In Moscow, a troubling disappearance has drawn concern around the research and academic communities. Mark Rakhmangulov, a researcher associated with the Research Center of RANEPA Institutions and the director of the Educational Services Export Center at the Higher School of Economics (HSE), has vanished. This development was initially reported by the Telegram channel Shot.
According to a source, the 35-year-old man left his residence in the Yuzhnoye Butovo district on the evening of October 23. His grandmother and his son remained at home. The following day, he sent a brief message to his wife asking her not to call him and requesting forgiveness for everything. The message hinted at personal strain or distress, but it did not reveal his exact whereabouts.
As days passed, family and colleagues grew increasingly worried. His wife and other relatives and friends found that calls and messages to him went unanswered. Concerned for his safety, she contacted law enforcement. The search for Rakhmangulov is being conducted with attention to his physical description: he was wearing blue jeans, a gray jacket, black sneakers, and stood about 185 centimeters tall. Authorities are pursuing leads across Moscow as investigators review surveillance footage, check recent transactions, and interview people who might have recently interacted with him.
In related developments, there was an earlier report about a librarian in Moscow who went into hiding at the request of fraudsters after transferring more than five million rubles. The case underscores the broader pattern of financial crime and the potential risks facing professionals who handle sensitive information or public funds, though it is not stated that the two incidents are connected.
Another lead involved a separate disappearance in Yekaterinburg on October 21. A 15-year-old schoolboy went missing, prompting his parents to enlist volunteers after an initial unsuccessful search. The boy was last seen in the Pionersky district of the city, and authorities continue to work with families and community volunteers to locate him and ensure his safety.
Earlier reports also described forest-related incidents in the Moscow region where mushroom pickers wandered away from established paths. In one such instance, a group member who had begun singing the folk song “Katyusha” reportedly became separated from the others, highlighting how natural areas can present risks during outdoor activity. These occurrences, while distinct, collectively emphasize the importance of public safety measures, clear communication, and rapid reporting in situations where individuals may become lost or face danger in remote environments.