A Russian national arrested in Goa for allegedly murdering two women from his country has made shocking new claims during police questioning. Alexei Leonov now says he killed five people, including two more Russian women.
Police Verify Sketchy Claims
Investigators familiar with the case describe Leonov's statements as sketchy and inconsistent. They emphasize the need for thorough verification before accepting his confessions at face value. Police are currently examining whether Leonov has connections to as many as five deaths across the coastal state.
Based on initial interrogation, officers believe Leonov exhibits psychopathic tendencies. An investigator revealed details about his methods. He said Leonov befriended foreign nationals, primarily fellow Russians. The accused then allegedly killed them by slitting their throats or suffocating them.
Identified Victims and Ongoing Probes
Police have identified two victims so far. Both women are 37-year-old Russians named Elena Kasthanova and Elena Vaneeva. The case of a 40-year-old woman from Assam, initially reported as an unnatural death on January 14, also shows possible links to Leonov. Circumstantial evidence and his disclosures suggest his involvement, but authorities await a postmortem examination to confirm the cause of death.
Sources indicate Leonov claimed he drugged the Assam woman and killed her with a wooden stick. In his latest revelations, he told police about killing another Russian woman last month. This led investigators to trace the body of a foreign national reported as an unnatural death in December 2025. Further probe and an autopsy will determine if this was murder and if Leonov is connected.
Doubts and Official Statements
A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, cautioned against taking all statements at face value. The officer noted that merely knowing someone who died does not automatically prove murder. Leonov also claimed he killed another Russian national recently, but police have not yet found a matching body.
In an official statement on Saturday, police confirmed Leonov admitted involvement in the murders of Elena Kasthanova and Elena Vaneeva. He was a close friend of both victims, and the motive involved a monetary dispute among them. Leonov further stated he was in a relationship with both women and lived with them, though investigators treat these claims with skepticism.
Details of the Confirmed Murders
An investigator explained the motives behind the alleged killings. While monetary disputes triggered the confirmed murders, Leonov apparently developed obsessive relationships with the two women, leading to the crimes.
Elena Kasthanova worked as a go-go dancer and usher at weddings. She arrived in Goa on December 24. Police found her murdered at 9:15 PM on Thursday in her rented Arambol accommodation. The FIR states Leonov assaulted her, tied her hands behind her back with a rope, and slit her neck with a sharp-edged weapon.
Elena Vaneeva was a bubble performer and artist who came to Goa last week and met Leonov. On Wednesday night after 11 PM, Leonov allegedly killed her by slitting her neck with a sharp knife.
Ongoing Investigation
The court remanded Alexei Leonov to 14-day police custody on Saturday. Authorities continue interrogating him to ascertain if he has killed more people. The case remains under active investigation as police work to verify his numerous claims and uncover the full extent of his alleged crimes.
