Litvinenko widow: Inquiry will reveal Russian secrets The widow of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko believes a public inquiry will show evidence of Russia's involvement in his death. The former KGB spy died aged 43 from radiation poisoning in London in 2006. Speaking with BBC Radio 5 live's Victoria Derbyshire, Marina Litvinenko claimed "secret material" about his death was held back at the inquest and would only surface with a public inquiry. Government lawyers argue the decision not to hold a public inquiry was rational and lawful.