not permit extradition of its own nationals. Russia has made this clear following requests for extradition in other cases. Should this position change then an extradition request would be made.

"A realistic prospect of conviction means that the CPS is satisfied on an objective assessment that the evidence can be used in court and that an objective, impartial and reasonable jury hearing the case, properly directed and acting in accordance with the law, is more likely than not to convict Sergey Fedotov of the charges.

"It is of course for a jury to decide whether the evidence is enough for them to be sure of the suspect’s guilt.”

MISSING PERFUME

The investigation into the attacks in Salisbury and Amesbury remains ongoing and police also continue to urge anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation team to get in touch if they haven’t already done so.

Detectives are still keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the counterfeit ‘Nina Ricci’ perfume box or bottle, which was recovered from Charlie Rowley’s address in July 2018.

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