Gunfire at Moscow Office of Russia's Largest Online Retailer Leaves 1 Dead and 2 Injured

A fire erupted at the headquarters of Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, resulting in one death and at least two injuries, Russian state-controlled news agency TASS reported on September 18.

Videos circulated on Telegram with the sound of gunfire as a group of men clashed at the entrance of the office building, believed to be part of Wildberries' headquarters in central Moscow.

According to the company's press service, the altercation began when Vladislav Bakalchuk, the estranged husband of Wildberries' founder, attempted to "illegally" enter the premises with his security team.

A spokesperson for Vladimir Bakalchuk told Russian news outlet RBK that he was the target of a "large-scale provocation" upon arriving to negotiate warehouse construction for the retailer on behalf of his company, VB Development.

Tatyana Bakalchuk, the company's founder, claimed that Vladislav had attempted to take control of the offices alongside another co-founder, Sergey Anufriev, and former chairman of the board, Vladimir Bakin, according to independent media outlet Meduza.

"The claim of negotiations involving an armed group is absurd, as no agreements were made for any talks," Tatyana Bakalchuk stated. "This is a hostile takeover—or rather, an unsuccessful attempt," she added.