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Blast kills Moscow businessman, wounds 2 bodyguards
January 17, 1997
Web posted at: 10:30 a.m. EST (1530 GMT)MOSCOW (CNN)--- A bomb explosion Friday killed a businessman and wounded two of his private security guards at a commercial building in central Moscow, police said.
The blast killed Gennady Vzin, 35, chief executive of the Roscontractpostavka trading company, in what could be the latest twist in the battle for influence in Russia's cutthroat business world.
The bomb exploded as Vzin got out of his car at work, an investigator at the scene said. Vzin's office is located in a building not far from the White House government building.
Police say they suspect that two devices were blown up by radio-controlled detonators and may have been planted in a water drainage pipe next to a doorway. The blast shattered windows on several stories in the front of building where the company is located.
Interfax said police were considering several possible motives, including that there had been "financial-criminal" disagreements.
The slain businessman carried documents identifying him as an aide to ultranationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky, police said. Zhirinovsky's office confirmed that Vzin worked as a volunteer for the politician.
Interfax also reported the Federal Security Service, Russia's domestic security agency, was joining police in the investigation.
Bombings by Mafia-style groups and armed showdowns have become a frequent occurrence in Russia's new business world.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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