Araz Agalarov arrives in Baku

Azerbaijani billionaire and businessman Araz Agalarov, who resides in Russia, has arrived in Baku, his son, Azerbaijani singer and national artist Emin Agalarov, announced on Instagram.

The visit comes amid an anti-Azerbaijani campaign and arrests of diaspora leaders in Russia. Some Russian media outlets had speculated that Agalarov left the country fearing potential criminal prosecution.

On March 22, 2024, a terrorist attack occurred during a concert by the band “Piknik” at Crocus City Hall, owned by Agalarov. Armed assailants stormed the venue, opened fire, and set the concert hall on fire. The attack killed 145 people, injured over 500, and destroyed the venue. A local cell of the Islamic State claimed responsibility. Eighteen suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.

According to Emin Agalarov, Crocus Group suffered damages estimated at $150–200 million. Moscow region governor Andrei Vorobyov later said a memorial park might be built at the site of the destroyed concert hall.

N.Tebrizli