Moscow shooting claims 2 lives amid Bakalchuk company dispute

A violent confrontation occurred in downtown Moscow, resulting in two fatalities and five injuries. The incident was linked to a bitter dispute between Tatyana V. Bakalchuk, founder of Wildberries, and her estranged husband, Vladislav Bakalchuk. Tatyana accused her husband of attempting a corporate raid with armed men, escalating tensions that have been brewing for months. The couple's conflict has drawn significant attention in Russia's business community, even involving Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. The shooting took place in a prestigious office building near the Kremlin, where Vladislav claimed he arrived for peaceful negotiations regarding new warehouse construction. However, he alleged that he was attacked by security personnel upon arrival. Tatyana refuted his claims, stating that no negotiations were scheduled and describing her husband's actions as a failed corporate raid. The stakes of this dispute are high, as Wildberries is a major player in the online retail market, processing over 12 million orders daily and generating sales exceeding $27 billion in 2023. The violent escalation of their conflict highlights the intense personal and financial stakes involved, as both parties vie for control over the company. The aftermath of the shooting has led to numerous detentions, raising concerns about the safety and stability of the business environment in Russia. This incident not only underscores the personal turmoil between the Bakalchuks but also reflects broader issues within the Russian corporate landscape, where disputes can quickly turn violent and involve powerful figures.