Sergey Shevkunenko Once a famous movie actor, and then a famous crime boss. Killed Date of Birth: 20.11.1959 Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Career
2. Film Career and Rise to Fame
3. Legal Troubles and Imprisonment
4. Life in Crime and Ascendancy in Criminal Hierarchy
5. Release from Prison and Return to Crime
6. Return to Moscow and Rise in Crime
7. Power Struggle and Murder
8. Legacy and Impact

Early Life and Career

Sergey Shevkunenko was born into a family of artists on November 20, 1959. His father, Yuri Alexandrovich, was the director of the 2nd Creative Association at the Mosfilm studio, while his mother, Polina Vasilyevna, worked as an assistant director. Sergey's parents were overjoyed at his birth, with his father even writing a play called "Serezha from Malaya Bronnaya" to commemorate the event, which inspired a song of the same name.

Tragedy struck the family in 1963 when Yuri Alexandrovich passed away. Polina Vasilyevna returned to her previous role at Mosfilm to support the family, with the help of renowned director Eldar Ryazanov. Sergey's mother recognized his exceptional talent from a young age. He could read at age four and had devoured the two-volume "The Forsyte Saga" by age eight. His dream was to become an actor, and he longed to appear on the big screen.

Film Career and Rise to Fame

Shevkunenko's dream came true in 1973 when director Nikolai Kalinin cast him as the lead role of Misha Polyakov in the television adaptation of Anatoly Rybakov's novel "The Dagger." Shevkunenko's performance was highly praised, and he soon became recognized as a talented young actor.

Shevkunenko's success continued with the three-part sequel, "The Bronze Bird," which was released in 1974. He also starred in "The Lost Expedition," an adventure film set in Siberia. In "The Lost Expedition," Shevkunenko demonstrated his versatility by portraying an active and physical role, involving shooting, horseback riding, and rock climbing.

Legal Troubles and Imprisonment

Despite his success, Shevkunenko's personal life took a turn for the worse. In 1976, he became involved in a drunken altercation, leading to his conviction for hooliganism. He served one year in prison.

After his release, Shevkunenko found it difficult to resume his acting career. He worked as a lighting technician at Mosfilm but was plagued by his criminal record. In 1978, he was convicted of theft and spent four more years behind bars.

Life in Crime and Ascendancy in Criminal Hierarchy

After his second release from prison, Shevkunenko abandoned his dreams of a legitimate life. He formed a criminal gang and engaged in burglary and other illegal activities. His actions led to further imprisonment, with his sentences gradually increasing.

During his time in prison, Shevkunenko's intelligence and leadership qualities caught the attention of others in the criminal world. He gained influence and rose through the criminal hierarchy, earning the nicknames "Chief" and "Artist."

Release from Prison and Return to Crime

Shevkunenko was released from prison in 1988 with significant health issues. He settled in Smolensk, where he married Elena N. However, his criminal past caught up with him, and he was arrested again in 1989.

After his release in 1991, Shevkunenko became involved in gambling and was suspected of playing a role in a deadly shoot-out in Tolyatti. He was again arrested and served one year in prison.

In 1994, Shevkunenko was released a final time. He had established himself as a major criminal figure, known as a "polozhenets," one step away from becoming a "thief in law."

Return to Moscow and Rise in Crime

After returning to Moscow, Shevkunenko took control of a criminal organization in his neighborhood. His gang engaged in racketeering, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities. Shevkunenko's reach extended to the elite sports club on Mosfilmovskaya Street and the illegal privatization of housing.

Power Struggle and Murder

Shevkunenko's criminal activities brought him into conflict with the powerful Kazan criminal group. The Kazan group pressured him to give up his territories, forcing him to consider fleeing to the United States with his elderly mother.

On February 11, 1995, as Shevkunenko entered his apartment building, he was shot in the stomach by an unknown assailant. He managed to reach his apartment, but the killer pursued him, fatally shooting him and his mother, Polina Vasilyevna.

Legacy and Impact

Despite his life of crime, Sergey Shevkunenko's brief period as a child actor on screen has left an enduring legacy. His films continue to be shown on television, reminding viewers of his undeniable talent. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of the criminal underworld and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and families.