Top Model Left With Part of Skull Missing After Alleged Attack by Millionaire Boyfriend

In Russia, model Anzhelika Tartanova, 33, was left with part of her skull surgically removed after suffering catastrophic head injuries in an alleged attack on 23 November last year.

Her former boyfriend, millionaire Moscow businessman Dmitry Kuzmin, 41, was later charged with attempted murder in connection with the alleged attack. The case was initially brought as one involving grievous bodily harm before being reclassified as attempted murder, according to Russian reports.

Kuzmin has since died after suffering serious heart problems while the criminal case was ongoing. His lawyer said he had undergone two heart operations and had been under considerable stress over the case.

SHOT media reported that the businessman had been affected by the 'shock' of the criminal case and the punishment he was expected to face. However, available reports do not establish psychological stress as the independent medical cause of his death.

Anzhelika Tartanova Faced Severe Brain Injuries

Tartanova's injuries were described as extensive. She suffered severe brain damage and lasting problems with speech, memory and coordination, while doctors carried out emergency surgery to relieve pressure on her brain.

The model later said she had been unable to speak for months. Her recovery was still progressing when she appeared on television to discuss what had happened and the impact of her injuries.

'For a long time I didn't go near the mirror, I was very scared,' Tartanova said.

Her sister, Anastasia Beloglazova, also spoke publicly about the condition in which Tartanova was left. 'What kind of animal do you have to be to treat a person like that...? It's horrifying.'

Starhit reported that the force of the impact shattered bones in Tartanova's skull. Doctors subsequently removed a large section of her skull while treating the dangerous pressure caused by her brain injuries.

The outlet said she was dealing with impaired speech, memory and coordination and would need further surgery during a lengthy recovery.

Neurosurgeon Vyacheslav Smirnov, who operated on Tartanova, said the case involved more than a subdural haematoma.

'Angelika's case was complex and severe,' Smirnov said. He added that there had also been 'damage and destruction of the brain tissue itself' and described her condition as a severe traumatic brain injury.

According to Smirnov, immediate surgery was necessary because Tartanova risked slipping into a coma within hours. Surgeons removed a large section of her skull in a decompressive craniotomy to reduce pressure on the brain.

Anzhelika Tartanova's Case Escalated After Initial Charge

The investigation was later reclassified as an attempted-murder case. Kuzmin was first charged with causing grievous bodily harm while Tartanova was still in hospital. Russian reports said the case was later reclassified as attempted murder following intervention by Investigative Committee chief Alexander Bastrykin.

Kuzmin had initially faced up to eight years in prison under the grievous bodily harm charge before the case was later reclassified as attempted murder.

By that stage, Kuzmin had reportedly been told he could face at least eight years in prison.

SHOT later linked Kuzmin's death to the strain of the criminal proceedings. 'Preliminary reports indicate that Kuzmin's heart failed due to the psychological trauma of the criminal case brought against him following the horrific beating of Anzhelika,' the outlet reported.

Kuzmin later died after suffering serious heart problems. His lawyer said he had undergone two heart operations and had been under considerable stress over the case. No independent medical finding cited in the available reports established that psychological shock caused his death.

Anzhelika Tartanova Faces Further Surgery

Tartanova continued rehabilitation after the injuries affected her speech, memory and coordination. In March 2026, doctors fitted a titanium plate to restore the missing section of her skull, according to subsequent Russian reports.

The neurosurgeon explained that a 3D printer would be used to create a model of her skull before surgeons repaired the remaining defect.

'We will completely cover this defect, and cosmetically nothing will be visible,' Smirnov said.