Igor Malakhov Kickboxer, security guard, common-law husband of singer Aziza Date of Birth: 13.05.1963 Country: Operator

Content:

1. Igor Malakhov: A Multifaceted Life
2. Early Life and Education
3. Organized Crime Connections
4. Encounter with Aziza and Songwriting
5. The Igor Talkov Incident
6. The Shooting and Aftermath
7. Legal Proceedings and Investigations
8. Imprisonment and Later Life
9. Personal Life and Family
10. Death and Legacy

Igor Malakhov: A Multifaceted Life

Kickboxer, Bodyguard, and Civil Husband

Igor Viktorovich Malakhov (May 13, 1963 - July 4, 2016) gained notoriety as a suspect in the murder of singer Igor Talkov. Prior to his alleged involvement in the incident, Malakhov had a diverse background, including roles as a kickboxer, bodyguard, and the civil husband of singer Aziza.

Early Life and Education

Born in Kurgan, Siberia, Malakhov excelled in kickboxing, earning the title of champion. He moved to Moscow and married actress Olga Bityukova. After completing a music course, he served in the army and resumed his education at the VGIK, where he studied theater.

Organized Crime Connections

In the late 1980s, Malakhov became involved in organized crime as a member of the Mazutkinskaya organized crime group (OPG). Known by the alias "Rembo," he was a prominent figure within the criminal underworld.

Encounter with Aziza and Songwriting

In 1991, Malakhov met singer Aziza on a train from Odessa to Moscow. He subsequently wrote several hit songs for her, including "Vikings," "Alaska," and "Maybe in Vain."

The Igor Talkov Incident

On October 6, 1991, a conflict arose at the "Yubileiny" Sports Palace in St. Petersburg over the performance order of Talkov and Aziza. Malakhov insisted on altering the order to allow Aziza to prepare adequately for her performance. After a tense confrontation with Talkov's manager, Valerii Shlyafman, Malakhov brought a Nagant revolver into the corridor.

The Shooting and Aftermath

Talkov fired shots from a gas pistol at Malakhov, who retaliated with two shots from his revolver. Malakhov was subdued by Talkov's bodyguards, and Aziza, hearing the commotion, rushed to the scene. Shlyafman attempted to kick Malakhov but accidentally hit Aziza, causing her to lose her pregnancy. A third fatal gunshot was fired, with the identity of the shooter remaining disputed. Malakhov fled the scene, hiding the revolver parts in the waters of the Moika and Fontanka rivers.

Legal Proceedings and Investigations

Malakhov surrendered to authorities on October 11 or 16, 1991. Investigations and experiments determined that Malakhov could not have fired the fatal third shot. A 1992 investigation concluded that Shlyafman had likely fired the fatal shot. However, Shlyafman denied involvement and left the country.

Imprisonment and Later Life

Malakhov was sentenced to two and a half years of probation in 1994 for illegal possession of a firearm. He relocated to South Africa, where he allegedly became involved in gemstone trading before being deported for violating local laws. He returned to Moscow and briefly became a monk in the Pskovo-Pechersky Monastery.

Personal Life and Family

Malakhov was married three times. His first marriage was to actress Olga Bityukova, his second to journalist Wilme Hecht, and his third to actress Ksenia Sergeevna Kuznetsova, with whom he had two sons.

Death and Legacy

Igor Malakhov passed away on July 4, 2016, at the age of 53, due to complications from cirrhosis of the liver. His ashes were interred in Kurgan, where he had spent his early years.

Lover

Nicholas Gruber

Igor Malakhov