Alexander Zhestokov, 39, and his criminal gang are suspected of real estate fraud, black market metals sales and bribing businesses
An alleged Russian mafia godfather was gunned down as he threw a party to celebrate his release from prison.
Macabre footage captures how Alexander Zhestokov, 39, was approached by an assassin who opened fire from close range.
The suspected Siberian mobster collapsed on the floor and died almost instantly during the attack on Friday July 27.
Zhestokov – rumoured to be a leader of the feared Zapsibovskie gang – had been hosting a party in Dzambul bar in the industrial city of Novokuznetsk, south-west Siberia.
He is seen talking to associates when the gunman approaches dressed in black with a hood and dark glasses, carrying a firearm with a large silencer.
CCTV video shows the moment the assassin pulls the trigger, unloading multiple bullets into the alleged mob boss.
Zhestokov falls onto the floor and appears to cover his face before falling still.
A friend turns his body so he is face down.
His associates appear shocked at first but within seconds of the contract killing they flee the restaurant in the Kemerovo region of Siberia, a major coal mining area.
No one tries to detain the killer.
Later his body is turned over and at least six bullet wounds are visible on his back.
Police have opened a murder probe.
The region’s top policeman Major-General Igor Ivanov has taken personal control of the investigation, reports local media.
The masked gunman (pictured right) appears and lifts his weapon before firing into Zhestokov’s back
The gunman retreats as the mobster’s friend suddenly realise their leader has been shot
Zhestokov, seen wearing a checked shirt, falls to ground as his stunned friends pause before fleeing the bar
Mobster Alexander Zhestokov lies prostate on the floor after being shot six times by a masked assassin
In early July, Zhestokov had been released from jail after serving a sentence for fraud and blackmail.
‘Police are now locating the witnesses and studies the connections of the victim,’ said a spokesman for the local Investigative Committee in charge of probing serious crime.
‘Investigators are considering various versions of the murder including criminal links of the victim.’
Zhestokov was accused of leading an organised criminal gang involved in black market and drag trading
However, witnesses refused to testify against the convict in court
He was previously detained in Moscow in 2013 carrying a fake Moldovan passport, according to police.
He was accused at the time of organising a criminal gang but witnesses refused to give evidence against him.
His gang are suspected of real estate fraud, controlling an illegal drugs business, black market metals sales and bribing local businesses.
The shooting comes amid claims of a new rise in organised crime in Russia.