Wildberries HQ clash: Billionaire couple's dispute turns deadly
7:13 PM EDT, September 22, 2024
A dangerous incident occurred in the heart of Moscow. The headquarters of Wildberries, an e-commerce giant, became the scene of a clash that resulted in the arrest of ten people and charges of murder against two. The events culminated in the escalating conflict between the company’s founders, the divorcing Bakalchuk couple.
Shareholders of one of Russia’s largest e-commerce companies literally and figuratively clashed at the Moscow headquarters. According to local media, Tatyana Bakalchuk, considered the wealthiest woman in Russia, controlled the majority of shares in Wildberries. Her ex-husband, Vladislav, owned only a tiny portion of the shares. A recent merger of Wildberries with Russ Group, a leading outdoor advertising operator, led to the creation of a new entity—RVB. This transaction significantly changed the balance of power in the company, reducing Tatyana’s shares to about 65 percent.
Vladislav Bakalchuk expressed concern about this situation, suggesting that his ex-wife had fallen victim to manipulation. The highest levels of Russian authorities got involved in the matter. President Vladimir Putin personally approved the merger, highlighting its strategic importance to the Russian economy. Simultaneously, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov supported Vladislav, promising to help protect his interests and attempt to reconcile the marriage.
Shooting near the Kremlin: This is how business is done in Russia
Tension reached a climax on Wednesday when a group of armed individuals associated with Vladislav Bakalczuk attempted to enter the Wildberries headquarters forcibly. A firefight ensued between the attackers and the building’s security, resulting in two fatalities. Both sides of the conflict present different versions of the events, blaming each other for provoking the situation.
Russian authorities reacted quickly and decisively. At least ten people involved in the incident were arrested. Among those detained were Vladislav Bakalchuk and Umar Chichayev, deputy commander of the Chechen Akhmat unit and a known mixed martial arts fighter. Both men face serious charges, including murder and attempted murder.
In an emotional video posted on social media, Tatyana Bakalchuk addressed her ex-husband directly. She expressed deep disappointment in his actions, asking how he intends to explain himself to their family and children for bringing the situation to such a dramatic point. This personal statement underscores how deeply the business conflict has affected the Bakalczuk family’s relationships, which, for two decades, built not only a successful marriage but also a powerful trade empire.
It's a scandal in Russia
According to information obtained by "Project," Tatiana Bakalchuk was supposedly involved in an affair with Robert Mirzoyan, one of the brothers controlling Russ Group. Moreover, the real beneficiary of this business is said to be Suleiman Kerimov, a billionaire ranked 21st among the wealthiest Russians, with an estimated fortune of $5.4 billion. Besides his business position, Kerimov also serves as a member of the Federation Council, representing Dagestan since 2008. These connections add a new, complicated dimension to the already complex situation surrounding Wildberries.
