Moscow's Warm Salutations
In a dramatic turn of events, Sven Liebich, a controversial far-right figure, has disappeared and is now claiming to be in Russia. Liebich, who legally changed his gender to Marla-Svenja Liebich in January, was due to serve an 18-month prison sentence in a women's facility in Chemnitz prison, but failed to appear for his sentencing on Friday evening.
Liebich's disappearance has been met with a wave of media attention, with outlets such as Bild and Der Spiegel covering the story. Liebich has been styling himself as a victim and using his flight from justice for media and business gain, likening his situation to the movie "Catch Me If You Can."
Liebich's online store, known for selling hate and vitriol, has seen a surge in attention and sales, with the more provocative the slogan, the more attention and money he receives. He has shared AI-generated memes of himself in Moscow, including a James Bond poster with his face, further fuelling the media frenzy.
Before his activities or claims in Russia, it is believed that Liebich likely hid in Germany, specifically in Saxony (Sachsen), as his residence and incarceration plans were connected to Saxony and the Chemnitz prison. However, his current whereabouts are unknown, with Liebich claiming to be in Moscow on social media.
Liebich's actions have not gone unsupported. Far-right figures Martin Sellner and Tommy Frenck have voiced their support for him. In a surprising twist, Liebich has also claimed that the USA has expressed interest in granting him asylum and is selling new designs inspired by his escape in his webshop.
This isn't the first time Liebich has made headlines. His official gender change in January was seen as a provocation, and he went into hiding shortly after. Jan Marsalek, the alleged mastermind behind the Wirecard scandal and a Russian spy, is also said to be in Russia.
The saga continues as international authorities and media continue to follow the trail of Sven Liebich, a man who has managed to keep the world captivated with his audacious actions. Meanwhile, Karin Kneissl, the former Austrian foreign minister close to the FPO, also moved to Russia in 2023, citing political persecution and professional destruction. The stories of Liebich and Kneissl highlight the growing trend of individuals seeking refuge in Russia, citing various reasons from political persecution to escaping "wokeness" in the West.
In a separate development, rumours persist that Edward Snowden, the NSA whistleblower who exposed digital mass surveillance in the USA, is also in Russia. Bashar al-Assad, the deposed dictator and mass murderer of Syria, is reportedly in Russia as well. As these stories unfold, the world watches with bated breath, waiting to see what twists and turns lie ahead.
