Russian scientist Andrey Botikov who developed Sputnik Covid was strangled to death at his Moscow Apartment on Thursday, March 2.
Russian news outlet Regnum reported that Andrey Botikov, one of the 18 scientists who contributed to the development of the Sputnik V vaccine at the Gamaleya National Research Center, was found dead in his Rogova Street residence on March 2.
The 47-year-old scientist was found dead following an altercation with an intruder in his Moscow apartment.
Reports have confirmed that he was strangled with a belt. It was previously stated that he had survived the attack after an intruder broke into his home.
The Investigative Committee of Russia (ICR) has commenced an investigation. They believe that a 29-year-old man had strangled the scientist with a belt during an argument, and then fled the scene.
In a statement released, the ICR Moscow division stated that the suspected criminal was nabbed within a short period, he admitted to his crime during the interrogation and he has been charged.
Andrey Botikov was a celebrated scientist who was awarded the order of merit for the fatherland for his work on the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine.
