Police in Cyprus have ruled out criminal activity in the death of a Russian diplomat found at the Nicosia embassy on January 8.
Police Spokesperson Byron Byronos confirmed on Monday, 12 January 2026, that a legally mandated post-mortem examination has excluded the possibility of foul play. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Byronos stated that while the police were initially called to investigate an “unnatural death” at the Russian Federation’s embassy, forensic evidence now points to a non-criminal cause. “The post-mortem was carried out, and criminal activity has been ruled out,” Byronos said, adding that the body would now be released to the embassy for immediate repatriation to Moscow.
The announcement marks the resolution of an incident that began on Thursday, 8 January, when the diplomat, identified as A.V. Panov, was discovered dead in his office. Embassy personnel invoked diplomatic immunity to prevent Cypriot forensic teams from entering the building to conduct a standard scene investigation. Instead, Panov’s body was moved to the embassy courtyard and handed over to local authorities several hours after the discovery.
While the embassy had maintained from the outset that the death was a “deeply personal tragedy” resulting from suicide, the lack of immediate access to the scene—and the embassy’s refusal to share a reported suicide note with local investigators—had led to speculation in Nicosia. Byronos confirmed that the case was formally handled by the Agios Dometios Police Station, which has now concluded its inquiries following the autopsy results.
The Russian Embassy has stated it is providing all necessary support to Panov’s family as it prepares for the repatriation of his remains later this week.
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