The Polotsk Four was a group of Belarusian criminals and robbers, active from 2001 to 2002, led by serial killers Sergey Pugachev and Alexander Burdenko. With the aid of thieves Dmitry Ignatovich and Sergey Astafurov, the gang robbed numerous places around the Vitebsk Region and Brest Region, with Pugachev and Burdenko themselves killing two girls and two car enthusiasts. For their crimes, the criminals received their respective punishments. Members Sergey Pugachev (b. 1972) - a former entrepreneur, noted for once selling pantyhose on the market. Alexander Burdenko (b. 1974) - originally attending the same school in Polotsk along with Ignatovich, Burdenko entered the Yaroslavl Higher Military Financial School, where he was later kicked out of for lack of discipline. While living in Russia, he had received a suspended sentence for robbery. According to sources, his favorite type of item to steal is gold. Dmitry "Dimka" Ignatovich (b. 1974) - originally attending the same school in Polotsk along with Burdenko, Ignatovich was sent to a prison colony for theft, from which he later escaped, hurting an officer in the process. He managed to become a proficient thief afterwards. Sergey Astafurov (b. 1970) - described as an "authoritative" thief by his fellow gang members, Astafurov, despite being a big talker and heavy drinker, had the ability to deal with any kind of alarm. It is also noted that one member of the gang practised occultism in order to bring them luck, much to the amusement of his co-conspirators. However, it is unclear who that member is. Formation The thirst for profit between the former school buddies would eventually make them cross paths again, with Ignatovich borrowing $200 from Burdenko, giving him a Makarov pistol as deposit. Later on, Burdenko introduced Ignatovich to Pugachev, and in turn, the former let Astafurov into the gang. Crimes In the span of three years, the gang would rob a large number of facilities, assault multiple victims, steal money and engage in banditry. The following crimes are their most notable: 2001 Ignatovich and Astafurov stole an office safe from an entrepreneur, containing $250–300 dollars. However, one of them was scared off by the watchman. During the summer months, Pugachev and Burdenko, under the influence of alcohol, lured two girls on separate occasions into their Volvo with the aim of stealing their gold jewelry. The first victim, 24-year-old Valentina Balchugina, had her head smashed in with an iron