- Evgeny Postrigan, 50, died 'of suffocation' at his home in the city of Zheleznogorsk
The chief accountant of a major Russian space satellite company under sanctions over the war in Ukraine has been found dead at his home in Siberia.
Evgeny Postrigan, 50, of Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems, which has military ties, died “of suffocation” at his home in the city of Zheleznogorsk in the Krasnoyarsk region, it is claimed.
His body was reportedly found in his garage by his wife the day after he went out, according to reports citing law enforcement.
Reports suggest he committed suicide but a preliminary criminal investigation is seeking to establish the full circumstances of his death, it is understood.
Locals have expressed surprise that a “nice and decent man” who “knew state secrets” would commit suicide.
Postrigan planned to celebrate his birthday this week.
Evgeny Postrigan, 50, of Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems which has military ties, died 'of suffocation' at his home in the city of Zheleznogorsk
Postrigan's company had been sanctioned by the US, Switzerland, Japan and Ukraine due to the war
Russia has been hit by a wave of mysterious and untimely deaths since Vladimir Putin began his war against Ukraine in February 2022.
Zheleznogorsk is a city closed to foreigners and others without permission to enter.
It was founded in 1950 by Kremlin dictator Stalin to produce weapons-grade plutonium, but has several defense factories, including nuclear facilities built in caves excavated in a granite mountain on the northern edge of the city, as well as space research companies.
Postrigan's company had been sanctioned by the US, Switzerland, Japan and Ukraine due to the war.
The satellite company was “vital to Russia's defense capabilities” and was part of the country's space agency
The satellite company was “vital to Russia's defense capabilities” and was part of the country's space agency.
According to US sanctions lists, the satellite company Reshetnev “supported the Russian government's space systems that the Russian military uses to wage its war against Ukraine.”
The researchers developed a so-called 'Big Eyes' means to 'conduct space exploration'.
The company is said to be behind satellites that would broadcast Putin propaganda to invaded regions of Ukraine.