Russian billionaire flees Russia days before son’s death

A Russian billionaire who earned a name as Vladimir Putin’s ‘personal masseur’ fled his country just days before his son died. Konstantin Goloshchapov, 67, made the journey to Belarus in June 2022, crossing the border in his son Dmitry’s BMW. But the 29-year-old died four days later under unusual circumstances as authorities probe Goloshchapov’s business dealings.While he made the trip in the summer, Russian newspapers have recently shed new light on the businessman’s fate.He was reportedly a close associate of Putin’s and held shares in Vodokanal and Lenenergo, St Petersburg’s water and electricity firms.These business dealings are now subject to an investigation, and the facts around the death of his son – who worked with his father – unclarified.Goloshchapov allegedly also had personal ties to Putin, with different accounts of their friendship emerging.READ MORE: Rishi Sunak demands Putin ‘get out of Ukraine’ Russian billionaire who ‘knows Putin’s secrets’ flees Russia days before son’s unexplained death (Image: EAST2WEST) Dmitry Goloshchapov died not long after his father fled Russia (Image: Fotanka)Goloshchapov left after he reportedly received a tip-off that his businesses were about to be raided on allegations of embezzlement.Local media obtained a photo of him as he crossed the border, showing him in the BMW while making a “rude gesture”.An investigation into his business holdings followed four days later as searches commenced for a multi-million embezzlement case in St Petersburg.With the new information about the status of Putin’s once-close allies, experts are questioning the President’s political survival.DON’T MISS:Pro-war ultranationalist ‘Putin’s brain’ U-turns on furious death threat to Russian despot – INSIGHTG20 summit LIVE: Sunak issues stark four-word warning to Putin’s key ally Lavrov – VIDEOUkraine LIVE: Horror as Russian troops leave animals hanging in trees as ‘entertainment’ – LIVE BLOG Experts believe Vladimir Putin could stand trial for war crimes (Image: GETTY)Speaking to Politico, Christine Van den Wyngaert, a former judge with the court, said the crimes committed in Bucha could fetch him a life sentence.In the event of a regime change, Ms Van den Wyngaert said Putin may need to flee Russia himself.She said his lawyers could advise him to reside in another country that hasn’t signed the ICC statute.But he could only stay provided there was ‘a lot of hesitation to extradite him’, she added.