Belarusian opposition activist goes missing after departing Poland. Investigators: Russian and Belarusian services involved in case
Anatol Kotau, a former opposition activist from Belarus, disappeared after leaving Poland in August 2025. The Belarusian Investigative Centre points to the involvement of special services from Belarus and Russia.
Belarusian opposition activist goes missing after departing Poland. Investigators: Russian and Belarusian services involved in case
The Belarusian Investigative Centre has published the results of its own investigation into the disappearance of Anatol Kotau – an opposition activist who was previously connected with Aliaksandr Lukashenka. According to BIC findings, after leaving Poland and arriving in Turkey in August 2025, Kotau fell into the hands of individuals linked to Belarusian and Russian special services.
Investigators emphasise that although the missing person is not a citizen of the Republic of Poland and disappeared in the territory of a third country, the crime related to his disappearance began on the territory of Poland. According to their assessment, the case bears the hallmarks of torture.
In investigation materials, there is an account from a witness who describes the last known moments involving Kotau. A group initially planned to travel to Georgia, officially for recreational purposes. Subsequently, plans changed – after consuming alcohol, a decision was made to travel in a different direction. The witness notes that he did not take part in conversations and did not know the details of the decisions being made. Ultimately, the group travelled to Russia, where some participants got out and drove away.
Source: Onet
Source: Google News PL