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Spanish Judge Provisionally Closes Probe Into Killing of Russian Defector Maxim Kuzminov

The case is suspended after the Guardia Civil reported it could not identify the gunmen or any mastermind.

Overview

  • The order, signed in September by the Court of Instance No. 3 in La Vila Joiosa, is now final with no appeal, though the case can be reopened if new evidence emerges under Spanish criminal procedure.
  • Kuzminov, 33, was shot multiple times on February 13, 2024 in the garage of his residential complex in Villajoyosa, Alicante.
  • Forensic teams recovered six Soviet‑type casings and noted three bullet impacts at the scene, and a suspected getaway car was later found burned in nearby El Campello.
  • Investigators explored a possible contract killing linked to Russia’s foreign intelligence after public denunciations by senior Russian officials, a hypothesis that remains unproven.
  • Reporting cites Spanish intelligence sources who believe the Kremlin ordered the hit, while a lack of cooperation from Russian authorities reportedly stalled progress in the inquiry.