Cold War Mystery – The Umbrella Assassin

Documentary about the Bulgarian dissident poisoned by the tip of an umbrella in central London. 7th September 1978, Georgi Markov, a Bulgarian living in London was travelling to work. Following his usual routine he left his car and crossed Waterloo Bridge. He had no idea that on this day he was being watched. As Markov waited for a bus he felt something sting his leg, he turned to see a man picking up an umbrella and running away. What seemed at first like a curious accident turned into an extraordinary detective story, when three days later, Markov died. The incident became legendary because of the weapon used – it’s one of the strangest tales of the Cold War, peppered with poisons, political intrigue, and ingenious gadgets. Subscribe to Element 18 –