Gochiyaev's Disappearance and Alternative Theories
The proceeds from the car and its role in Gochiyaev's release are not known for certain.
It is also unknown where Gochiyaev disappeared to immediately after his release.
According to one version, he went to Moscow, towards his terrible fame.
According to another, he went to St. Petersburg to heal the beatings received in the Cherkessk SIZO.
According to a third, he went to Chechnya.
Dzhemal's Hypothesis
In an oral conversation in our presence, the author developed the hypothesis of "not that Gochiyaev": his name could be used to cover for another person who resembles him in some way.
Dzhemal's hypothesis is based on the recorded testimony of other suspects:
Gochiyaev's son-in-law Frantsuzov, who was detained and later convicted, as well as Murat and Aslan Bostanov (more on them later), were in Urus-Martan during the September bombings in Moscow.
During interrogations, they testified that they learned about the Moscow bombings from television news, and Gochiyaev, who was with them at that moment, dropped the phrase: "They think I'm involved in this."
Their testimony runs counter to Gochiyaev's own confessions.
Witness Statements
On 11.11.2003, an article by Igor Korolkov titled "Photorobot not of the first freshness" was published in Moskovskiye Novosti.
These are two witness statements:
Mikhail Trepashkin, who visited the editorial office the day before his arrest.
Mark Blumenfeld — the former owner of the warehouse on Guryanova Street, from whose words the first photorobot was compiled on the night of September 8 to 9.
Blumenfeld's Testimony
"In Lefortovo, they showed me a photograph of some person," says Blumenfeld, "they said it was Gochiyaev and that I supposedly rented the basement to him. I replied that I had never seen this person. But they strongly recommended that I recognize Gochiyaev. I understood everything and didn't argue anymore, I signed the testimony."
"The photo depicted a person with a simple face, but the one who came and to whom I rented the premises looked like an intellectual. I got the impression that he was Jewish. Moreover, a Jew with Caucasian roots. I repeatedly stated this to the investigation."
(For accuracy: Blumenfeld's name is Mario, and he rented out not a basement, but a room on the first floor).