Wildberries’ press service stated that the reports about investigative actions at the home of the online retailer’s founder and chief executive are inaccurate and that no documents were seized. This denial was conveyed through TASS, the state news agency, which relayed the company’s clarifications to the public.
The company addressed media questions regarding the residence of its owner and chief executive in St. Petersburg, clarifying that law enforcement officials had visited the company’s office rather than Bakalchuk’s home. The spokesperson emphasized that a subpoena was issued for Bakalchuk to testify about a warehouse fire in the Shushary district of St. Petersburg, which prompted the ongoing inquiry into the incident.
Additionally, it was stressed that no papers or materials were removed from either Bakalchuk’s office or her residence, underscoring the absence of any confiscations tied to the probe as described in the circulated reports.
Earlier information had indicated that Bakalchuk, the CEO of Wildberries, was being questioned by the Investigative Committee in connection with the warehouse fire at Shushary. The timeline and the actors involved in the inquiry were developing as officials pursued the details surrounding the incident and its aftermath.
On January 13, a large-scale fire engulfed the Wildberries warehouse near St. Petersburg. The blaze spread across an area reported to be around the size of several football fields, estimated at tens of thousands of square meters. Firefighters faced a challenging scene, and the hazardous conditions delayed full containment until the following day. The incident prompted questions about safety protocols and the structural integrity of the facility involved.
Subsequent disclosures indicated that the building was not insured at the time of the fire, a factor that has implications for the company’s contingency plans and recovery strategies. Wildberries announced plans to reconstruct the warehouse and pledged to provide more precise information as the situation evolved, including timelines and anticipated costs. The company’s leadership acknowledged the need for a transparent communication approach as it navigates the recovery process.
In the broader context, observers noted a tightening of regulatory expectations for large-scale warehouse operators in Russia, a trend that could affect Wildberries and similar enterprises as they manage inventory risks, safety requirements, and compliance standards. The company has indicated a commitment to adhering to evolving rules while maintaining operations and service levels for its customers and partners.