It’s always nice to share cheesecake with friends, but this woman had a different motive when she gave her friend a slice.
Russian national Viktoria Nasyrova, 47, living in Brooklyn, New York, is accused of the attempted murder of Olga Tsvyk, a Queens resident. According to reports, she wanted to kill Tsvyk and claim her identity.
The two women met in 2016 at a salon where Tsvyk was working as an eyelash stylist in New York City. In August of the same year, Nasyrova called Tsvyk for emergency eyelash services and proceeded to go to her residence in Queens. She also said that she would be bringing Tsvyk cheesecake from a well-known bakery. Nasyrova brought two slices and gave Tsvyk one of them. Around 20 minutes later, Tsvyk started to feel sick and fainted soon after.
Prosecutors said that the cheesecake was found to contain Phenazepan, a Russian-made tranquilizer.
Tsvyk’s friends found her on her bed the day after the incident. According to reports, pills were found near her, making it seem like a suicide has been staged. In addition, close to $4,000 in cash, a purse, a ring, and Tsvyk’s Ukrainian passport and US employment authorization card were missing.
Tsvyk’s sister flew from Ukraine as soon as possible to attend to the victim. She said her sister was still unwell after she was released from the hospital, so she made sure not to leave her side.
Assistant District Attorney Konstantinos Litourgis said that Nasyrova intended to murder the victim and steal her identity. The two women had similar features, and both spoke Russian. Nasyrova also knew about the victim’s US employment authorization card.
The suspect was in possession of Tsvyk’s passport when she was caught.
Apparently, this was not Nasyrova’s first crime. Prosecutors are convinced that the suspect has been trying to find a way not to return to her home country. She has been wanted in Russia for the murder of Alla Aleksenko in 2014. She escaped by seducing the lead detective on the case.
Police have also been monitoring Nasyrova for drugging and robbing men whom she met online.
If convicted, Nasyrova will face up to 25 years in prison for several charges, including attempted murder.
