State Directory

Cold Cases in Russia

ColdCaseIndex documents 4 cold cases in Russia, spanning 1992–2024. 1 of these case remains fully unsolved. Each case page includes documented details, status, and information on how to submit a tip.

4 Documented Cases
1 Still Unsolved
1992–2024 Year Range
2 Case Types

By Type

3 Wrongful Detentions 1 Serial Killer Victims

By Status

3 Solved 1 Unsolved

All Russia Cases

Solved 2024

Evan Gershkovich

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was arrested in Russia on espionage charges. He was freed in a historic prisoner exchange in July 2024 after 16 months in detention.

Yekaterinburg Wrongful Detention Age 31
Solved 2022

Brittney Griner (detention)

WNBA star Brittney Griner was detained in Russia for carrying cannabis cartridges. She was convicted and sentenced to 9 years but freed in a prisoner exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Moscow Wrongful Detention Age 31
Unsolved 2022

Marc Fogel

American teacher Marc Fogel was sentenced to 14 years in a Russian penal colony for carrying medical marijuana. Unlike Brittney Griner, he was not classified as 'wrongfully detained,' sparking controversy.

Moscow Wrongful Detention Age 61
Solved 1992

Andrei Chikatilo Victims

Soviet serial killer Andrei Chikatilo, the 'Butcher of Rostov,' murdered 52 women and children over 12 years. He was caught, convicted of 52 murders, and executed in 1994.

Rostov-on-Don Serial Killer Victims