The son of a former Russian government official has been arrested on murder charges in Moscow after allegedly stabbing an acquaintance to death inside an apartment, law enforcement sources told the media Wednesday.

Alexander Khotin was detained Tuesday in the town of Mozhaysk west of Moscow, where they allegedly found a blood-stained knife inside a bathroom, according to RBC. Investigators launched a murder investigation.

Telegram channels with links to Russia’s security services reported that, on Monday night, Khotin got into an argument with 54-year-old Alexander Kumantsov inside an apartment in western Moscow.

Telegram channels Mash and Shot, however, disagree on Khotin’s age, with one writing he is 33, and the other 34 years old.

During the altercation, Khotin allegedly stabbed Kumantsov at least seven times in the neck, face and head. Kumantsov managed to crawl out of the apartment into the hallway and knock on neighbors’ doors for help, according to Ren TV.

He died in the hospital hours later.

Ren TV video showed blood stains across at least two apartment building floors.

There were no public statements by officials on the murder investigation and The Moscow Times could not independently verify the media reports.

Khotin is the son of Igor Albin, who served as Russia’s minister of regional development between 2012 and 2014, then as deputy governor of St. Petersburg between 2014 and 2018.

Albin, formerly Igor Slyunyayev, held executive positions at Gazprombank and worked as a university adviser following his government career.

Ren TV reported that Albin and his son have been estranged and have not maintained contact for a long time.

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

.