The Whale Who Knew Too Much: Alleged ‘Russian Spy’ Beluga May Have Been Shot to Death

The world’s goofiest espionage saga reached a tragic climax this weekend when a whale that had long been suspected of being a Russian spy was found dead in Norway. Now, those close to the whale are claiming that the unfortunate sea critter may have been murdered.

The body of Hvaldimir the beluga was found floating off the Norwegian port city of Risavika on Saturday. An animal rights organization calling itself OneWhale is seeking justice for the dearly departed ocean creature. OneWhale was originally created for the sole purpose of protecting Hvaldimir, and the organization seems to think that his death was no accident. Indeed, OneWhale has claimed that Hvaldimir was “murdered” and has even teamed up with NOAH, Norway’s largest animal rights organization, to file a police report with the Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime.

In a press release shared with Gizmodo, OneWhale said that it felt there was “compelling evidence” that “Hvaldimir’s death was caused by intentional human-inflicted injury.”

“Although the official autopsy report is still pending, preliminary findings indicate that the whale was killed by gunshot wounds,” the press release reads. “Several veterinarians, biologists, and ballistics experts have reviewed photographic evidence, including close-ups of Hvaldimir’s injuries. Their assessments strongly suggest that the whale’s death was the result of a criminal act, prompting the need for immediate police involvement.”

Key members of OneWhale have been even more explicit about their theories of foul play. “I have been with Hvaldimir for the past five years and know him very well,” Regina Haug, the founder of OneWhale, said in a statement. “When I saw his body and the multiple injuries, I immediately knew he had been killed by gunshots. I even saw a bullet lodged in his body.”

“There is no question that this kind, gentle animal was senselessly murdered,” Haug said. “We will pursue justice for Hvaldimir and hope that someone comes forward with information about his killing.”

“The injuries on the whale are alarming and of a nature that cannot rule out a criminal act—it is shocking,” said Siri Martinsen, veterinarian and leader of NOAH. “Given the suspicion of a criminal act, it is crucial that the police are involved quickly. Hvaldimir was significant to many, and all facts must be brought to light regarding his death.”

Hvaldimir was first spotted by Norwegian fishermen in 2019. Upon closer inspection, onlookers found that the whale had a tightly wound harness with the words “Equipment St. Petersburg” printed on it (it would seem that, if he was a spy, he wasn’t exactly a “deep cover” agent). He soon became a minor celebrity, and he was known for his friendly and engaging demeanor. Some suggested that he may have worked for the Russian intelligence service, which has been known to use aquatic animals for various purposes.

While governments do have a history of using animals as spies, they’re not always very good spies. Russia has never admitted that Hvaldimir was part of its aquatic intelligence team. While it seems laughably stupid that the Kremlin would care enough to assassinate the poor blow-holed mammal, sea animals are obviously subjected to all kinds of abuse at the hands of humans, so the notion that Hvaldimir was intentionally killed doesn’t seem out of the question.