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‘The Werewolf’ Confesses to 83 Murders, Suspected 200

11/11/2025

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Popkov Confesses Murders

Mikhail Popkov, known as "The Werewolf," confessed to two additional murders, raising his total to 83.
Authorities suspect he killed closer to 200 women, underscoring the scope of his crimes.
The confessions relate to crimes from 1995 to 1998, including a neighbor as a victim.
Investigators expect further admissions.

Summary

Story summary

Maksim Kuzminov was murdered in Villajoyosa, Spain, shot six times and run over.
Investigators say the killing sends a message from Russian operatives tied to Kuzminov's defection to Ukraine and disclosure of military secrets.
Mikhail Popkov, a former Russian police officer, confessed to killing 82 women from 1992 to 2010, and his daughter expressed disbelief about his double life.

History

Historical Context

Andrei Chikatilo was convicted in 1990 for the murders of 52 women and children, exposing severe flaws in Soviet law enforcement, which solved only 1% of murders. His case, along with Mikhail Popkov's recent confessions, underscores a troubling legacy of violence against women in Russia, raising critical concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system today.

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Popkov Confesses Murders

Mikhail Popkov, known as "The Werewolf," confessed to two additional murders, raising his total to 83.
Authorities suspect he killed closer to 200 women, underscoring the scope of his crimes.
The confessions relate to crimes from 1995 to 1998, including a neighbor as a victim.
Investigators expect further admissions.

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