Questions continue to surround the death of Russian businessman Vladislav Baumgertner, whose body was found in Avdimou, as reports claim his remains were cremated against the wishes of his family. According to information published by Ossetia.tv, the cremation was carried out by his business associate, Alexey Dozortsev.
Relatives had reportedly requested that no burial or cremation take place until the exact cause of death was determined by investigators in Cyprus and the United Kingdom.
Cremation despite family objections
According to Ossetia.tv, on 21 February, during the Maslenitsa period, Alexey Dozortsev proceeded with the cremation despite what the outlet describes as categorical objections from Baumgertner’s sister and children.
The family is reported to have filed a complaint at the Tsaritsyno police department, where the mortuary is located, requesting that permission for burial not be granted until the cause of death had been formally established.
The report alleges that Dozortsev issued direct threats against Baumgertner’s 62-year-old sister, after which she ceased communicating with her relatives. The cremation subsequently took place.
Estate access following death
Ossetia.tv further reports that Alexey Dozortsev obtained access to Baumgertner’s assets after his death and from the early days promoted a narrative in the media describing the incident as an accident.
Baumgertner was unmarried at the time of his death. His legal heirs are reported to be his sister and his children from two marriages. However, according to the report, Dozortsev currently controls the financial affairs.
Background of Alexey Dozortsev
The report states that Alexey Dozortsev, born Kurpitko, changed his surname following a series of criminal cases. He is described as having previously served as an assistant to a Russian Minister of Regional Development and as currently being associated with former security officials.
Among those reportedly connected to him are Sergei Vasilenko, described as a former head of the anti-corruption unit of the Federal Tax Service, and Vsevolod Pavlov, described as a former investigator of the Investigative Committee of Russia.
Disappearance and discovery of the body
Vladislav Baumgertner reportedly disappeared on 7 January. According to the information cited, he left his home for a meeting at his office, taking only his work phone and leaving his personal phone at his country residence.
That evening, a man matching his description reportedly took a taxi to Pissouri, checked into a hotel, spent the night and departed on 8 January without returning.
Before the body was formally identified, Ossetia.tv reports that Alexey Dozortsev contacted media outlets stating that the death was the result of an accident, claiming that Baumgertner, described as a hiking enthusiast, slipped and fell from a cliff.
Relatives are reported to dispute this version, stating that Baumgertner had suffered from leg pain since childhood and was unable to undertake long walks.
Ongoing questions
The report characterises the cremation, the alleged pressure on family members and the claims of an accidental fall as elements that may raise further questions about the circumstances of the case.
It also notes that had the body been preserved, an independent examination could have determined the precise cause of death.
Investigations in Cyprus have previously reported no indications of criminal activity in connection with the discovery of the body.
Source: Ossetia.tv