Stanislav Orlov, the founder of the Russian reconnaissance and sabotage brigade “Espanola”, has been killed in Russia, Militarnyi reported on December 19, citing Russian war correspondents and statements from the unit itself. According to information published by pro-Russian military bloggers, Orlov, known by the callsign “Spaniard,” died from gunshot wounds sustained during his detention. He was reportedly accused of illegally misappropriating 1.5 billion rubles (approximately $18.5 million). The pro-Kremlin outlet Mash claimed that Orlov had been in a coma for several days prior to his death, though the exact cause of the coma was not disclosed. In a statement released by the brigade, relatives and associates announced plans for a farewell ceremony, describing Orlov as the “leader, creator, and inspiration” behind Espanola. At the same time, the unit admitted it does not yet know the precise circumstances, location, or perpetrators involved in his death, stating that Russian investigative authorities are still determining the details. Earlier reports suggested that another Espanola volunteer, Oleksii Zhyvov, may also have been detained alongside Orlov in connection with an alleged illegal arms trafficking case. However, there was no official confirmation, and Zhyvov later stated publicly that he was unharmed. Orlov arrived in the Russian-occupied Donbas in 2014, joining militants linked to Igor Bezler’s brigade. He later organized and commanded a reconnaissance unit known as “Skull and Bones.” In 2022, he founded the Espanola brigade, which included hundreds of far-right extremists and neo-Nazis.
via united24media: Stanislav Orlov, Head of Notorious “Espanola” Neo-Nazi Brigade, Reportedly Killed Amid $18M Theft Probe