A 29-year-old Moscow resident, Gleb Zobern, was shot dead on September 1 after attacking paramedics and churchgoers with a shovel while receiving medical assistance in the Russian capital.
A female paramedic who responded to the call was hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury and a fracture of the base of her skull. Authorities reported that her injuries are severe and could leave her permanently disabled.
The violence erupted while emergency medical personnel were attending to Zobern. During the treatment, Zobern told the attending paramedics that he was hearing voices in his head and experiencing visual hallucinations. He then suddenly grabbed a shovel and began striking the medical staff and nearby churchgoers. A witness to the altercation drew a firearm and shot Zobern, inflicting fatal wounds. Responding law enforcement officers detained the shooter at the scene.
Debts and commercial activities
Details surrounding Zobern's background and financial situation emerged following an investigation by Russian television network REN TV. According to law enforcement sources cited by the network, Zobern was the registered owner of a commercial enterprise named Legion of Angels. He generated income primarily by selling pirated software and cracked video games online.
Public records revealed that Zobern had accumulated personal debts ranging between 40,000 and 100,000 rubles. He also held an active home mortgage and had accrued unpaid fines for traffic violations. Records indicated that he travelled abroad frequently, making regular international trips to Turkey and Greece.
Donations to banned anti-corruption foundation
REN TV also reported that Zobern had transferred funds to the Anti-Corruption Foundation, known as FBK. The non-profit organization was originally established in Moscow to investigate corruption within Russian government agencies. The Russian Ministry of Justice previously designated FBK as a foreign agent before courts declared it an extremist and undesirable organization, outlawing all of its operations within the Russian Federation.
Under Russian federal law, financial contributions to organizations classified as extremist can result in criminal prosecution. Emergency medical services across Russia operate under municipal health departments, and assault on medical personnel during official duties carries heavy legal consequences. Fractures to the base of the skull represent critical head trauma that can cause neurological deficits or long-term disability.
Video footage capturing the shovel attack was published online prior to the latest details being released. Law enforcement agencies are examining the circumstances of the assault and the fatal shooting.
