Andrey Lugovoy: UK only ordered Litvinenko inquiry after falling out with Russia

Former KGB bodyguard mocks proceedings into Alexander Litvinenko's death as an 'old story' and suggests inquiry should be held in Russia

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Russian businessman and the main suspect in Litvinenko murder case, speaking at his office
Former KGB bodyguard Andrey Lugovoy Credit: Photo: DMITRY BELIAKOV

The prime suspect in the murder of Alexander Litvinenko has refused to take part in the inquiry in to his death, dismissing it as a “judicial farce”.

Andrey Lugovoy, a former KGB bodyguard, mocked the proceedings as an “old story”and suggested the inquiry should be held in Russia.

He said the UK had only ordered a public inquiry after falling out with Russia over Ukraine.

Lugovoy, along with Dmitry Kovtun, are accused of poisoning Mr Litvinenko with the radioactive polonium-210 during a meeting in London in November 2006.

During its opening day on Tuesday, the inquiry heard there was “no doubt whatsoever” that the pair was responsible and that there was “prima facie” evidence they were operating on orders of the Kremlin.

Lugovoy and Kovtun deny the charges but refuse to leave Russia. They have been invited to give evidence to the inquiry via a video link.

But within hours of the inquiry starting, Lugovoy gave interviews in Russia dismissing proceedings and insisting he would not be taking part.

He said initially he was prepared to cooperate with the investigations but pulled out several years ago when it emerged material on Litvinenko’s dealings with MI6 would remain secret.

He said: “"I said in 2013 after they classified all the material that I would not participate in this judicial farce.

He added; “When the situation in Ukraine kicked off and the UK geographical interest had likely begun to change they had decided to dust off the moth balls and commence proceedings."

He said he "couldn't care less about what's happening" in Britain in response to the start of the inquiry.

Reading a translation to the inquiry, Ben Emmerson QC, for the Litvinenko family, said Lugovoy added: “This is an old story you are rehashing, an old story now.”

In another interview he also claimed he had not been invited to give evidence to the inquiry and would not be taking part.

Mr Emmerson said it was wrong to say he had not been invited to take part.