Russian businessman extradited over murder of model in Odintsovo

Russian businessman Pavel Kozlov was extradited from Turkey to Russia after being accused of killing and dismembering his partner, model and fashion stylist Natalia Bozhuk, in Odintsovo, Moscow region. Turkish authorities handed the 44-year-old wholesale merchant over to Russian Interpol officers at Istanbul International Airport on Friday, September 18, 2026, following an international manhunt.

Official representative of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs Irina Volk confirmed the handover and noted that the suspect admitted his involvement to investigators. “Today, at Istanbul International Airport, employees of the competent Turkish authorities handed over a citizen of our country. He was on the international wanted list for the murder of a model and participant in the contest Mrs Russia Universe. At present, he is in custody,” Volk stated.

Investigation details the fatal dispute in Romashkovo

The crime occurred following a domestic altercation at the couple’s residence near the Romashkovo housing development in Odintsovo. Investigators established that the confrontation stemmed from jealousy, mutual insults, and unresolved financial disagreements between the two partners, who had met online six months before the event. Security cameras captured Kozlov moving heavy bags out of the building shortly after the victim disappeared, which investigators later linked to efforts to conceal the killing.

Irina Volk detailed the circumstances of the deadly assault established by detectives during preliminary interrogations. “During the quarrel the defendant inflicted several wounds on the woman, from which she died. After that the attacker took measures aimed at hiding the traces of the crime,” Volk explained regarding the sequence of actions that preceded the suspect’s flight from the country.

How was Natalia Bozhuk discovered near Moscow?

The 39-year-old victim vanished after stepping outside with her pet dog following the confrontation, which led to a search across the surrounding district. The victim’s pet dog remained near the concealed bags in the forest for days, alerting locals and enabling search teams to recover the remains hidden in the wooded area near the residential development.

The sequence of verified investigative events developed over several weeks:

• July 17, 2026: Natalia Bozhuk disappears after a domestic quarrel in Romashkovo, Odintsovo.
• July 27, 2026: The victim’s remains are located hidden in bags within the nearby forest area.
• September 17, 2026: Pavel Kozlov is located and detained abroad during an international police operation.
• September 18, 2026: Turkish officials transfer Kozlov to Russian custody at Istanbul International Airport.

Background of the victim and suspect

Natalia Bozhuk was a graduate of the Ostankino television school, worked as an image and style consultant, and reached the finals of the Mrs. Russia — Universe contest. Kozlov ran wholesale trading companies across Russia that were experiencing severe financial distress, accumulating millions of rubles in operating losses alongside sharp revenue declines during the preceding fiscal year before the crime took place.

Key figures recorded in the criminal proceedings include:

• 39 years: Age of the victim, Natalia Bozhuk.
• 44 years: Age of the defendant, Pavel Kozlov.
• 10 days: Time elapsed between the disappearance on July 17 and the recovery of remains on July 27, 2026.
• 6 months: Duration of the couple’s relationship prior to the fatal dispute.
• Up to 15 years: Maximum prison term under Article 105 of the Russian Criminal Code.

Flight through international airports and next legal steps

Immediately following the killing, Kozlov departed Moscow through Vnukovo Airport, flying directly to Turkey before moving through Northern Cyprus during his attempt to evade law enforcement. Russian authorities placed him on international wanted notices, prompting his apprehension abroad and subsequent return to Moscow.

Forensic specialists have not yet specified the exact edged tool used to dismember the victim beyond the formal designation of a sharp cutting weapon. Kozlov remains detained in custody in Moscow facing prosecution under Article 105 of the Russian Criminal Code as judicial proceedings advance.