One Step Closer to Charges in Poisoned Spy Case

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January 31, 2007 10:35 AM

British police today took the first formal step towards bringing murder charges in the case of the poisoned former Russian spy, Alexander Litvinenko, although it is unlikely that the alleged killer would ever stand trial in the U.K.

Police would not publicly identify the suspect today, but British law enforcement sources told ABC News last week they expected to recommend charges against Andrei Lugovoi, a former Russian security service bodyguard who had tea with Litvinenko on Nov. 1, the day police believe the lethal dose of poison was administered through a hotel teapot.

The Metropolitan Police have handed the results of their investigation to the Crown Prosecution Service, which under British law, makes the actual decision to bring charges.

While British sources say politics and diplomacy are not expected to play a huge role in the process, the practicalities alone of bringing the suspect to trial may mean that Lugovoi never steps into a British courtroom.

The Russians have already indicated they will not extradite Lugovoi to stand trial.

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Lugovoi has steadfastly denied any involvement in the murder, most recently following the reports on ABCNews.com and other British media outlets.

Former KGB General Oleg Kalugin, now in the U.S., says he doubts Lugovoi or anyone else will ever be extradited from Russia to face charges in the U.K. Rather, he says any suspect is more likely to remain in Russia and be honored.

"It will be a sham; no one will be charged," said Kalugin. "They probably will be decorated at some point for their glorious exploits on behalf and for the defense of Russian sovereignty."