Russian-Born Woman Sentenced to 21 Years for Attempted Identity Theft Using Poisoned Cheesecake

A Russian-born woman has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for a bizarre plot to steal the identity of her lookalike. Viktoria Nasyrova sought out Olga Tsvyk, who bore an uncanny resemblance to herself, and gave her poisoned cheesecake to kill her and take over her life.

Prosecutors said that Nasyrova had planned this scheme for some time before finally carrying it out in February 2016 when she visited Tsvyk’s home in Brooklyn, New York City. Fortunately, Tsvyk was able to recognize that something wasn’t right about the situation and refused the offer of cheesecake from Nasyrova. She then contacted authorities immediately after leaving which led them directly back to Nasyrova as their suspect.

Naysyova eventually pleaded guilty earlier this year on charges, including attempted murder and burglary but denied any intent or knowledge regarding poisoning the food item offered by herself at Tsvyk’s house during their meeting two years ago. The judge presiding over the case however disagreed with these claims stating “I find it hard not believe you knew what you were doing” before sentencing Ms. Nyasorova accordingly.