Polish police are investigating the brutal killing of a Russian artist known as a fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin. Prosecutors stated that the artist, Robert K.—known by the pseudonym Semyon Skrepetsky—was shot dead on Monday morning in the Polish city of Biała Podlaska. According to a BBC report, the city is located approximately 40 kilometers from the Belarusian border. The 44-year-old artist was shot five times—in the head, chest, and back—in a car parking area.

“Semyon Skrepetsky” was the pseudonym of Robert Kuzovkov. He was known for creating political caricatures, often depicting figures such as Alexander Lukashenko, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, and Putin in a critical light. Marcin Kozak, a spokesperson for the Lublin District Prosecutor’s Office, stated that an unidentified gunman first approached the victim and fired two shots.

After the victim fell to the ground, the attacker fired three more shots before quickly fleeing the scene. Kozak confirmed that Robert K. died at the location. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday. Police have detained two individuals, aged 33 and 37, near the city’s Belarusian consulate in connection with the incident; however, prosecutors have stated that their involvement has not yet been confirmed.