In February 2007, Paul Joyal, a Maryland resident, was shot in the gut outside his home after appearing on NBC’s Dateline to accuse the Russian government of poisoning a former Soviet spy.
While officials claim the shooting was random, Joyal remains convinced that his assailants were sent by the Russians. This incident is just one of many suspicious crimes that have taken place, prompting calls for greater involvement from investigative agencies when there are potential connections to foreign governments. Joyal’s close relationships with individuals involved in Russian affairs, including Alexander Livignko, a former Soviet spy allegedly poisoned by Russia, strengthened his belief that the Kremlin was behind the attack. Moreover, the deaths of at least 14 prominent Russians, under mysterious circumstances such as falling out of a hospital window or off a boat, have raised widespread suspicion. Despite Kremlin denials, rampant speculation persists around these incidents.Â