Russian journalist testifies in Tiergarten murder trial revealing links to Russian security services

In the Tiergarten murder trial held in Berlin starting in 2020, investigative journalist Roman Dobrochotow, chief editor of The Insider, testified on 25 November 2021 about his research connecting the accused, under the alias Vadim Sokolov, to the real identity Vadim Krasikov and the Russian FSB’s special forces unit Vympel. Dobrochotow presented evidence from Russian government databases, witness accounts including taxi drivers and family members, as well as video footage of similar murders committed in Russia. The accused's ties suggest a background in Russian 'Silowiki' military and security structures and involvement in covert killings abroad. The defense challenged these findings but lacked concrete documentation. Dobrochotow’s investigative team has faced state repression in Russia, with offices raided and staff forced to flee. The trial adds to the narrative of Russian state involvement in extraterritorial assassinations.