Yevgeny Prigozhin, the notorious leader of the Wagner Group mercenaries, has been officially confirmed dead following the analysis of genetic material retrieved from last week’s plane crash. Russian authorities announced on Sunday.
After conducting comprehensive molecular genetic examinations, authorities conclusively established the identities of all ten individuals who lost their lives in the plane crash, The Russian Investigative Committe said in a statement.
The investigation said on Sunday that the victims’ identities matched the list provided in the flight manifest of the ill-fated aircraft that went down north of Moscow. Among the victims were not only Yevgeny Prigozhin but also his close associates, including Dmitry Utkin, known for his enigmatic persona and neo-Nazi tattoos, and Valery Chekalov, the logistics chief of the Wagner Group.
“As part of the investigation into the plane crash in the Tver Region, molecular genetic examinations have been completed. According to their results, the identities of all 10 victims have been established. They correspond to the list stated in the flight manifest,” the agency said in a statement.
Also Read: The Rise and Fall of Yevgeny Prigozhin: From Petty Criminal to Putin’s Chef and Wagner Chief
Private Jet Belonging to Wagner Boss Yevgeny Prigozhin Crashes, all 10 people died- Reports
The private jet had been en route to St. Petersburg when the tragedy struck, crashing 60 miles north of Moscow. Interestingly, this unfortunate incident occurred precisely two months after Prigozhin’s failed attempt to stage a coup against President Vladimir Putin. During this audacious endeavor, Wagner fighters, led by Prigozhin, momentarily captured the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don before their ambitious march toward Moscow.
Despite widespread speculation and suspicion surrounding the crash, the Kremlin has staunchly denied any involvement, rebuffing allegations that the incident was a retaliatory assassination targeting Prigozhin for his audacious mutiny in June.
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