A protracted period of tensions in Nicosia-Moscow relations, with the government referring to a Russian misinformation campaign following the ongoing 'Videogate', has been made more complex by two cases that the CID is currently looking into and which have seemingly raised security levels.
The death of a high ranking member of the Russian Embassy in Nicosia and the disappearance of Russian businessman Vladislav Baumgertner in Pissouri, are causing concern to authorities.
What happened at the Embassy
According to an ANT1 Cyprus report, a high ranking member of the Russian Embassy was found dead in his office last Thursday.
The same sources say it took a while to inform authorities and when police arrived at the scene they were not allowed inside the building, with the body handed over to officers in the courtyard.
The CID requested the due process on-scene investigation but the Russian Embassy declined, informing them that the official had taken his own life. He seems to also have left a note, which was not delivered to Cyprus authorities, with the Embassy saying it will be sent to Moscow.
The foreign ministry has been informed and is keeping abreast of developments, with Republic security services monitoring. An autopsy was expected some time during the day.
Russian Businessman vanishes in Limassol
Meanwhile, police is still looking for 56 year old Vladislav Baumgertner, who went missing in the Pissouri area on January 7th.
#Ελλείπον πρόσωπο. https://t.co/9kyvAgJAbb pic.twitter.com/hOd4mxq9SC
— Αστυνομία Κύπρου (@Cyprus_Police) January 11, 2026
The Russian businessman is being described as 1.90 tall, thin built, with grey hair. He was last seen wearing black shorts and a black t-shirt.
Helicopters and drones have been assisting in the search off Pissouri, but weather conditions are hampering efforts. His phone pinged near a cliff for the last time, which has further raised concern.
Russian tensions in the backdrop
The two separate incidents are being investigated in the backdrop of bilateral tensions between Cyprus and Russia as Nicosia has clearly referred to an attempt at misinformation campaigns and other pressures, directed by 'Russian centres', particularly after the 'Videogate' broke.
As 'Politis' reports, the coincidence is too obvious to go unnoticed and puts a whole different bearing on the two cases, as authorities are looking into what happened and whether there might be any connection.
Police will not be making any statements until such time forensic examinations have been completed.