Police still searching for black van linked to 2018 Glushkov murder in New Malden

London’s Counter Terror Policing unit confirmed on 29 July 2026 that the enquiry into the death of Russian businessman Nikolai Glushkov is still unsolved. The 68‑year‑old former Aeroflot deputy director was discovered dead at his Clarence Avenue residence in New Malden on the evening of 12 March 2018. A post‑mortem established strangulation as the cause of death, prompting a murder investigation that has yet to produce an arrest.

What the van sighting adds to the case

Witnesses reported a dark Volkswagen travelling through and parking on Clarence Avenue on the night of 11 March 2018, the day before Glushkov’s body was found. The vehicle has not been identified, and its driver remains unknown. Police have repeatedly appealed for information, but no breakthrough has emerged despite several public leads.

Official statements and media coverage

The Standard reported that officers consider the van an “important line of enquiry” and that the lack of a traceable vehicle hampers progress. A spokesperson for Counter Terror Policing told the newspaper that the case stays on the force’s radar, but resources are allocated to other active investigations.

How the public can assist

Anyone who observed a black Volkswagen on or near Clarence Avenue on 11 March 2018, or who can recall any detail about its registration, colour shade, or driver, is asked to contact the Anti‑Terrorism Hotline on 0800 789 321 and quote “Operation Bulblet”. Calls can be made anonymously. Crimestoppers also accepts tips via 0800 555 111 without revealing the caller’s identity.

The police team has followed up several leads generated from earlier appeals, but those efforts have not yielded significant new evidence. The investigation remains classified as open, meaning it could be re‑activated if fresh information surfaces.