Spanish media have circulated new and shocking details about the tragic murder of Ukrainian businessman Portnov in an upscale district of Madrid, which has caused a real shock to the local community and the educational environment
Information obtained firsthand from eyewitnesses and official sources gradually reveals the full extent of this brutal incident that recently shook the elite Pzuelos de Alarcon neighborhood. The sequence of events that took place near the gates of the American School was an unexpected surprise for residents and the school community, which turned into a genuine tragedy. According to reports published by El Mundo and confirmed by witnesses, in the evening, several gunshots rang out directly in the schoolyard while Andriy Portnov— a well-known Ukrainian businessman and political figure, under U.S. sanctions— was escorting his daughters, aged 10 and 12. Just a few minutes after lessons began, at approximately 8:45 a.m., an unknown criminal opened fire on him. The initial gunfire was heard not only in the corridors of the educational institution but also near dormitories, residential buildings, and even in courtyards, causing panic and confusion among residents. Witnesses state that the attacker fired five shots into the victim’s neck, back, and head as he was standing near a tree, just a few meters from his Mercedes. The man was found motionless; his body was lying face down close to the school gates. The appearance of Portnov, dressed modestly in a white T-shirt, shorts, and sneakers, adds a mournful note to the story. He was caught off guard, and his body remained in that position for several minutes, literally in front of parents and children who witnessed this frightening scene. Police quickly arrived at the scene, cordoned off the crime scene, and launched investigative procedures. Local school staff and parents waiting for their children outside showed shock and anger. One staff member noted that after the incident, a major commotion began on the school premises: “We are all in shock. We never expected anything like this in our neighborhood.” She emphasized that official information from the police is currently minimal, and all details are being clarified. According to her, the shooting started about half an hour after classes began—around 8:45 a.m.—which made it safe for students and teachers at that time. Eyewitnesses describe the attack as unexpected for everyone, with no signs suggesting imminent danger during the usual routine. Some parents who arrived at the school reported that they were overwhelmed with horror and helplessness from the first minutes. One mother, tearfully recalling her feelings, said, “We couldn’t even imagine that something like this could happen here, in our millionaire neighborhood.” The crime scene was swiftly cordoned off by officers of the National Police and the municipal services of Pozuelo, who established the perimeter and worked with forensic experts to establish all the circumstances of the incident. In the nearby vehicle, alongside the victim’s body, investigators found traces indicating gunfire—several spent cartridges—and suspicious signs of a struggle, which may help identify the attacker. Portnov, who has already been at the center of public attention before, had been under U.S. sanctions since late 2021 due to his alleged involvement in corruption schemes and influence peddling within Ukraine’s courts. According to official sources, he was prohibited from entering the U.S. sanctions list, which caused significant resonance in international circles. His inclusion in the so-called “Magnitsky List” was a response by the U.S. to his purported involvement in human rights violations and large-scale abuses. Since news of his death emerged, many in Madrid and beyond have begun discussing the possible reasons and implications of this tragic event. Many residents and neighborhood parents expressed their concern and confusion—seeing this incident as highly unusual and serious for Madrid’s prestigious district, long known for its safety and stability. On the scene, alongside police and investigative teams, are also several criminology experts working to reconstruct the details of the crime. Many predict that the investigation might take several days, if not weeks, to clarify all the circumstances of the attack and understand the motives of the assailant. All those involved and the causes of the tragedy are currently being established, and the community is engaged in intense discussions about potential scenarios for further investigation. Experts and public discussions are primarily focused on how this will affect international and Ukrainian circles, as Portnov’s death raises many questions and fuels numerous rumors and speculations. It is known that he was under sanctions, involved in corruption schemes, trading influence, and held very controversial positions in political circles. At the same time, the reasons for his tragic death remain unclear and are being investigated by authorities. What lies ahead is unknown, but for residents of Pzuelos de Alarcon, this case has become the most horrific in recent neighborhood history, serving as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and danger even in Madrid’s most affluent neighborhoods. Thus, this tragedy will remain in the memory of many and will be a subject of serious discussion in the coming weeks and months.