Notorious mob leader found dead in Russian jail

A prominent crime lord has been found dead in a Russian prison cell at a detention facility in the Orenburg region.

Preliminary information suggests that Aleksei Khudaev may have died by suicide, Caliber.Az reports citing the Telegram channel Mash.

Khudaev was accused of leading an organized criminal group known as the “Orenburg Killers,” which allegedly operated in the region since 2008 and was linked to a series of serious violent crimes, including contract killings.

He was detained in Moscow in early 2025 after several years on the wanted list on charges related to organizing a criminal network and contract murders. During his absence, several alleged associates were convicted and sentenced to long prison terms, including life imprisonment.

Investigators reportedly described the group as having a so-called internal “philosophy” that influenced its members. Authorities allege the gang was involved in multiple violent incidents over the years, including attacks on civilians and high-profile killings of business figures.

Khudaev’s death is currently under investigation, and official confirmation of the circumstances has not yet been released.

By Nazrin Sadigova