A Russian mother facing accusations of kidnapping her British son has turned to social media to ridicule search efforts while authorities strive to determine her whereabouts. Anastasiia Chikina, 32, disappeared from Marbella, Spain on July 4 with her three-year-old son Oliver Pugh, triggering an immediate search and causing distress to the child’s father, Matthew Pugh, aged 36. Despite ongoing efforts, authorities have not succeeded in locating the pair, leading to uncertainty about whether they are currently in Moscow or Malaysia.
Chikina has complicated the investigation by taunting law enforcement through photos and hinting at a “date” while her estranged husband worries about their son’s safety. She has undermined search attempts through a series of social media posts, including one where she claimed to be on a “date” in Kuala Lumpur, as depicted in photos alongside her sister with the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in the background. Additionally, she shared images from SKY51, a popular rooftop bar in Malaysia, but also suggested being in Moscow in other posts.
In a mocking tone, she ridiculed her husband’s reward offer for information leading to their son’s safe return in comments on her posts. On Telegram, she jokingly mentioned going on a date and feeling unprepared to engage in a serious relationship. An earlier post showing a shopping mall in Bangkok with a Cartier store hinted at her whereabouts. Concerns were raised by the boy’s father and Spanish authorities that she might have taken the child to Russia, following their luxurious life in Spain before complications arose.
Mr. Pugh speculated that his wife fled due to potential custody issues in Spain, where they resided before her disappearance with their son. Chikina has asserted that her son’s well-being is her top priority and highlighted the differing child custody regulations across European countries, including Britain. Spanish authorities are pursuing Chikina on suspicion of abduction and collaborating with Interpol in the investigation.