Snapped is investigating the bizarre attempted murder of Olga Tsvyk by her so-called friend, Viktoria Nasyrova, who tried to kill Tsvyk so she could steal her identity.
Nasyrova, a Brooklyn, New York resident, and Tsvyk, who lived in Queens, were very similar in appearance. They both had dark hair, the same complexion, and other similar physical traits. And they were both Russian speakers.
The 47-year-old Nasyrova appears to have hatched a plan to kill the 35-year-old Tsvyk by killing her with a poisoned cheesecake. Thankfully, Tsvyk survived the callous attack and was able to testify against her attempted killer.
On August 28, 2016, Nasyrova contacted Tsvyk, an eyelash stylist, and asked if she could have an emergency touch-up appointment. Nasyrova promised to gift her “some famous cheesecake from a famous bakery” as a thank you.
Tsvyk recounted later in court how she began to feel sick about 20 minutes after eating a slice of the cake. She started to vomit and began to have hallucinations, and later learned she’d nearly had a heart attack.
Just before she passed out, Tsvyk remembered seeing her so-called friend walking around her apartment. When Tsvyk, thankfully, woke up, she found she was lying on her bed, and pills had been scattered around her bed. It was an apparent attempt by Nasyrova to stage a suicide.
Viktoria Nasyrova stole documents after Olga Tsvyk murder attempt
Tsvyk was treated at a hospital, and when she returned home, she discovered her Ukrainian passport and US work permit were missing, as well as jewelry and about $4,000 in cash. She realized Nasyrova had tried to kill her to steal her identity.
Watch the Latest on our YouTube ChannelAn investigation by Homeland Security agents revealed that the cake had been laced with Phenazepam, a powerful sedative.
In 2023, Nasyrova was convicted of attempted murder along with other related charges. She was sentenced to 21 years in prison, followed by five years of supervision.
After the sentencing, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “A ruthless and calculating con artist is going to prison for a long time for trying to murder her way to personal profit and gain. Thankfully, the victim survived the attack on her life and we were able to deliver justice to her.”
Viktoria Nasyrova suspected of killing neighbor in Russia
Nasyrova is also a fugitive in Russia, where she is wanted on suspicion of killing her neighbor. In 2015, Interpol issued a red notice for her arrest over the suspected murder. The police suspect that Nasyrova tried to steal Tsvyk’s identity so she could return to Russia.
In the US, she has also been accused of drugging and robbing men she met on dating websites.
Snapped airs Sundays at 6/5c on Oxygen.