A deadly shootout at Wildberries HQ, Russia’s largest online retailer, has resulted in at least two deaths and multiple injuries. The incident, which occurred near the Kremlin in Moscow on September 18, involved a clash between MMA fighters associated with Ramzan Kadyrov’s Akhmat Club.
Among the casualties were Islam Elmurziev and Abubakar Mestoev, both of whom were MMA fighters. Initial reports from state-run outlets downplayed the severity of the situation, but soon details emerged that at least seven others had been injured during the altercation. Some reports hinted at a broader conflict, potentially involving security officers, adding layers of intrigue to the already tense situation.
The shootout took place in the Romanov Dvor business center, a stone’s throw from the Kremlin, and sent ripples through both the local business community and broader Russian society. At the heart of the dispute seems to be Wildberries’ leadership, particularly its founder, Tatyana Bakalchuk, and her husband Vladislav Bakalchuk. Tatyana, widely regarded as Russia’s richest woman, has recently faced internal turmoil at the company, exacerbated by external sanctions imposed by Ukraine and Poland over the company’s alleged indirect support for Kremlin-backed activities.
Vladislav Bakalchuk, who was present at the scene, has denied any involvement in the violence, instead claiming that he was there to negotiate the construction of new warehouses. According to him, the confrontation began when security guards and unidentified individuals provoked an armed response. He alleges that he and his colleagues were attacked without warning, leading to the tragic events that unfolded as per uazmi.
Meanwhile, Tatyana Bakalchuk has expressed her frustration, accusing her husband and his associates of attempting a hostile takeover of the company’s Moscow offices. Her comments have fueled speculation that the shootout was not just a random act of violence but potentially linked to deeper power struggles within Wildberries, as well as broader criminal and political machinations.
The situation has brought significant attention to the inner workings of Wildberries, as well as the potential influence of organized groups such as the Akhmat Fight Club. With Russia’s largest online retailer already under scrutiny due to international sanctions, this violent episode adds a new layer of complexity to its future.
