Russian millionaire linked to key Putin ally found dead in Moscow

A businessman linked to the Russian security services has become the latest elite figure in the country to die in unexplained circumstances.

Anton Cherepennikov, 40, who ran the country’s largest IT company, ICS Holding, was found dead in his office in Moscow, according to local reports.

ICS Holding was used by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) to monitor citizens’ online activities, according to a Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta reported.

Cherepennikov was a longtime partner of oligarch Alisher Usmanov who faced international sanctions for his ties to Vladimir Putin.

The preliminary cause of death was cardiac arrest, ICS Holding told a Russian business newspaper. RBC.

His friend Vasily Polonsky said he did not believe the official reason for his death, the independent Russian-language newspaper Baza reported.

“The exact cause of the contractor’s death will be determined later,” the outlet said.

This means that two figures linked to Putin’s regime have died within 48 hours, following reports that billionaire oligarch Igor Kudryakov, a former government official and wealthy businessman, was found dead in his Moscow apartment.

This is a breaking story and will be updated with further information.