armed takeover at Wildberries office in Moscow leaves two dead
- Two security guards were killed during an armed takeover attempt at Wildberries' Moscow office.
- The incident involved Vladislav Bakalchuk, the estranged husband of CEO Tatyana Bakalchuk, who led armed men into the building.
- The event has raised serious concerns about corporate governance and security in the wake of a contentious merger.
On September 18, a violent incident occurred at the Moscow office of Wildberries, resulting in the deaths of two security guards. The attack was led by Vladislav Bakalchuk, the estranged husband of CEO Tatyana Bakalchuk, who entered the building with armed men. The CEO described the event as a botched takeover attempt, following a recent merger that Vladislav opposed. Videos from the scene captured the chaos, including a scuffle and gunfire. Tatyana Bakalchuk, who owns 99% of Wildberries, stated that her husband and his associates were the first to open fire, contradicting Vladislav's claim that he was unarmed and there was shooting from within the office. The incident escalated quickly, leading to the involvement of Russia's Investigative Committee, which is probing the crime. Ten individuals have been detained in connection with the shooting. The backdrop of this violent takeover attempt includes a recent merger with Russ, an outdoor advertising giant, which has drawn criticism from Vladislav and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Kadyrov had previously met with Vladislav and expressed his intent to halt the merger, labeling it a corporate raid. This incident highlights the intense personal and corporate conflicts surrounding the leadership of Wildberries. As the investigation unfolds, the implications of this armed takeover attempt could have significant repercussions for the company and its leadership dynamics. The tragic loss of life underscores the extreme measures taken in corporate disputes, raising questions about security and governance in high-stakes business environments.