An investigation has been initiated by the Russian authorities following the tragic death of a prominent scientist involved in the development of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine. The virologist, Andrey Botikov, aged 47, was found dead in his apartment in Moscow on Friday. Reports indicate that he had been strangled with a belt, which was discovered at the scene of the crime. Botikov was a key member of the team of 18 scientists who worked on the development of the Sputnik V vaccine at the Gamaleya National Research Center. The vaccine was released in 2020 and has been administered globally. Initial reports suggested that Botikov had managed to survive the attack by an intruder who broke into his home. However, the Investigative Committee of Russia (ICR) has now launched a formal investigation into the incident. They have identified a 29-year-old man who is alleged to have killed the scientist during a disagreement, using the belt found at the scene of
