Vladimir Marugov was a Russian meat magnate who was murdered last week with a crossbow. Marugov was enjoying a lazy hour in his steam room with his girlfriend when assailants broke in.

The assailants tied the couple up and demanded money. It is reported that his girlfriend broke out through a window and alerted the police. When the police arrived they found Marugov dead. Was this as simple though as a robbery gone wrong?

Family History

Marugov was the owner of Ozyorsky sausage and Meat Empire sausage, earning him the nickname ‘Sausage King.’ This wasn’t the first death that the Marugov’s have suffered. In 2019, Alexander Marugov their son was killed in a motorcycle accident.

Both Vladimir and his ex-wife, Tatyana were embroiled in a bitter court battle over property rights. The divorce which occurred five years ago has been contested ever since.

Tatyana took to Instagram on the death of her husband where she described the incident as ’monstrous.’

I only ask for prayers for the rest of my husband and son.

Initial Investigation

There has been no connection established between the divorce and the murder, although a lot has been made in the papers about their feud.

The Russian Investigative Committee which is a version of the FBI has been called in to investigate. Initial reports of the murder hid the identity of the victim, a TV station revealed his identity.

There are conflicting views. Some report that the murder weapon was found beside the dead body. Others say it was recovered in the getaway car. Either way, it was clear the Marugov had little chance of survival. He was struck by a high powered crossbow. This combined with the remoteness of his house meant that he perished during the long response time.

The getaway car was abandoned in a nearby village where one male suspect was detained. The suspect is refusing to speak to officers.

Robbery Gone Wrong?

Murders if this type were popular in Russia until Putin came to power. Criminals and mobsters preyed on the lawless states to rob those who were rich.

During a search of the suspect’s house the following day an elderly man was found tied up. He told police that he was being extorted to sign over the deeds to his Moscow apartment. A man guarding him was also arrested at the time.

This is the moment the incident looks like more than a simple robbery gone wrong. The second suspect was identified as Alexei Zovgorednuy. A lawyer is best known for representing mafia hitman, Alexander Soloruk.

Investigations continue into the incident. Police have said at present all they have is a body, a murder weapon and two suspects who are refusing to speak. Whether this was a simple robbery gone wrong or part of a larger criminal gang has yet to be proved.