Russian businessman missing in Cyprus since January 7

Authorities are investigating the disappearance of 56-year-old Russian businessman Vladislav Baumgertner, who was last seen leaving his Limassol residence on January 7.

According to Cypriot media, concern grew when he failed to respond to multiple calls, prompting an urgent missing person report.

A large-scale search operation was quickly launched, focusing on the Pissouri area after Baumgertner’s mobile phone signal was last tracked to a steep, rugged stretch of coastline.

Teams comprised police units, Civil Defence search and rescue personnel, and volunteers, with aerial support from helicopters and drones. Specialist units, under the coordination of Limassol Search and Rescue chief Michalis Mouskallis, have been navigating the challenging terrain in the effort to locate him.

The search was temporarily suspended as torrential rain and adverse weather made conditions too dangerous. Authorities said operations are expected to resume at first light tomorrow, Monday, January 12.

Baumgertner is approximately 1.90 meters tall, of slim build, with grey hair. He was reportedly wearing a black T-shirt and black shorts when he disappeared.

A former CEO of Russian potash giant Uralkali, he previously gained international attention after a 2013 arrest in Minsk during a high-stakes corporate dispute, which sparked a diplomatic standoff between Russia and Belarus before his eventual release.

By Aghakazim Guliyev