Jerusalem's Central Investigative Unit has taken an unusual step in its efforts to solve the murder of Anastasia Orlov, who was found dead in her apartment in January 2025.
After more than 18 months without a significant breakthrough leading to an arrest, investigators have handed the complete case file to a second investigative team for review. The move, requested by the original investigating unit itself, aims to bring "fresh eyes" to the extensive evidence and testimony collected, in hopes of identifying a new angle, an overlooked detail, or a gap that has not yet been properly examined, according to a report published Wednesday in Ynet.
Israeli police have made solving the case a top priority. The Central Unit's investigation has included collecting more than 100 witness statements, conducting investigative operations in several countries around the world, and deploying advanced forensic tools.
To maintain maximum discretion and prevent interference with the investigation, authorities have issued no fewer than 16 gag orders throughout the process, allowing investigators to work away from public and media scrutiny. Despite the addition of the second team, overall responsibility for managing the case remains with the specialized unit at the Jerusalem District's Central Investigative Unit .
The case began on January 17, 2025, when Anastasia Orlov, a 38-year-old mother, was found dead in her apartment in Jerusalem's Kiryat Yovel neighborhood. Orlov worked in the cardiology unit at Hadassah Hospital and was studying at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, where she had completed two degrees in health systems. Friends eulogized her as a dedicated woman with a deep connection to animals and extensive volunteer work.
Initially, investigators at the Moriah police station examined several scenarios regarding the circumstances of the case. However, as evidence was gathered at the scene, serious questions arose. The case was quickly transferred to the Central Unit and has since been handled as a murder investigation.
