There seems to be a misunderstanding. It was not a Russian spy who was killed with an umbrella, but a Bulgarian dissident named Georgi Markov. He was assassinated on September 7, 1978, in London, England.
The Assassination of Georgi Markov
The Bulgarian secret service, known as the Committee for State Security (KGB), is believed to have been behind the assassination of Georgi Markov. The method used was a modified umbrella with a concealed needle that shot a ricin pellet into Markov's leg.
The Poisoned Umbrella
The umbrella used in the assassination was an ordinary-looking umbrella, but it was modified to house a small needle attached to a compressed air gun. The needle was loaded with a pellet containing the potent toxin ricin.
Ricin is a highly toxic protein found in castor beans. It is extremely dangerous and even a small amount can be lethal.
The Aftermath
After the assassination, the Bulgarian secret service denied any involvement, but there is strong evidence that they were responsible. Markov's death sparked international outrage and condemnation.
The umbrella murder became a symbol of the cold war era, where espionage and political assassinations were commonplace.
