Business ties: According to Gusinsky’s ex-wife, he frequently boasted of having strong ties to the FBI. This connection began in the 1990s when he hired a Washington communications firm to build relationships in U.S. political circles.
Revoked visa: At the FBI’s request, Gusinsky’s U.S. visa was revoked in 2022. He subsequently left the United States for Israel in January 2023, the day after McGonigal’s arrest.
No charges filed: Despite the scrutiny and investigation into his finances, Gusinsky has not been charged with any crime related to the McGonigal case.
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 9, 2025
Day: September 9, 2025
Gusinsky and the FBI – Google Search google.com/search?q=Gusinsky…
As of 2025, Russian oligarch Vladimir Gusinsky is under scrutiny by the FBI due to his connections to former top FBI agent Charles McGonigal. While Gusinsky has not been charged with a crime, agents have questioned his former wife and employees about their relationship. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Context of the FBI scrutiny
• McGonigal’s conviction: Charles McGonigal, the former head of counterintelligence in the FBI’s New York office, pleaded guilty to sanctions evasion and money laundering. McGonigal was later sentenced to four years in prison.
• Associates’ involvement: McGonigal’s indictment was linked to Sergei Shestakov, a former Russian diplomat who had previously worked for Gusinsky. Shestakov was scheduled to go on trial for related charges in early 2025.
• Gusinsky’s connections: Gusinsky was introduced to McGonigal by Shestakov, and McGonigal reportedly dined at Gusinsky’s house on at least two occasions. According to his former wife, Elena Konstantinou, Gusinsky had often boasted about his connections within the FBI. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Gusinsky’s recent legal and financial troubles
The FBI investigation is the latest of several recent issues for Gusinsky.
• Divorce: A U.S. judge finalized his contentious three-year divorce from Elena Konstantinou in August 2025. Gusinsky, who claimed to have no income and very few assets, was awarded a foreclosed mansion, while Konstantinou received the family’s main residence, artwork, and jewelry.
• Financial distress: Gusinsky’s financial situation is reportedly dire. By early 2025, he had informed creditors he was bankrupt and was deep in debt, including to other prominent Russians. He has been embroiled in multiple lawsuits for millions of dollars in unpaid loans and other debts.
• Forced exile: In the early 2000s, Gusinsky was forced into exile by Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose government took control of Gusinsky’s independent TV channel, NTV. He now lives in Israel. [7, 8, 9, 10]
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] rferl.org/a/33503187.html[2] rferl.org/a/russia-sanctions…] sites.tufts.edu/fletcherruss…] rferl.org/a/russia-gusinsky-…] rferl.org/a/russia-gusinsky-…] facebook.com/rferl/posts/it-…] rferl.org/a/russia-gusinsky-…] agents.media/vladimir-gusins…] rferl.org/a/33503187.html[10] rferl.org/a/russia-gusinsky-…
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— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 9, 2025
Was the Mikhail Lesin suspicious death in 2015 investigated by the Washington , D.C. police or the FBI? – Google Search google.com/search?q=Was+the+…
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Was the Mikhail Lesin suspicious death in 2015 investigated by the Washington , D.C. police or the FBI?
Both the Washington D.C. police and the FBI were involved in the investigation into the 2015 death of Russian media executive Mikhail Lesin.
Here is a breakdown of their roles:
D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD): The MPD initially conducted the death investigation, as the body was found in a hotel in its jurisdiction.
FBI: The FBI assisted the MPD and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia throughout the investigation.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia: This office was responsible for overseeing the overall case.
Investigation into the Death of Mikhail Lesin Has Closed
Manner of Death Determined an Accident. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with assistance fr…
Favicon
Department of Justice (.gov)
Putin Ally Died in U.S. After Drunken Fall, Not Foul Play, Prosecutors …
He was 57. * “Based on the evidence, including video footage and witness interviews, Mr. Lesin entered his hotel room on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015,Favicon
The New York Times
The joint investigation was concluded in October 2016. At that time, the D.C. Chief Medical Examiner changed the manner of death from “undetermined” to “accident,” citing blunt force injuries from falls and acute ethanol intoxication. However, this finding has been disputed by others, and Lesin’s death continues to be a subject of speculation.— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 9, 2025
Under what circumstances does the FBI usually reopen the suspicious death cases? – Google Search google.com/search?q=Under+wh…
Mistakes in the original investigation: If evidence surfaces that indicates the original investigation was botched or inadequate, a new inquiry may be warranted.
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The FBI is generally not the primary investigator for suspicious death cases, which are typically handled by state and local authorities. The FBI will only open or reopen an investigation in limited circumstances that fall under federal jurisdiction or when local agencies specifically request assistance. [1, 2, 3]
New and compelling evidence
A case can be reopened, regardless of how long ago it was closed, if new, credible, and exculpatory or inculpatory evidence emerges. This can include:• Technological advances: DNA testing, improved forensic analysis, or a new database may provide new evidence not available during the initial investigation.
• A new witness or a changed testimony: A new lead from a witness who comes forward years later, or a previous witness who provides new or differing accounts, can trigger a review.
• Mistakes in the original investigation: If evidence surfaces that indicates the original investigation was botched or inadequate, a new inquiry may be warranted. [4, 6, 7, 8, 9]Federal jurisdiction
The FBI is more likely to open or reopen a case if it involves one or more elements that establish a federal offense, such as:• Civil rights violations: The Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI launched the “Cold Case Initiative” in 2006 to identify and investigate racially motivated murders from the Civil Rights era. The Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act directs them to review civil rights-era killings.
• Crime on federal land: The death occurred on a military base, national park, or other federal property.
• Federal victim or criminal: The victim was a federal official, or the suspect is a federal fugitive.
• Interstate crime: The crime crossed state lines, such as in cases of kidnapping, or the movement of a body across state borders.
• Serial killing: The FBI can investigate serial killings if requested by state law enforcement. The FBI’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP) focuses on serial murders and other violent crimes. [3, 10, 11, 12, 13]Local request for assistance
The FBI does not take over local investigations. Instead, local law enforcement agencies can request federal support when a case is particularly complex or has exhausted all local resources. This can lead to the FBI’s involvement in a cold case review by providing:• Specialized resources: The FBI’s lab, behavioral analysis unit, and other resources can provide forensic expertise that may not be available to a local agency.
• Joint task forces: The FBI can partner with local agencies to form a task force to tackle particularly difficult cases. [3, 14]The Homicide Victims’ Families’ Rights Act of 2008
This federal law enables the family members of a cold case victim to request a file review by the investigating federal law enforcement agency. For eligible cases, the law requires the agency to review the file if the homicide occurred after January 1, 1970, was previously investigated by a federal entity, and all investigative leads have been exhausted. [15]AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] goldsteinhilley.com/news/whe…] fbi.gov/about/faqs/where-is-…] quora.com/How-does-the-FBI-h…] investigativeacademy.com/pis…] quora.com/In-a-criminal-inve…] quora.com/How-is-it-decided-…] youtube.com/watch?v=1DWEsaxB…] stricklandwebster.com/habeas…] nkylawyers.com/blog/2024/08/…] law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/…] justice.gov/crt/cold-case-in…] justice.gov/hatecrimes/spotl…] fbi.gov/wanted/vicap/homicid…] fbi.gov/about/faqs/if-a-crim…] osi.af.mil/About/Homicide-Vi…
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AI Mode
Investigate organized or serial crimes: Help connect murders across different areas that appear to be committed by the same individual or group.
Evidence of misconduct or injustice
In rare circumstances, a case can be reopened if there is evidence of misconduct or a botched investigation by the original authorities. Historically, the FBI has also investigated cold cases involving civil rights issues where the original conviction or investigation was considered racially motivated or otherwise unjust.— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 9, 2025
Office of Public Affairs | Investigation into the Death of Mikhail Lesin Has Closed | United States Department of Justice justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/…
Manner of Death Determined an AccidentThe Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with assistance from the FBI, have concluded a comprehensive investigation into the death last year of Mikhail Lesin, 57, a Russian political figure, media executive and adviser to Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia. As a result of the almost year-long investigation, the Chief Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia has amended Lesin’s manner of death from “undetermined” to “accident” with acute ethanol intoxication as a contributory cause of death. The investigation has now been closed.
Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, Lesin entered his room at the Dupont Circle Hotel for the final time at about 10:48 a.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015, after days of excessive consumption of alcohol. Based on the evidence, including video footage and witness interviews, Lesin entered his hotel room on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015, after days of excessive consumption of alcohol and sustained the injuries that resulted in his death while alone in his hotel room. He was found dead late on Thursday morning, Nov. 5, 2015.
After review of the video footage and new evidence developed from the investigation, the Chief Medical Examiner has determined that Lesin died as a result of blunt force injuries to his head, with contributing causes being blunt force injuries of the neck, torso, upper extremities and lower extremities, which were induced by falls, with acute ethanol intoxication.
Updated February 5, 2025
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 9, 2025
Office of Public Affairs | Investigation into the Death of Mikhail Lesin Has Closed | United States Department of Justice justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/…
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 9, 2025
Was the Mikhail Lesin suspicious death in 2015 investigated by the Washington , D.C. police or the FBI? – Google Search google.com/search?q=Was+the+…
The joint investigation was concluded in October 2016. At that time, the D.C. Chief Medical Examiner changed the manner of death from “undetermined” to “accident,” citing blunt force injuries from falls and acute ethanol intoxication. However, this finding has been disputed by others, and Lesin’s death continues to be a subject of speculation.— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 9, 2025
Was the Mikhail Lesin suspicious death in 2015 investigated by the Washington , D.C. police or the FBI? – Google Search google.com/search?q=Was+the+…
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 9, 2025
Why the FBI does not open the case of the suspicious death of Mikhail Lesin? – Google Search google.com/search?q=Why+the+…
AI Overview
. After assisting the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI helped determine that Lesin’s death was an accident and the case was officially closed in October 2016.The FBI is not investigating the death of Mikhail Lesin because its involvement ended with the conclusion of the official investigationDetails from the official investigation:Initial findings: Lesin was found dead in a Washington, D.C. hotel room on November 5, 2015, with blunt force injuries to his head, neck, and torso. The initial manner of death was ruled “undetermined”.
Final ruling: In October 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Metropolitan Police Department, with the FBI’s assistance, changed the manner of death to “accident”.
Contributing factor: The revised finding cited acute ethanol (alcohol) intoxication as a contributing factor, stating that Lesin had been drinking excessively and sustained the fatal injuries from falls while alone in his room.
Persistent suspicions and counter-narrativesDespite the official conclusion, speculation and doubts about Lesin’s death have persisted, fueled by several factors:Potential informant: Some intelligence and law enforcement sources suggested Lesin had been scheduled to meet with Justice Department officials to discuss the inner workings of the Russian state-funded network RT and had been living in fear for his life.
Unusual injuries: Critics found it suspicious that a man of Lesin’s age would suffer such extensive blunt force trauma from accidental falls. Medical reports noted a fractured hyoid bone in his neck, an injury sometimes associated with strangulation.
Missing evidence: A gap of several hours existed in hotel surveillance footage from the hallway on the night Lesin died.
History of suspicious deaths: Lesin’s death, along with others among high-profile Russians abroad, has led some to believe he was murdered.
Alternative intelligence report: A memo written by former British spy Christopher Steele, compiled for the FBI, alleged that Russian agents beat Lesin to death. However, this report did not change the official conclusion.
Sanctions and alleged corruption: Senator Roger Wicker had previously called on the FBI to investigate Lesin for potential money laundering related to his properties in California, an action that may have strained Lesin’s standing in Russia.— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 9, 2025
Why the FBI does not reopen the case of the suspicious death of Mikhail Lesin? – Google Search google.com/search?q=Why+the+…
Despite the rumors and counter-claims, without new official evidence, the FBI is unlikely to reopen a case that has been officially closed and ruled an accident.
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The FBI has not reopened the case of Mikhail Lesin’s death because the official investigation, which it assisted, concluded his death was an accident. In 2016, following a year-long investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the D.C. Medical Examiner ruled that Lesin died from blunt force injuries sustained during a series of falls in his hotel room while he was severely intoxicated. The investigation is now closed. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Despite the official ruling, the circumstances surrounding Lesin’s death have fueled ongoing suspicion and conspiracy theories. [5, 6]
Official conclusion
The official investigation, which included assistance from the FBI, concluded the following:• Cause of death: Lesin’s death was caused by blunt force injuries to the head, with contributing injuries to his neck, torso, and limbs.
• Manner of death: The D.C. Medical Examiner officially changed the manner of death from “undetermined” to “accident”.
• Contributing factor: Acute ethanol (alcohol) intoxication was a contributing cause of death.
• Final hours: Evidence gathered, including video footage and witness interviews, indicated that Lesin was alone in his hotel room after several days of excessive alcohol consumption when he sustained the injuries that killed him. [1, 7]Reasons for lingering suspicion
The official conclusion is contradicted by persistent claims and unanswered questions, which have contributed to public skepticism:• Allegations of a “hit”: Anonymous intelligence and law enforcement officials told BuzzFeed News that Lesin was likely bludgeoned to death and that the government downplayed the incident to avoid diplomatic repercussions with Russia.
• Neck fracture: In 2019, newly released documents revealed that Lesin had a complete fracture of his neck’s hyoid bone, an injury that a medical examiner noted is often associated with strangulation. However, the official noted it could also have been damaged during the autopsy.
• Conspiracy theories: The theory that Lesin was killed by Russian agents has been floated in the media. This is based on speculation that he was meeting with the U.S. Justice Department to trade information for protection from money laundering allegations.
• Missing video footage: Reports have mentioned a gap in hotel security camera footage during the period when Lesin was last seen alive. [5, 6, 8, 9, 10]Despite the rumors and counter-claims, without new official evidence, the FBI is unlikely to reopen a case that has been officially closed and ruled an accident. [1]
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/inves…] justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/inves…] muckrock.com/news/archives/2…] rferl.org/a/of-suspicious-mi…] theguardian.com/us-news/2019…] npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/…] justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/…] buzzfeednews.com/article/jas…] reddit.com/r/worldnews/comme…] theguardian.com/us-news/2019…
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 9, 2025