Image Credit: RT
A violent incident broke out at the Moscow headquarters of e-commerce giant Wildberries on Wednesday, leaving one dead and several others injured. The confrontation, which took place around midday at the Romanov Dvor business centre, occurred during an ongoing corporate dispute between the company’s co-founders, Tatyana and Vladislav Bakalchuk.
Reports suggest that a group of people began breaking windows at the property, sparking gunfire shortly after. The entire episode lasted only a few minutes, but it resulted in the death of a security guard and injuries to several others, including a police officer. Russian authorities have confirmed that as many as 30 individuals have been taken into custody, and an investigation is underway.
The turmoil reportedly stems from tensions between the Bakalchuks, who are in the process of divorcing after co-founding Wildberries in 2004. Mr Bakalchuk has voiced dissatisfaction with the company’s management, claiming that his wife is mismanaging the firm, despite him owning only 1% of the company. A contentious merger between Wildberries and advertising giant Russ has further intensified the situation.
In a statement regarding the incident, Mrs Bakalchuk alleged that her estranged husband had orchestrated the raid, disguising it as a negotiation attempt. She claimed that the group of armed men had intended to seize control of the headquarters. The CEO expressed her condolences to the family of the security guard who was killed in the attack and vowed to support them during this difficult time.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and are expected to provide further updates as details emerge.