A Russian researcher, Andrei Botikov, who contributed to the development of the Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19, was murdered in his Moscow apartment on Thursday. The alleged killer, a 29-year-old with a criminal record, was arrested shortly thereafter and pleaded guilty during interrogation. According to reports, the murder occurred after an argument in Botikov’s apartment in northwest Moscow, where the young man strangled the victim with a belt before fleeing. The Russian Investigative Committee for the city of Moscow has opened a criminal case for murder.
Botikov was a researcher at the Gamaleya National Center and co-author of the patent for the vaccine Sputnik V. His work was recognized by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who presented him with an award for his contribution. The news of the murder has come as a shock to the scientific community and has led to speculation about possible motives behind the crime. However, Russian authorities have not provided details about the motives behind the murder and have said that the investigation is ongoing.
Botikov’s murder comes amid controversy over the efficacy and safety of the Sputnik V vaccine, which has been approved for use in several countries. However, the vaccine has also faced criticism and skepticism from some in the international scientific community due to a lack of data and transparency in the clinical trial phase. The tragic event has sent shockwaves through Russia and prompted calls for a thorough investigation and increased safety for scientists working on critical projects.