Police still seek van in 2018 New Malden murder
Investigators are appealing for information regarding a black Volkswagen van seen near the home of Nikolai Glushkov on the night before his death.
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Investigators are continuing to seek information about a black Volkswagen van that was present in the vicinity of Clarence Avenue, New Malden, on the evening of 11 March 2018. The vehicle and its driver have not been traced since the night before Russian businessman Nikolai Glushkov was found dead at his home.
Murder investigation details
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Police are appealing for witnesses after a 40-year-old man died at the scene on Friday evening.
Mr Glushkov, 68, was discovered at his home on the evening of 12 March 2018. A post-mortem examination revealed he had been strangled, prompting the launch of a murder investigation by police. Despite public appeals and the passage of nearly nine years, no one has been arrested in connection with his death.
A spokesperson for Counter Terror Policing in London confirmed to The Standard that the investigation into Mr Glushkov's death is ongoing. However, the spokesperson stated that there are currently no active lines of enquiry. The black Volkswagen van remains a significant focus for investigators, who consider it an important line of inquiry.
Mr Glushkov, a former deputy director of Russian state airline Aeroflot, was a known critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He had been granted political asylum in the UK in 2010. He had previously served prison time for fraud and money laundering charges in Russia and received a suspended sentence for another fraud count in 2006.
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Explosion damaged homes and cars over 100m away, with a child's bedroom window frame affected.
Public appeals for information
Officers have pursued leads generated from previous public appeals, but these have not led to significant breakthroughs. The public is urged to contact the Anti-Terrorism Hotline on 0800 789 321, quoting Operation Bulblet, if they have any information. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
According to information from freegrantsforfelons.org, nine murder investigations in London from the past 40 years remain unsolved. The source notes that most victims in these cold cases were stabbed, and in six instances, rewards of £20,000 or more were offered for information.
Questions this report answers
+When was Nikolai Glushkov found dead?
Nikolai Glushkov was found dead at his home on Clarence Avenue, New Malden, on the evening of 12 March 2018. A post-mortem examination determined that he had been strangled, leading to the launch of a murder investigation.
+What is police seeking information about?
Police are seeking information about a black Volkswagen van that was seen in and around Clarence Avenue on the evening of 11 March 2018, the day before Mr Glushkov's body was discovered. The vehicle and its driver have not been traced.
+Has anyone been arrested in connection with the murder?
No arrests have been made in connection with the murder of Nikolai Glushkov. Counter Terror Policing in London has stated that while the investigation remains open, there are currently no active lines of enquiry.
+How can I provide information about the case?
Anyone with information is asked to call the Anti-Terrorism Hotline on 0800 789 321, quoting Operation Bulblet. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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