A ‘pro-Russian’ Ukrainian lawyer has been shot dead just moments after dropping his four children off at a private American school in Spain.
Former politician Andrei Portnov, 52, was pictured sprawled on the concrete by the gates of the American School of Madrid in the upmarket neighbourhood of Pozuelo de Alarcon on Wednesday morning.
Portnov had been accused of embezzlement and corruption by the US authorities, and previously served the pro-Russian administration of former Ukraine president Viktor Yanukovych.
He was shot dead in broad daylight at around 9.15am, when witnesses reported seeing a man on the ground with gunshot wounds.
According to reports, he was approaching his dark Mercedes car when up to three masked men began shooting. The Policia Nacional has taken over the investigation.
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He is believed to have been shot five times to the head and back, killing him instantly.
Portnov was accused of bribing Ukrainian courts and manipulating the judiciary, among other alleged crimes.
Paramedics arriving at the scene could do nothing more than confirm his death.
The assassination is believed to have been carried out by ‘professionals’ from Eastern Europe, reports respected Spanish newspaper El Español.
There have yet to be any reported arrests but a serious manhunt is underway.
Portnov is believed to have been living with his family near to the school, although it is not clear for how long.
