Alexander Perepilichnyy: British authorities accused of covering-up 'Putin-ordered assassination'

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. British intelligence agencies were reportedly handed information that connected Mr Perepilichnyy’s death to the Kremlin, but MI6 officers who corroborated that view were reportedly silenced to avoid jeopardising diplomatic relations with the country. One US intelligence official said: “Their efforts to publicly declare that Perepilichnyy was assassinated on British soil had deeper political implications.” News of Mr Perepilichnyy's death was first reported by The Independent in 2012, sparking interest in the mysterious case from around the world. French police identified Ms Medynska, who posts to Instagram under the handle @elmiramedins, as a 'very important' person in their inquiries Mr Perepilichnyy's life insurance company Legal and General ordered a new toxicology report after Surrey Police announced a “full and detailed range of toxicology tests” had found nothing suspicious. Her lawyer said she believed "the tragic death of her husband has been overshadowed by stereotypes towards successful Russian businesspeople.” The inquest is not expected to hear evidence from French officials and a series of documents have been sealed by the UK Government on national security grounds after home secretary Amber Rudd argued “there would be real and significant damage to national security from disclosure” and obtained a High Court secrecy order last November.