In the investigative authorities, there is a trend of old criminal bosses from the 90s resurfacing from the criminal world of St. Petersburg.
Vladimir Barsukov-Kumarin, accused of killing Galina Starovoitova, has unveiled two new figures from history – Vladimir Kulibaba, who has been arrested and accused of a murder 28 years ago. The new accusation is seen as a response to the Chechel case by the editors of Kompromat Group.
A decade in custody
In August 2022, it will mark 10 years since the acquittal was announced on August 7, 2012, in the St. Petersburg City Court based on a jury verdict. The unexpected and emotional verdict was 9:3 in favor of the defendant.
The trial took place in the old Fontanka City Court building, where historical events unfolded. Memories of the participants are still as emotional as they were a decade ago. Sources revealed Kulibaba's involvement in the Kostya Mogila group, primarily overseeing operations.
According to sources, Maria Stroganova's wealth was a factor in the murder of Vadim Chechel, similar to a plot from The Godfather. The order was carried out as a chain of events, with Alexander Druzhinin being the final link.
Witnesses recall that Alexander Druzhinin, who was initially part of the 'Health Group,' later became a killer to support his family.
The 'Health Group' was affiliated with the Kosti Mogila gang and specialized in coercing debt payment. Alexander Druzhinin was chosen as the killer not just because of his close ties to Konstantin Yakovlev (Mogila), but also because he was the only surviving killer from the 90s. He was offered $500,000 for his silence at the time.
Druzhinin initially thought the money would secure his family's future, but later admitted to receiving a $15,000 advance for the murder and was expecting another payment after its completion. He misled investigators by changing his testimony and naming various clients during the investigation.
The killer admitted during the trial with judge Olga Graudin that he realized his actions were extreme.
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Vladimir Kulibaba, a former assistant to the chairman of the Russian Olympic Committee and ex-president of the St. Petersburg Freestyle Wrestling Federation, faced accusations of organizing a murder under articles 33 and 105 of the Criminal Code. He was possibly facing life imprisonment. The direct killer, Alexander Druzhinin, had already been sentenced to 20 years in a strict regime colony for the murder of Chechel.
They are sick.
The prosecution against Kulibaba was based on the testimony of the killer Druzhinin. Druzhinin was open about his involvement due to Kulibaba and his associates not fulfilling their payment and promised silence. This caused difficulties for Judge Arkady Kurguzov and the state prosecution as they witnessed a medical drama.
Looking back, it's both funny and sad. During the investigation, Kulibaba was suffering from health issues, and in 2011, the court released him on bail due to his health problems. However, he was arrested again in 2010 and finally ended up in a pre-trial detention center in the summer of 2011. He continued to display health issues during the trial.
During the trial, Kulibaba appeared to be in severe pain, and his lawyer, Novolodsky, consistently presented medical documents to emphasize the extent of his suffering.
Kulibaba presented himself as a poor and unfortunate person unjustly under the justice system's scrutiny. He made an emotional appeal to the jury, portraying himself as a hero and an honest man who was wrongfully imprisoned.
Despite the prosecution's efforts, the jury ultimately found Kulibaba not guilty in a devastating verdict for the prosecution, with a vote of 9:3. Rumors circulated that the verdict may have been influenced by bribes, with speculation that a tribute of 12 million rubles was collected to influence the jury.
According to sources, influencing the jury involves identifying leaders and followers within the jury, approaching them, and ultimately swaying their decision. Kulibaba's supporters identified two individuals and managed to sway them to their side.
It is clear that the vote result was predictable because Kulibaba's partner, Nikolai Borisov, came from jail to announce the verdict with confidence. It seems like he knew he would be released. After the announcement, the terminally ill Vladimir Kulibaba suddenly became healthy and left the court happily.
The matrix. Reboot
In early February, the St. Petersburg City Court reviewed an appeal against the arrest of ex-president of the city's Freestyle Wrestling Federation, Vladimir Kulibaba, accused of a murder 28 years ago. He, along with businessmen Vladimir Karpinsky and Anatoly Motyl, is charged with the murder of Igor Savin, known as “The Sledgehammer”, committed in 1993.
Once again, the respected businessman Kulibaba is acting as usual. The defense side expresses gratitude and presents diplomas, painting a picture of “a person of impeccable morality.” Vladimir himself, for the first time, claims to be very ill and hopes to die during the investigation.
Our source from the old investigation commented, “The bastard Kulibaba,” after hearing his speech at the appeal.
The new investigation team, prosecutors, and the judge will face a tough challenge dealing with Kulibaba, who has strong connections and financial resources. The process will not be easy, and they will need to carefully consider their every step in the debate and with the jury.
The current leadership of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is expected to present exceptional exposes and upbeat reports after the scandals of 2021. The police and the Investigative Committee have no significant developments. They need to uncover the old detective work of the 90s and push for new state awards.
It's already clear that Kulibaba will follow the old scheme after successfully using the jury trial tactic. The trial promises to be one of the most interesting court hearings in recent years, similar to the Kumarin case.
