Russian Rapper Dzhigan Flees to Israel After Shooting Incident

Russian rapper Denis Ustimenko-Vaynstein, known as Dzhigan, is reportedly receiving treatment in a rehabilitation center in Rishon LeZion, Israel, following a violent incident at his home in a Moscow region cottage settlement on July 4th. While intoxicated, the musician allegedly locked himself in his house with his security and staff, accusing them of betrayal and espionage. Armed with a "Saiga-9" carbine, he reportedly forced one guard to confess to fabricated accusations, then shot him in the arm and leg after giving him five seconds to flee. The shooting continued, with other staff members also targeted, and individuals were held hostage for approximately ten hours. Dzhigan's children were reportedly hiding from him and communicating with their mother, who was in Italy at the time. Neighbors and acquaintances called the police, but Dzhigan allegedly attacked anyone who tried to intervene, and local security hesitated to enter the house unarmed. No official police reports were filed regarding the incident. Shortly after, Dzhigan's associates reportedly took him out of the country. Former employees have claimed that the rapper had a history of humiliating and threatening staff, often firing them via text message. Dzhigan, born in Odesa, has lived in Russia since 2022, received a Russian passport in 2024, and voted in Russian elections. He has been under Ukrainian sanctions since January 2023 but also holds Israeli documents and has received medical treatment in Israel previously.