Werewolf Killer: The True Story of a Russian Cop Turned Serial Killer

Tonight, my special guest is an author who's here to discuss one of the most prolific serial killers in Russian history: Mikhail Popkov. Known as the “Werewolf” and the “Angarsk Maniac,” Popkov hid behind the façade of a devoted family man, respected police officer, and model citizen—while secretly living a double life as a serial murderer. This chilling true crime story explores Russian criminal history, serial killer psychology, and the terrifying patterns behind Popkov’s murders.

Despite his beautiful family, successful law enforcement career, and the admiration he received within the police force, Popkov was driven by violent impulses that led him to commit a staggering number of crimes. His family and colleagues initially refused to believe he could be guilty, but when Popkov began confessing and guiding investigators to remote dumping sites, the truth became undeniable. His eventual kill count—surpassing 81 victims—made him the worst serial killer Russia had ever seen, surpassing figures like Andrei Chikatilo.

Tonight, we delve into how this seemingly ordinary man could snap and unleash a reign of terror across Siberia. We examine his motives, his confession strategy to avoid Black Dolphin prison, Russia’s most feared penal colony, and the investigative breakthroughs that exposed his crimes. C. L. Swinney helps us explore serial killer profiling, criminology, forensic investigation, police corruption, and the disturbing psychological factors behind one of the darkest chapters in modern Russian true crime.

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