Tyumen Maniac

The Tyumen Maniac is the name given to an alleged Russian serial killer thought to be responsible for a number of disappearances of children in Tyumen since 1997. If the profilers' assumptions are correct, he is possibly responsible for the murders of at least 8 children. In 2021, Vitaly Berezhnoy was arrested in connection with the murders.

Alleged victims

In early 1997, 2-year-old Nikolai Ivanov disappeared in Tyumen. Little information is available about him, as law enforcement agencies refuse to discuss details on his case or provide a photograph. A search party consisting of her family and local police was organized, but failed to locate her. Witnesses noted that Simonova was watched by a trio of men, one of whom stuttered heavily.

In relation to this, while analyzing Anisimova's mobile phone, it emerged that the girl had called an official of the city's administrative bodies. Shortly after his arrival, the cases of Kasyanova, Imamova, Lozhkina and Anisimova were combined into one, and are currently under investigation. In October 2021, Kiryukhin gave an interview with NEFT Media, in which he suggested that the killer might select his victims who have eye squints or similar defects.

On 26 August 2021, 40-year-old Vitaly Berezhnoy was arrested in connection with the murders. He had killed an 8-year-old girl named Nastya Muravyova two months earlier.

Psychological portrait Over the years, two separate profilers, Dmitry Kiryukhin and Vasily Beinarovich, have given their thoughts on what characteristics the potential killer might have.

Kiryukhin's version

Aged between 40 and 45. A closeted paedophile. Is well-regarded by his community, has no criminal convictions. Either married or divorced, and has children with whom he likely rarely communicates. Lives in Tyumen, either in an apartment building or a house in the suburbs. Has a technical degree, and works as an electrician at a large enterprise. Due to the nature of his work, he frequently travels around the city. Has or has had a car, possibly a Zhiguli, which he sold or dumped in a swamp following Anisimova's murder. Does not drink alcohol. Uses the Internet, likely kept track of the Anisimova case. Possible hobbies include photography and fishing.

Beinarovich's version Beinarovich was critical of some of Kiryukhin's assertions, most notably the killer's age, as he could have looked older due to his obesity, as well as questioning his marital status and hobbies. However, he agreed with other points, and improved the existing portrait by adding his own conclusions which resulted in a similar profile:

Aged 35 or older. A closeted paedophile. Is well-regarded in his community, with no prior criminal convictions. Lives in Tyumen, either in an apartment building or a house in the suburbs. Probably committed the first crimes with two accomplices, but then began to act alone. Targets children aged 8 to 14. Abducts his victims in the middle of the day, luring them into his car through deception. Meticulously plans his attacks, leaving behind no evidence of witnesses. Likely works or has worked in law enforcement, and at the very least knows the basic procedures of collecting evidence very well. Has the ability to monitor children. Knows the area very well, and can traverse it very easily.