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Dmitry PavlyuchenkovRetired police lieutenant colonel suspected of organizing the murder of Anna Politkovskaya
Date of Birth: 21.09.1968
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Dmitry Pavlyuchenkov: A Controversial Figure
- Involvement in Anna Politkovskaya's Murder Investigation
- Allegations of Extortion
- Indictment for Organizing Politkovskaya's Murder
- Arrest and Imprisonment
- Personal Life
Dmitry Pavlyuchenkov: A Controversial Figure
Early Life and CareerDmitry Yuryevich Pavlyuchenkov was born on September 21, 1968, in Lyubertsy, Moscow Oblast. Details of his early life and education are not publicly available. It is known that he joined the police force and worked his way up to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Pavlyuchenkov rose to prominence in the Moscow Police Department, serving as the head of the 4th Department of the Operational-Search Administration (OPU) within the Main Police Department of Moscow. He held this position from an unknown date until sometime prior to June 2007 when he retired.
Involvement in Anna Politkovskaya's Murder Investigation
In December 2008, Pavlyuchenkov's name gained notoriety when he emerged as the key witness in the murder trial of renowned journalist Anna Politkovskaya, who was assassinated in 2006. Pavlyuchenkov testified against brothers Rustam, Dzhabrail, and Ibragim Makhmudov, accusing them of being involved in the plot.
Allegations of Extortion
Simultaneously with the Politkovskaya murder trial, allegations surfaced that Pavlyuchenkov had been extorted by Sergei Khadzhikurbanov, a former officer in the Moscow police's anti-organized crime unit. Khadzhikurbanov was sentenced in 2004 for exceeding his authority.
According to reports, Pavlyuchenkov had received $25,000 from Shamil Buraiyev, a former head of the Achkhoy-Martanovsky district in Chechnya, to be used to support Khadzhikurbanov's family while he was in prison. However, Pavlyuchenkov allegedly pocketed the money instead.
After his release from prison, Khadzhikurbanov demanded the money back with interest. When Pavlyuchenkov refused, Khadzhikurbanov threatened to kill his family. Pavlyuchenkov eventually paid the money to Khadzhikurbanov, who then passed it on to Buraiyev.
Indictment for Organizing Politkovskaya's Murder
On August 22, 2011, Pavlyuchenkov was detained and charged with organizing Politkovskaya's murder. The Russian Investigative Committee alleged that Pavlyuchenkov had contracted a criminal group, including the Makhmudov brothers, to carry out the killing. He is said to have provided surveillance information and weapons to the hitman.
Arrest and Imprisonment
On August 26, 2011, the Basmanny District Court of Moscow ordered Pavlyuchenkov's arrest. He remains in custody, and his trial is ongoing.
Personal Life
Pavlyuchenkov is married to O. V. Zubkova, who claims to be an FSB employee.
