Russian authorities have charged a member of one of Moscow's most powerful organized crime groups with arranging the assassination of a popular television host, a news agency reported Saturday.
ITAR-Tass did not identify the man, but said he denied involvement in the murder of Vladislav Listyev. The 38-year-old journalist and businessman was gunned down on his doorstep in March.The news agency said the accused man belonged to the Solntsevo gang, believed to be one of the most influential and dangerous organized crime groups in Moscow. It said the murder was ordered by someone else.
Listyev's death was rumored to be linked to finances at the giant Ostankino TV network and his plans to reorganize its lucrative advertising market. He was appointed director of Ostankino shortly before his death.
Some police investigating the killing doubt the gang member was involved in the killing, ITAR-Tass said.