Russia engages with lawyer of missing citizen, later found arrested in Istanbul

The Russian Consulate General in Istanbul has confirmed that they are in contact with the family and legal representative of Russian citizen Laura Pisarenko, who had been missing since Dec. 30, 2024. It has since been revealed that she was arrested on charges of resisting law enforcement.

Consular officials are working to arrange a visit with Pisarenko, according to a statement from the diplomatic mission.

The consulate addressed recent reports about Pisarenko’s “disappearance” in Istanbul, clarifying the timeline of events. Pisarenko, who lost her domestic and international Russian passports, approached the consulate on Dec. 30, 2024, accompanied by two acquaintances to request a certificate of return to Russia. However, before being assisted, she allegedly exhibited unprovoked aggression toward private security personnel and police officers stationed at the consulate, leading to her initial detention.

Laura Pisarenko’s initial release and re-arrest

Following her initial detention, Pisarenko was released the same day as security staff declined to press charges. She returned to the consulate but was unable to secure the required document due to a lack of witnesses to verify her citizenship.

Subsequently, her family reported her missing, prompting the consulate to request information from Turkish authorities.

The consulate later learned that Pisarenko had been re-arrested on charges of resisting law enforcement and is currently in custody in Istanbul pending trial.

Her court hearing is scheduled for Feb. 6, 2025.

Background and health concerns

Pisarenko’s family disclosed that she suffers from a rare medical condition causing temporary memory loss, which may have influenced her behavior.

Her brother and other relatives traveled to Istanbul to assist in the search, coordinating with local police and raising public awareness through social media campaigns.