Speculation about links among a handful U.S. scientists who have died or disappeared in recent years was largely confined to niche online communities less than two months ago. As of Friday, the number had grown to at least 12 and was at the epicenter of U.S. government, with both the FBI and Congress investigating possible connections. The details vary by case, but tend to suggest that individuals were targeted because of the sensitive nature of their work related to topics such as astrophysics, nuclear weapons and pharmaceuticals. But so far no evidence has been found that definitively links the cases or establishes coordinated foul play.

The cases span multiple years and include a patchwork of people from different backgrounds, circumstances and connections to classified material.

Conspiracies are running rampant online after the deaths or disappearances of at least 10 people tied to sensitive US research.

Speculation about links among a handful U.S. scientists who have died or disappeared in recent years was largely confined to niche online communities less than two months ago. As…

Claim of nefarious plot draws attention of lawmakers and president – but are disappearances and deaths really linked?

Dalle community online alle istituzioni Usa, crescono i sospetti su presunti legami tra morti e sparizioni di ricercatori, ma senza prove concrete a sostegno

The 12 scientists who have died or gone missing all appeared to have ties to nuclear or space programs and, in some cases, classified projects. Rhian Lubin delves into the cases