From being accused of poisoning his own spy to recently falling out with Putin, ex-KGB spy Alexander Bortnikov has lived a terrifying life.
It's been claimed that ruthless figure could replace Vladimir Putin - after elite Russians reportedly hatched up a plan to oust the brutal director.
Ukrainian intelligence officials claimed yesterday to have discovered a plot to remove Putin from his presidency, over fears that economic sanctions will cripple the country.
The elite circle in Moscow is said to fear that the country's brutal war could lead to further ramifications for them.
Now they are reportedly considering a range of options to replace him - including faking an accident or poisoning the brutal leader.
His former friend Alexander Bortnikov, who was previously sanctioned by the US, is said to be in the running to replace him.
Get the news you want straight to your inbox. Sign up for a Mirror newsletter here
He is the current director of Russia's FSB - a role previously held by Putin - and was regarded as an influential member of the President's small inner circle.
Bortnikov previously served in the KGB and met Putin while they were both stationed in Leningrad - now Saint Petersburg - in the 70s.
Since being appointed to the top role in 2008, he is said to rule with an iron fist, to ensure Putin's regime continues.
The shadowy organisation - which Putin relies on for all his intelligence - is at the heart of the Russian government, with Dossier Center describing it as a “state within the state."
After Putin became President, he appointed Bortnikov as the head of Russia's Economic Security Service, where he wielded a huge amount of power.
In 2006, it was claimed that Bortnikov allegedly oversaw the operation to assassinate Alexander Litvinenko on British soil.
The agency is also believed to be responsible for the poisoning of Alexei Navalny under Mr Bortnikov’s order.
Russia and Bortnikov deny any involvement in the deaths.
And in 2017, Bortnikov was accused of holding a pro-Stalin attitude, after a group of academics claimed he was legitimising the mass purges carried out under Joseph Stalin, which were dubbed the Great Terror.
At the time, he told a paper that archives showed that "a significant part" of the criminal cases of those killed "had an objective side to them".
Now intelligence agents claim powerful figures in Russia have chosen the spymaster as they believe he can help restore economic ties with the West.
"Their goal is to remove Putin from power as soon as possible and restore economic ties with the West, destroyed due to the war in Ukraine," the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine said.
"It is known that Bortnikov and some other influential representatives of the Russian elite are considering various options to remove Putin from power.
"In particular, poisoning, sudden disease, or any other ‘coincidence’ is not excluded." It's thought the relationship between Putin and Bortnikov has become strained - with the spymaster blamed for allowing his military commanders to be overwhelmed by the fierce Ukrainian defence.
Putin is said to be displeased with the FSB thanks to failures with the intelligence secured during the war.
Deputy Vyacheslav Ushakov has already been sacked.
One intelligence source told the Mirror: "It is noteworthy that Bortnikov has recently been disgraced by the Russian dictator.
“The official reason for the disgrace of the FSB leader – fatal miscalculations in the war against Ukraine. “Bortnikov and his department were responsible for analysing the mood of Ukraine and the ability of the Ukrainian army.”
