Mystery over death of Latvian man in Guernsey as coroner records open verdict

An inquest into the death of a Latvian national found in a burned out car with shotgun wounds to his head was unable to rule out murder at the hands of the Kremlin.

Mystery still surrounds the death of Mikus Alps, 33, whose remains were found in Guernsey, prompting one of the largest police investigations seen on the Channel Island. 

Mr Alps, who was said to have fought with Ukrainian rebels to rid Russian forces from Crimea in 2014, was discovered in a burned out car with massive shotgun wounds to the head on 10 January 2018.

Reports in the former Soviet Bloc claimed he was killed due to his involvement fighting against the Kremlin.

Andriy Gergert, commander of the eighth detached battalion of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army, put forward the theory, writing: ‘He was tortured and burnt in the car he used for the military needs of the battalion. 

The remains of Latvian national Mikus Alps, 33, were found in Guernsey, prompting one of the largest police investigations seen on the Channel Island

‘The Sicilian Mafia is a kindergarten compared to the methods used by the Kremlin to achieve its imperialist goals. 

‘For them there is no difference whether they kill in eastern Ukraine or in centre of Europe. And they won’t stop. I have no doubt that this was the Muscovites.’ 

Police had said they were keeping an ‘open mind’ about the investigation following claims in the Ukraine that Mr Alps was ‘tortured and murdered’.

But an inquest this week heard that despite the rumours, Guernsey Police were not able to substantiate the reports.

His cause of death was confirmed as a gunshot to the head, but an open verdict was recorded as it was not clear whether he had killed himself with the shotgun or been murdered.

The inquest at the Royal Court in Guernsey heard that two days before his body was discovered he called two friends – at 2.46am and just before 3.30am.

Both had said they thought they heard another person present, possibly with a foreign-sounding voice. Police told the hearing they also could not substantiate this.

Police and the fire service attended the scene after the burnt-out car was discovered just before 7.30am on 8 January. As everything in and around the vehicle that could catch fire had done so, and there was no risk of it re-igniting, it was decided to leave it.

Mikus, who had fought with Ukrainian rebels to rid Russian forces from Crimea in 2014, was discovered in a burned out car with massive shotgun wounds to the head on 10 January 2018

Mikus, who had fought with Ukrainian rebels to rid Russian forces from Crimea in 2014, was discovered in a burned out car with massive shotgun wounds to the head on 10 January 2018 

Two days later, after Mr Alps was reported missing, officers visited the scene and noticed the remains of a body in the driver’s seat. DNA evidence later identified this as Mr Alps.

The remains of a shotgun, registered to Mr Alps, were also found and there was evidence that one shot had been fired.

Toxicology tests found traces of the class A drug MDMA in Mr Alps’ remains, as well as the class B drugs amphetamine and Butylone, which the Procureur said was ‘a relatively new designer drug with intended effects being mild psychic stimulation and euphoria’.

There were also traces of Diclofenac, prescribed for the relief of musculoskeletal and rheumatic disease pain.

In his report, the Home Office pathologist commented that generally the scenario of a fire-damaged body in a burnt-out vehicle with evidence of shotgun discharge was suggestive of the involvement of others.

Subsequent expert analysis of the remains and the position of the shotgun concluded that there were two ways in which the fatal wound could have been inflicted, only one of which could have been by Mr Alps himself.

‘Given the condition of the body, the experts agree it is not possible to favour either scenario,’ said the Procureur Megan Pullum.

The pathologist concluded that cause of death was a shotgun wound to the head, although the chance of contribution from other injuries and/or the effects of fire and/or the effects of drugs could not be excluded.

Despite previously being depressed and expressing potentially suicidal thoughts, and a sombre and reflective letter given to a friend on January 7, the Procureur said there was no evidence to suggest that Mr Alps intended to take his own life.

Returning an open verdict, Judge Graeme McKerrell said he found the cause of death to be in accordance with the Home Office pathologist’s report.

He extended the court’s sympathies to Mr Alps’ family and friends, and gave approval for his remains to be repatriated to Latvia.

Speaking after the inquest, Supt Phil Breban said: ‘I wish to express my thanks and pay tribute to the family of Mr Alps for their patience and understanding in what has been a very difficult time for them during the course of this investigation.

‘Guernsey Police have undertaken a comprehensive investigation which has included consulting forensic experts in the UK and seeking governance and advice from the National Crime Agency.

‘The investigating officers have kept an open mind to the facts and the circumstances throughout this case, which has been approached in a methodical and structured manner and all investigative opportunities have been explored.

‘I would like to thank all Bailiwick Law Enforcement staff who have been involved in this case acknowledging their commitment and contribution.

‘Once again, I would like to offer Mr Alps’ family our condolences and hope they can now move on from a very difficult time for all of their family.’  

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