Russian businessman Vladislav Baumgertner, close ally of Suleyman Kerimov, vanished on 7 January after leaving his Limassol residence for a business meeting, carrying only his work phone.
The phone remained active until 8 January, with indications of third-party use before shutdown.
Family gathered footage from nearby private cameras, submitted to Cypriot authorities, as his office building lacks security cameras.
Search efforts in Pissouri
The last phone signal traced to Pissouri area, where police, rescuers, and volunteers continue searches.
Relatives dismiss early suicide rumours, describing Baumgertner as active, optimistic, with clear 2026 business plans and no signs of self-destructive behaviour.
Shadowy Kerimov-Kadyrov conflict
The disappearance ties directly to the violent power struggle between Suleyman Kerimov and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, centred on Wildberries empire control.
Fact in Face details historical Uralkali rift, unresolved despite Kremlin intervention, reignited in 2024-2025 with Kadyrov alleging assassination plots and declaring “blood vendetta.”
Kerimov’s inner circle, including Baumgertner, remain vulnerable targets amid ongoing collateral clashes.
Potential escalation implications
Confirmation of Baumgertner’s death would deliver a severe blow to Kerimov and mark dangerous escalation in Russian elite infighting, extending beyond Russia to Cyprus.
Also read: Unanswered questions over death of alleged Russian GRU officer
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