A grave-digger in Vladivostok drew widespread public attention after a troubling incident involving the handling of deceased individuals. Reports indicate that the worker filmed scenes of the dead before burial and later shared the footage on social platforms. The matter circulated through the Mash Telegram channel and quickly escalated into a heated local discussion about workplace ethics, protocol, and the hiring standards of the city’s public services.
The person at the center of the controversy is identified as a former professional boxer named Andrei Eidelkind, who reportedly joined the Necropolis division within the municipal unitary enterprise. Eyewitness accounts and video clips suggest that before performing a burial, he opened a coffin, photographed the deceased, spoke to the body, and even laughed while the moment unfolded. The footage was posted online, raising serious questions about sensitivity, respect for the departed, and the impact on grieving families.
In one segment of the online material, the gravedigger appears to be preparing to bury another coffin that had just been delivered. He is seen lifting the wooden lid again and seemingly inviting the deceased to emerge. The clip shows the deceased partially dressed, with a bandaged hand, and the worker making remarks that the person had been deemed doomed. The manner in which the video was shot and framed led many viewers to doubt the seriousness with which funeral rites are carried out and to question the professionalism of staff responsible for such duties.
The video’s rapid spread online created a wave of fear and confusion among residents who could not understand why a municipal employee responsible for handling and interring the dead would act in ways that seemed disrespectful to those who have passed away and to their families. Community members pressed for ethical standards, better training, and a clear code of conduct for a role that requires solemnity, privacy, and reverence at a moment that is already emotionally charged for many families and communities.
Separately, reports from a private school in Almaty described a disturbing incident in a biology class where a guinea pig was injured and killed. While this event is not connected to Vladivostok, it highlights ongoing conversations about animal welfare and the duties of educational and public institutions to safeguard students, animals, and the trust of the communities they serve. Observers in both contexts emphasized the need for transparent policies, humane treatment, and accountability to prevent harm and preserve public trust in educational and public-service environments. Where applicable, authorities are urged to review procedures, reinforce humane handling standards, and communicate expectations clearly to staff, students, and the public. In both situations, the essence of responsible service rests on respect, accountability, and a commitment to dignity for all involved. This entails ongoing oversight, consistent training, and prompt responses when concerns arise, so communities can rely on those who serve them during moments of vulnerability and loss. The broader lesson is that conduct in sensitive roles matters as much as the outcomes they seek to achieve, and that public trust depends on visible adherence to ethical norms and professional guidelines.