Andrey Kozlov, Central Bank Deputy Chairman, Dies

Kozlov Was Kidnapped in 2006

Evgenia Kozlov, mother of Russian-Israeli immigrant Andrey Kozlov, was kidnapped by Hamas while working as a security guard at the Russian embassy in Beirut.

Andrey Kozlov was the first deputy chairman of the Central Bank of Russia. He was kidnapped on September 14, 2006, by Hamas operatives in Beirut, Lebanon. His body was found two days later in a shallow grave with a gunshot wound to the head.

Kozlov's death was a major blow to the Russian government. He was a close associate of President Vladimir Putin and was seen as a potential successor to him. His death also raised concerns about the safety of Russian citizens working in the Middle East.

The Russian government has condemned Kozlov's murder and has vowed to bring his killers to justice. Hamas has denied involvement in the kidnapping and murder, but Russian officials believe that the group was responsible.

Kozlov's death is a reminder of the dangers faced by Russian citizens working in the Middle East. The Russian government has urged its citizens to be cautious when traveling to the region, and it has warned that it will not hesitate to take action against those who harm its citizens.