A high-ranking official was found dead inside the Russian Embassy in Nicosia. Public Domain
Cyprus is in shock following a double mystery involving a Russian missing tycoon and a Russian dead diplomat, as the island nation is still reeling over allegations of black money revealed last week in a social media video
The intrigue began on January 7 with the disappearance of Vladislav Baumgertner, the 56-year-old former CEO of potash giant Uralkali. Baumgertner, a high-profile figure known for a 2013 diplomatic standoff in Belarus, vanished after leaving his Limassol residence.
A massive search operation involving drones and helicopters has focused on the rugged cliffs of Pissouri, where his mobile phone last pinged. However, torrential winter storms have forced police to suspend the search, leaving his fate unknown.
The mystery deepened less than 24 hours later. On January 8, a high-ranking official was found dead inside the Russian Embassy in Nicosia. While embassy sources have pointed toward natural causes, the timing—occurring at the height of a search for a prominent Russian national—has sparked intense speculation of a coordinated “cleanup” or a message to the Cypriot government.
Hubrid attack on Cyprus by Russia?
These incidents are unfolding against the backdrop of what Cyprus calls a “hybrid attack.” Just as President Nikos Christodoulides welcomed world leaders, including Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, to celebrate the EU Presidency, a malicious video surfaced on the X platform.
The 8-minute clip, allegedly produced by Russian disinformation cells, uses a mix of real footage and suspected AI deepfakes to accuse the President’s inner circle of handling “black money” for the 2028 elections.
The Cypriot government has formally requested forensic aid from the FBI and European intelligence agencies to peel back the layers of this digital and physical warfare.