Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin was one of the passengers listed on board the private jet that crashed in Russia’s Tver region, leaving no survivors.
Russia’s civil aviation authority also said Wagner commander Dmitry Utkin was also on board, the pair having met with Russian Defence Ministry officials just before the crash.
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The Wagner-linked Telegram channel Grey Zone reported the Embraer Legacy 600 plane had been shot down, and later reported the deaths.
At this stage, there is no confirmation on how the plane crashed. Kremlin watches have speculated Putin ordered the downing of the plane, while others have suggested its possible Prigozhin may have staged his own death.
“The leader of the Wagner Group, a Hero of Russia, a real patriot of his motherland – Yevgeny Prigozhin has died at the hands of traitors of Russia,” it wrote.
“But even in hell he’ll be the best! Glory to Russia.”
Ten people were on board the jet – seven passengers and three crew – with eight bodies confirmed to be found.
The private jet, believed to be owned by Prigozhin went off radar about 160km northwest of Moscow.
It disappeared shortly after 6pm Moscow time having been flying at about 8500 metres.
Russia’s Federal Agency of Air Transport have launched an investigation.
“An investigation has been launched into an Embraer plane crash that occurred tonight in the Tver region,” their statement read.
“According to the passenger list, the name and surname of Yevgeny Prigozhin is among them.”