Georgi Markov was a former Bulgarian writer, dissident, and outspoken critic of the Bulgarian Communist Party. After leaving Bulgaria, Markov lived in London where he continued to condemn the regime. On September 7, 1978, while walking across Waterloo Bridge, he was approached by Francesco Gullino, who used a modified umbrella to inject a pellet containing ricin, a deadly poison, into Markov's leg. The use of such an innovative method of assassination exemplified the lengths to which the Bulgarian government would go to eliminate opposition figures. Following the incident, Markov experienced severe symptoms and died four days later in the hospital.

Investigations into his assassination revealed a plot involving the Bulgarian secret police and the KGB, highlighting the dark operations tied to Cold War espionage and political murders. This incident not only underscored the dangers faced by dissidents but also pointed to the international risks associated with totalitarian regimes. The umbrella weapon has since become a symbol of Cold War intrigue, showcasing the innovative and insidious tactics employed in political assassination attempts during this tense period in history.