Emigres: The Curious Sleeping Russian

The Curious Sleeping Russian

His name, evidently, is Vladimir Leontev. But to Britons who followed his case, the Soviet emigre became better known as "the sleeping Russian," or "the Red in bed." About a month ago, Leontev arrived in Britain from France, where he had been granted refugee status in 1978. A day after his arrival, his moped collided with two automobiles and Leontev was taken to Hemel Hempstead General Hospital. He was later released to face charges stemming from the traffic accident. Authorities were also curious about some $36,000 in French francs found in his possession.

At the courthouse, Leontev appeared to pass out....

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