A 37-year-old Russian national arrested for the murder of two women in north Goa has allegedly confessed to multiple killings at different locations, the Goa Police said on Saturday. So far, the bodies of two women have been recovered, while police are verifying the accused&rsquo;s claims of additional murders.
The accused, identified as Aleksei Leonov, was arrested early Friday, hours after the body of his suspected live-in partner, Elena Kasthanova (37), was found with her throat slit in Arambol. Following his arrest, Leonov led police to Morjim village, where the body of another Russian woman, Elena Vaneeva (37), was recovered. Investigators believe she was killed on the night of January 14.
On Saturday, Leonov also took the police to Korgao village, claiming he had killed a 40-year-old woman from Assam by drugging her. Authorities are currently examining whether this claim is linked to a suspected overdose case reported on January 14 at the Pernem Community Health Centre.
Police officials said the accused has indicated that the two Russian women were not the only victims, but his statements have been inconsistent and are being carefully verified. Investigators also suspect that Leonov may have been under the influence of psychotropic substances, raising concerns about the reliability of his confessions.
A judicial magistrate first class in Pernem remanded Leonov to 14 days of police custody in connection with the murder of the two Russian women. Both victims were found with their throats slit. Kasthanova&rsquo;s body was discovered by her landlord on Thursday evening after neighbours reported hearing her screams. Leonov allegedly fled the scene by jumping from the first floor of the building before being arrested a few hours later.
Leonov has been residing in the Arambol area on a long-term visa since 2023. Preliminary investigations suggest jealousy as a motive in the killing of Kasthanova, while a financial dispute may have led to Vaneeva&rsquo;s murder. Separate cases have been registered as the investigation continues.

Russian murders in Goa (Representative Image)

Police recover bodies of two women as accused claims more killings across locations

Russian Man Confesses to Multiple Murders in Goa

Police recover bodies of two women as accused claims more killings across locations

January 18, 2026 | 09:29 IST