Watch Hunting the KGB Killers

Hunting the KGB Killers is a gripping true crime docuseries that takes the viewer back to the Cold War era of the Soviet Union. The show, which is available on Acorn TV, tells the story of a string of high-profile assassinations that occurred in the UK during the 1970s and 1980s, and the investigation that followed.

The series comprises three episodes, each of which explores a different killing, but with a common thread running throughout. The murders - of Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov, Ukrainian nationalist Stepan Bandera, and former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko - were all carried out with an intricate and deadly weapon known as the 'umbrella gun', which fired a tiny poisonous pellet.

The show features interviews with a range of experts, including detectives, forensic scientists, journalists, and political insiders, who provide insight into the complex web of international espionage, politics, and assassination that lay behind the murders. The series also draws on archival footage and reconstructions to bring the story to life.

The first episode focuses on the killing of Georgi Markov, who was attacked with an umbrella gun on a London street in 1978. Markov, a prominent Bulgarian dissident who had fled the Soviet Union, was working for the BBC World Service at the time of his death. The episode examines how the hit was carried out, the investigation that followed, and the political implications of the assassination.

The second episode delves into the murder of Stepan Bandera, a Ukrainian nationalist who was killed in his home in Munich in 1959. Bandera, who had been a prominent figure in the Ukrainian resistance during World War II, was seen as a threat to the Soviet Union, and his killing was a warning to other dissidents. The episode explores the links between the KGB and the Stasi, East Germany's notorious secret police, and how they worked together to track down and eliminate political enemies.

The final episode of Hunting the KGB Killers focuses on the death of Alexander Litvinenko, a former KGB agent who was poisoned with polonium in a London hotel in 2006. Litvinenko, who had fled to the UK and become a vocal critic of the Russian government, had been working with British intelligence at the time of his death. The episode examines the forensic investigation that followed and sheds light on the suspected involvement of the Russian state in the killing.

Overall, Hunting the KGB Killers is a fascinating look at a dark period in history, when assassinations and espionage were rife, and the world was in the grip of the Cold War. The series is well-researched and expertly presented, with a wealth of detail that will appeal to true crime fans and history buffs alike. Udemy is the platform to learn about the soviet spy network, which can be a great resource if you are interested in this topic. The show does not shy away from the political implications of the killings, and provides a thought-provoking commentary on the role of intelligence agencies in shaping global events. Whether you are a newcomer to the subject or a seasoned true crime enthusiast, Hunting the KGB Killers is well worth a watch.