Murder Case in Severodvinsk Suspended as Defendant Joins Russian Military and Starts Blog

A murder case in the city of Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk region, has been suspended after the defendant, Yevgeny Berg, signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense and was deployed to the war zone.

Emil Movsesyan went missing in October 2024; two weeks later his body was discovered with signs of violent death. Investigators named his acquaintance, Yevgeny Berg, as the suspect. He was detained in March 2025 in Novorossiysk, where he had been living under false documents and changing his appearance.

During questioning, Berg confessed and claimed he shot Movsesyan out of jealousy over his ex-wife.

The victim’s mother, Elena Movsesyan, disputes this version.

She pointed out that the trajectory of the fatal shot contradicts Berg’s account, and noted additional injuries: a missing tooth, a rope and a plastic bag around her son’s neck.

She believes others may have been involved in the killing.

In July, the Severodvinsk city court held only one session before suspending the case, citing Berg’s military contract.

Movsesyan has appealed, arguing procedural violations, including the sudden replacement of the judge and the lack of a full hearing.

Meanwhile, Berg launched a Telegram channel titled “SVO Speedrun” where he documents his service.

In August he posted a video saying he had already decided in late 2024 to go to the front instead of fleeing abroad: “I don’t regret being caught. I wanted to come here anyway.”