Russia has officially acknowledged that Prigozhin and executives from the Wagner Group were aboard the ill-fated aircraft.
Officials in Moscow have confirmed that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group, along with other high-ranking members of the influential mercenary force, were on the ill-fated plane that crashed. This incident had a significant impact on the political and security situation in Russia.
According to the Tass news service, the Russian Investigative Committee has completed the genetic and forensic identification process for the seven passengers and three crew members of the Embraer private jet. The report confirms that Mr. Prigozhin, a 62-year-old individual who was once close to President Vladimir Putin and attempted a mutiny in June, was among those who lost their lives.
The agency stated that molecular genetic tests have been conducted as part of the investigation into the plane crash in the Tver Region. The results of these tests have confirmed the identities of all 10 victims, which match the names listed in the flight manifest.
Also confirmed as dead from the passenger list were Dmitry Utkin, the commando who first organized the Wagner Group and recruited Mr. Prigozhin to its ranks, and Valery Chekalov, considered the force’s logistics specialist.
The statement provided no explanation for the unexpected crash of the plane in good weather conditions on Wednesday, during its flight from Moscow to St. Petersburg, despite the numerous rumors and speculations circulating worldwide.
A criminal investigation has been initiated to examine possible breaches of flight safety regulations, according to the Tass report.
In addition to building a broad-ranging business empire with deep links to Mr. Putin’s Kremlin, Mr. Prigozhin molded the Wagner Group into a formidable private army, with significant deployments in such hot spots as sub-Saharan Africa, Syria and Ukraine.
Mr. Putin has offered only muted comments on the crash and Mr. Prigozhin’s legacy, and the future of Wagner Group operations remains deeply uncertain.
According to an initial evaluation by U.S. intelligence, it is believed that the plane crash was caused by a deliberate explosion, possibly due to a bomb that was planted on board. However, the Kremlin has vehemently denied any involvement of Mr. Putin or the government in the incident.
Mr. Prigozhin had feuded bitterly and publicly in recent months with top Russian defense officials over the conduct of the troubled invasion of Ukraine, where Wagner Group forces were taking a lead part in some of the deadliest battles in the 18-month war.
