A mysterious death raises questions in Russia

INTRIGUES within the Kremlin reignited Monday after the chief of Russia’s military intelligence service, Igor Sergun, died unexpectedly. Sergun was a relatively unknown figure who kept a very low profile over his 30-year career, despite the fact that his position at the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) of the General Staff of the Armed Forces made him one of the most powerful figures in Russian security.

Sergun came to power in 2011, at a time when the GRU’s position was under attack by the Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Foreign Intelligence Service — both of which were attempting to gain control of, or at least influence in, intelligence operations in Russia’s borderlands. Sergun was able to consolidate the GRU, fortifying the military intelligence service’s position among the security groups.