Russia detains several Azerbaijani-linked crime figures

Russian authorities have detained several individuals of Azerbaijani origin suspected of involvement in organized crime, local media and law enforcement sources reported.

Among them is Zaur Shipilov, a so-called “thief-in-law” known as Zaur, who was arrested in Orenburg. He is the son of Bayram Talibov, a notorious crime boss killed in Moscow in 2006.

Also detained was businessman Zaur Akhmedov, known as an influential figure at Moscow’s “Food City” wholesale market. He is a cousin of the late Rovshan Lenkoransky and is believed to have taken over his criminal network.

In Moscow, authorities also detained Vagif Suleymanov, nicknamed “Diplomat”, who is expected to be deported to Azerbaijan due to alleged immigration violations. He has been linked to several business ventures in Russia.