A Russian tried to kill his mother and step dad with poison to pay off his gambling debts. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Months of poisoning

A gambling addict in Russia has poisoned his mother and stepfather in an attempt to kill them, inherit their money, and pay off his debts.

Artyom Missyura was caught on camera attempting to murder his mom

Local Russian news reported on the story this week. The 25-year-old gambler Artyom Missyura was caught on camera attempting to murder his mom Ekaterina and stepdad. His parents had a secret camera installed after a doctor informed them their deteriorating health was the result of poison.

Shocking footage, shared on X, shows Missyura adding a toxic chemical to a jar of what appears to be sugar in his mom’s kitchen:

According to The Mirror, authorities tested the food in the home and discovered that virtually all of it had been poisoned. Missyura has confessed to the criminal act, which took place over several months from January to June this year. He admitted that he planned to sell off the apartment once his parents died to pay off his gambling debt.

Shocking revelations

Police now believe Missyura may have also poisoned his grandmother, who died suddenly of suspected natural causes in April. According to one of his friends, Missyura borrowed money from his grandmother while she was alive. He said this was to buy a car and the money was never returned.

Missyura took out two RUB 300,000 ($3,459) loans in her name

It doesn’t stop there though. Police are also examining a hospitalization of Missyura’s girlfriend. She ended up in hospital with poisoning three months before the grandmother’s death. While she was in there, Missyura took out two RUB 300,000 ($3,459) loans in her name.

Reportedly, Missyura had run up enormous debts from gambling at online casinos. “He was heavy in debt with loans and microloans,” explained one friend. “He borrowed a significant amount from his uncle.”  

Another serial poisoner

While it is shocking, Missyura’s case is not the only instance of poisoning to cover gambling debts.

In Thailand, Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn is suspected of having killed at least 15 people by cyanide poisoning, including her former husband. She supposedly did so to steal their money and feed her addiction to gambling.

The woman was heavily pregnant at the time of her arrest in April last year and is still awaiting trial. If she is convicted, she could face the death penalty. Thai police arrested 14 Fun88 staff linked to the case in July 2023.