TASS and another media source report that Major General Vladimir Makarov, the former deputy director of the Interior Ministry’s Center for Combating Extremism, was found dead in the village of Golikovo outside Moscow. This information is not yet officially confirmed.
Center for Combating Extremism, also known as “Center E,” was formed in 2008 to suppress political protest in Russia.
According to the Russian media, Makarov’s body was found at this suburban home on February 13. It is speculated that he may have committed suicide, after being fired from the Interior Ministry last month.