Couldn't escape: suspect in murder of participant of "Mrs. Russia — Universe" contest is detained

On Thursday, September 17, it became known about the arrest of a man suspected of murdering a model and participant in the contest "Mrs. Russia — Universe". According to Irina Volk, the official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, this became possible due to the interaction of Russian and Turkish law enforcement officers. For more information about the crime, the course of the investigation and the arrest of the suspect, see the "Izvestia" article.

Search for a suspect in the murder of a model

A suspect in the murder of a model and participant of the "Mrs. Russia — Universe" contest, according to Irina Volk, was detained on the territory of a foreign country. She added that this was made possible thanks to the cooperation of employees of the National Central Bureau of Interpol, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia and the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the Moscow Region with colleagues from Turkey.

During the operational search activities, the police established that shortly after the crime was committed, the suspect flew from Vnukovo airport to Turkey, from where he followed to another country.

In August of this year, the man was put on the international wanted list. His location was established as a result of cooperation between Russian and Turkish law enforcement agencies through Interpol channels.

According to the latest information, the suspect has been detained and is in custody, and his extradition to Russia is expected.

Murder of a model, a criminal case

The murder occurred in July of this year in the village of Odintsovo city district.

"A conflict arose between a man and his friend on the basis of personal hostility. 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," Irina Volk wrote on Facebook.

As the media reported in the summer, 39-year-old Natalia Bozhuk disappeared on July 17 after going for a walk with her spaniel named Luna from the "Romashkovo" residential complex in Odintsovo district. That day, there was an argument between her and her roommate, 44-year-old businessman Pavel K., after which the woman left the house with the dog and did not get in touch again.

""Izvestia""s source then said about the suspect that "a man who looked like him carried heavy bags and bags out of the apartment for several days, which were later found behind a fence in the woods."

A few days after the woman's disappearance, on July 22, passers-by found a frightened dog in an outbuilding on the outskirts of the residential complex and posted her photos in local chat rooms, where they were later seen by Natalia's relatives. A body was found in a bag left in the middle of a field near this place.

According to the investigation, the murder occurred on the day of Natalia's disappearance, or the next day. The dog stayed by the owner's side for almost two weeks.

A criminal case was opened against the man on the grounds of a crime under Part 1 of Article 105 of the Criminal Code ("Murder"). Thus, the man faces up to 15 years in prison with possible restriction of liberty for up to two years.

What is known about the murdered woman

As the woman's neighbors told "Izvestia", she was often seen walking her dog. The chairman of one of the buildings of the residential complex noted that after her disappearance, rumors even spread among residents about the possible appearance of a maniac. He also suggested that the cause of the incident could be a domestic conflict.

"In general", neighbors described the victim as a "pleasant, sweet girl" who was "always smiling".

In early summer 2026, Natalia graduated from the Ostankino TV school, before that she worked in the beauty industry as a stylist and image psychologist, and in the past participated in castings for the "Miss Russia" contest.

What is known about the suspect

Natalia's roommate, 44-year-old businessman Pavel K., was suspected of murder. He worked in the financial sector and is the founder of several trading companies, most of which are reported to be operating at a loss. At the moment, he is dependent on two minor children — a five-year-old daughter and a nine-year-old son.

Natalia and Pavel met about six months before the tragedy after the woman posted a post on social media about finding a new man. According to the investigation, the conflict was motivated by jealousy.