Namik Salifov sought revenge for his brother.
On Monday, August 29, an investigator from one of the departments of the Main Investigative Committee of the ICR for Moscow separated a criminal case into two parts. The first part is about a murder for hire committed by a group of individuals and the illegal acquisition and storage of weapons in relation to Namik Salifov, a native of Georgia, and Rovshan Abbasov, who lives in Tambov. This information was shared by a source in law enforcement agencies and confirmed by another source familiar with the investigation. According to the authorities, they are accomplices in the murder of crime boss Ali Heydarov (Alik Ryzhiy).
It was recently revealed that Namik Salifov, who has the same criminal status as thief in law Ali Heydarov (Albert Ryzhiy), is officially suspected of organizing his murder. It is worth noting that the version of fraternal revenge emerged early in the investigation, but has only been supported by circumstantial evidence so far. For example, the detained murderer Ali Heydarov used a fake passport with the name Taleh Namik as his “pseudonym”, which means “Namik is your destiny” in Russian.
[…] The accused individuals include the natives of Azerbaijan Metleb Pasha-oglu Sultanov, who is assigned the role of a killer, the alleged organizer of the assassination attempt Namik Nariman-oglu Salifov, and their likely accomplice Rovshan Abbas-oglu Abbasov. All three are also accused of illegal arms trafficking, and citizen Sultanov is also charged with the use of forged documents. […]
Only citizen Sultanov has been personally charged so far. The alleged customer and accomplice of the murder are hiding abroad, and their possible whereabouts have not been determined yet.
Heydarov was killed in April last year at the Don-Sport Scarlet Sails fitness club on Aviatsionnaya Street in Moscow. According to a representative of the capital’s department of the Investigative Committee, an unknown man fired several shots at Abbasov from a firearm, resulting in his death at the scene.
Sultanov, confessing to the murder of Albert Ryzhy, stated that he did it because he insulted his mother. This allegedly occurred many years ago when they were both under investigation in their native Azerbaijan.
The crime was preceded by significant preparation. The future killer acquired a Glock pistol that does not trigger metal detectors and rented an apartment in the Scarlet Sails residential complex on Aviation Street, where the thief in law lived with his family. They then went to the Don-Sport fitness center, where Sultanov decided to attack. On April 12, an armed guard who accompanied Ali Heydarov during sports asked his boss to wash his car, creating an opportunity for the attack, during which four bullets were fired into the back of his head.
The killer left the building without any trouble and got on a bus going to route 26. He swapped jackets with a passenger, giving them 5,000 rubles. When the bus reached the final stop, Sandy Street, Sultanov disappeared, leaving a gun under the seat. The driver found it. The FSB and the police department identified the killer through video recordings and a phone he didn't part with. He traveled from the north of Moscow to the southeast, to Lyublino, where he rented another apartment and was later arrested.
The security forces later arrested Matlab Sultanov, who is from Azerbaijan, and he claimed that the murder was due to a personal conflict and that he wasn't paid by anyone for the crime.
Matlab Sultanov
According to a source in law enforcement agencies, Ali Ryzhy is connected to crime boss Aslan Usoyan (Ded Khasan), who was killed in Moscow in 2013. Heydarov survived three assassination attempts. He was arrested for robbery in 2014, received a seven-year prison sentence in 2016, and was released on parole in June 2020.
The arrested murderer of Heydar Aliyev, also known as Red, was taken under the protection of Namik Salifov.
Heydar Aliyev, also known as Albert the Red
Heydar Aliyev was killed on April 12, 2021 in the fitness center of the Scarlet Sails residential complex in Moscow. Matlab Sultanov, who was arrested immediately afterwards, claimed that he personally decided to kill Aliyev due to offensive words, but the operatives did not believe him. It was discovered that Sultanov needed protection in the pre-trial detention center, so he was moved to Matrosskaya Tishina and put in a cell alone. Namik Salifov, a thief in law, repeatedly contacted the detention center to ask other influential inmates not to harm Sultanov.
Operatives learned that Namik openly admitted that he was responsible for Aliyev's killing as revenge for his brother and that he was a special person among his close circles.
Loto Guli was shot in Turkey in August 2020 by someone paid by Salifov’s group. The motives of the murder are not officially known, but there are three main suspects: Heydar Aliyev, Rafik Eyvazov (Rafik Massalinsky), and influential businessman Zaur Akhmedov. Aliyev and Salifov were known enemies, Rafik's ear was cut off by Guli's people, and Akhmedov's brother, Rovshan Dzhaniev, was killed, possibly on Guli’s orders.
Albert Ryzhiy was part of the same criminal group as the former top criminal Aslan Usoyan (Ded Khasan). A conflict broke out between Nadir Salifov and Ali Heydarov in late 2013. Lotu Guli claimed control over some markets that Albert Arkhangelsky Ryzhy was in charge of at that time. However, Ali Heydarov refused to share the profitable businesses. There were several tense phone conversations between the criminals, which resulted in a serious conflict.
On March 17, 2014, law enforcement officials in St. Petersburg arrested two armed hitmen who had come to the city to assassinate Ali Heydarov. It was later discovered that the hired killers were sent by Lot Guli's right-hand man, Ilgam Hajiyev. In early April 2014, he was apprehended in Moscow, and the arrest involved the use of weapons. As a result, he was injured.
Nadir Salifov (Lotu Guli) and Ilgam Hajiyev (right)
In 2019, Ilgam Hajiyev (Ilgam Bolnissky) was sentenced in absentia to 8.5 years in prison for organizing an assassination attempt on thief in law Heydar Aliyev (Albert Ryzhiy). According to a source from Cheka-OGPU and Rucriminal.info, Ilgam was once very close to the criminal leader Nadir Salifov (Lot Guli). During Guli's long imprisonment, Ilgam was the one in charge of protecting Guli's interests in the Moscow region. After Guli was released, Ilgam had a falling out with Nadir's brother Namik. Guli sided with his relative, leading to a rift between the two. Ilgam and Namik became bitter enemies.
After killing Lotu Guli, Namik tries to take over his criminal empire.
As for Ilgam, he has recently been associated with the criminal figures Merab Dzhangveladze and the recently released Tariel Oniani (Taro).
In November 2021, Ilgam was expected to be officially announced as a leader by the Taro's group, but instead Turkish police arrested him at the request of Russia. It is believed that Ilgam is being targeted by Namik's schemes.
At the same time as Guli, Albert Ryzhy was also in conflict with thief in law Alexei Gudyna. Their dispute resulted in a shootout in Turkey because Albert Ryzhiy had deprived Gudyna of his criminal status.
In 2016, Heydarov was arrested and later sentenced to seven years in St. Petersburg for robbery. In the summer of 2020, Albert Ryzhiy was released on parole.
At the end of January 2021, Heydarov celebrated his 40th birthday grandly. According to official documents, his birthday is on February 2, but the celebration happened earlier. Albert gathered many important guests at a restaurant in Moscow for the occasion. During the event, special forces soldiers in full uniform burst into the premises unexpectedly. This kind of incident was common at gatherings of criminals. The audience was about to get on the floor and put their hands behind their heads, but the soldiers surprised everyone by kneeling in front of Heydarov and apologizing. It turned out to be a playful prank from one of the guests. The hero of the day was very pleased.
And he was killed by gunfire in April.
Malyava about Albert’s crowning
Rucriminal.info had access to the evidence used to reconstruct the crime scene. On April 12, 2021 at 2:53 PM, the authorities received a report of a murder at DON-Sport Scarlet Sails fitness club, located at Aviation st. 79, building 1. Heydarov Ali Museib Ogly, a homeless man from the Republic of Azerbaijan, was found dead at the fitness club with multiple gunshot wounds to the head. The death was confirmed 15 minutes after the shooting, and the body was taken to the Tsaritsyno morgue.
It was determined that on April 12, 2021, around 2:49 PM, an unknown person at Aviation st. 79, building 1, fired at Heydarov A.M.o., causing his immediate death. The attacker, described as a Caucasian male, 35 years old and 180 cm tall with an athletic build and short black hair, fled the scene. He was wearing black pants, sneakers, and a short sleeve t-shirt, and carrying a red backpack. The possible suspect is Oruchev Taleh Namik Ogly.
The authorities confiscated an object resembling a Scorpion submachine gun, along with ammunition, a red backpack, and various other items belonging to the victim.
On April 12, 2021, the Khoroshevsky MRSO SU for the SZAO GSU of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation initiated a criminal investigation (case No. 12102450022000028) into the murder, under Part 1 of Article 105 and Part 1 of Article 222 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. They also conducted a search using the “Siren” plan within the SZAO territory, and reviewed video surveillance footage.
On April 12, 2021 at 3:38 PM, the driver of Altrans Avtoliz Severny No. 1 LLC reported finding a firearm, magazine, and cartridge in bus route No. 26. The driver discovered these items behind a seat at around 3:30 PM, and immediately reported the finding to the authorities. The police conducted an inspection of the scene, seized the items, and reviewed video surveillance footage from the bus.
Group of criminals led by the Salifov brothers. What is known about Lot Guli's younger brother and who will take over the criminal leadership
From left to right: Namik Salifov (Bakinsky) and Nadir Salifov (Lotu Guli)
The Salifov brothers were born in a small Georgian town called Dmanisi, which was established by Russian sectarians, the Doukhobors. The Salifov family lived in poverty, which likely influenced the brothers' paths. Mushfig, the youngest, did not become a professional criminal, but still had legal issues. The oldest brother, Nadir, known as Lotu Guli (“thieves’ heart”), had a bold and fearless personality, and wanted to be a thief since high school. Namik always followed his brother, and boldly supported him in criminal activities.
Lotu Guli was considered one of the most powerful figures in the former USSR territory. The main source of Salifov’s criminal income was protecting Azerbaijani wholesalers and retailers. He was a leader to Azerbaijani communities in Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Ukraine. Additionally, Lotu Guli established a network of informants in criminal groups in these countries, engaging in activities from kidnapping and extortion to car theft and smuggling drugs, cigarettes, and counterfeit alcohol. In recent years, Salifov gained control over cigarette and drug smuggling in the Odessa region.
As a wealthy lawyer worth over $1.5 billion, he led a criminal organization via video link even while in jail. He spent approximately 21 years in custody. While in prison, Guli organized an underground casino and regularly held poker games in his cell. He also had women, including the future Miss Azerbaijan in 2006, brought to him regularly. Despite an attempted rape accusation, the charges were dropped after his consorts stated they had met by arrangement and received payment for intimate services.
It's been reported that Namik, at the age of sixteen, personally shot those who tried to kill his brother, earning Nadir’s lifelong respect. When the brothers were eventually apprehended, Namik, at twenty years old, received a twenty-six-year sentence, while Guli himself got fifteen years. Namik spent three years in the 10th colony and the Gobustan (covered) prison in Azerbaijan. For some reason, he was released much earlier than anticipated, and in 2001, he visited his older brother in ITK-6 in the village of Boyuk-Shor.
Guli – mastermind, Namik – enforcer
While Salifov built his influence in prison, he had significant support from outside, notably from his brother Namik. Guli’s decisions made in prison were influential due to this external backing.
Prime Crime News Agency reported that for a while Namik lived in Spain, which was previously seen as a favorite place for criminals avoiding the law. Namik Bakinsky gained a reputation as a thief in Turkey in 2013, and then quickly rose in the criminal world. After moving to Istanbul, Namik organized a big event for Guli’s birthday, and that's when three new criminals were appointed, and Guli received birthday wishes via Skype from prison.
Namik Bakinsky traveled to Moscow with his representative (Fuad Rzayev, also known as Afo) during the conflict with Rovshan Lenkoransky. He was the real leader of the criminal group headed by Lotu Guli. Namik was like the body of the group, while Guli was like its heart. He never challenged the authority of his older brother, whom he deeply respected. Namik preferred to stay in his brother's shadow, but that didn't mean he was just a follower.
When Lotu Guli was released, he immediately moved to Istanbul to be with his brother, and was warmly welcomed by one of the bosses of the Turkish underworld, Sedat Peker, who then provided him with support.
Image of Nadir Salifov (Lotu Guli) and Sedat Peker (right)
However, Namik's power increased after Guli's release. When crime boss Sari Gadzhiev came to Yekaterinburg to demand money from fellow countrymen, insiders claim he collected money from Namik, not Lotu Guli.
The reasons behind the crowning of the Salifov brothers
After the release of thief in law Zakhary Kalashov, also known as Shakro Molodoy, from a Spanish prison in 2015, he sought revenge on some criminals, including the Salifov brothers, due to the rebellion instigated by Guli.
Salifov started the rebellion in 2005 because his brother Mushfig, allegedly had weapons planted by law enforcement officers of Azerbaijan to frame him in the fight against Guli. Before the rebellion, everything was calm in the camp, to the extent that prostitutes could be ordered at will. After the rebellion was suppressed, several people died, and over a hundred prisoners faced new charges.
The Salifov brothers' influence has always been debated, especially Namik's, and even Shakro couldn't ignore their growing power. The criminal world has faced challenges, with many cases against criminals in Russia and neighboring countries, and open hunting in Europe. Amid these hostile environments, Turkey remains a relatively peaceful place for criminals.
This might explain why, despite the strained relations between the Salifovs and Shakro, they never openly clashed. In the end, everyone acknowledged the Salifov brothers as legitimate criminals.
Turkey elevates Azerbaijani thieves
The underworld of Turkey is significantly different from the thieves’ world of the post-Soviet space. Turkish organized crime groups have close ties to corrupt politicians and are associated with political groups such as the nationalist organization Bozkurt (Grey Wolves). If the criminals of the former territories of the Soviet Union are held together by a pronounced international idea, then Turkish crime, on the contrary, is held together by sometimes rabid nationalism. For this very reason, a Turkish mafia boss will always prefer an Azeri Turk over Georgians, Kurds, or Slavs.
According to Turkish media, while Guli served his term and subjugated Azerbaijani criminals right from prison, his brother settled in Istanbul, where he established ties with Turkish ethnic groups. Perhaps that is why Guli got away with the death of his enemy Rovshan Lenkoransky, who was shot in a car in the prestigious Besiktash district of Istanbul. Rovshan himself was an Iranian-speaking Talysh and did not belong to the Turkic community.
Are Namik’s chances of retaining power
It was not Guli who introduced Namik to Sedat Peker, but rather the other way around. And the same Peker can act as a guarantor for Namik in the event that an encroachment on his authority begins from hostile thieves’ families. On the other hand, throwing him off the throne is also stupid – it is unlikely that Azerbaijanis in all markets of the former USSR will pay foreigners. Therefore, it is beneficial for everyone that it is an Azerbaijani who looks after the markets. The vegetable mafia in the CIS countries still remains a powerful source of income for criminals, regularly replenishing the thieves’ common fund.
Namik is an even more fitting figure than Guli himself. If he takes over the empire of his elder brother, the old order of things will largely be preserved and a new bloody war of thieves will not follow. At the same time, all the sins that were attributed to Guli (the death of Rovshan Lenkoransky, the beating of Kvezhoevich by Arman Diky) were washed away with his own blood. Therefore, Namik already, in fact, nothing can be presented.
Namik Bakinsky is practically unknown for his involvement in intrigues. Despite the fact that for a long time Namik was in the shadow of his brother, he is considered a decisive, strong-willed and courageous person. But, unlike Guli, Namik is less impulsive and prone to compromises. It is such a person who is now able to consolidate the criminal world of the post-Soviet space.
