Russian National Jailed 10 Days After Choking MBS Security Officer in 31-Second Elevator Assault

A 45-year-old Russian national and Singapore permanent resident received a 10-day jail sentence on 6 Jun 2025 after pleading guilty to assaulting a security officer at Marina Bay Sands (MBS).

Konstantin Gavrilov, who was employed as a risk manager, struck a 51-year-old part-time security officer in the face and placed him in a chokehold inside an MBS lift.

Corporate Event Leads to Marathon Drinking Session at MBS

Gavrilov’s night began at a corporate function at Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1 on 29 Nov 2023. He consumed about five 330ml glasses of beer at the event.

He was then invited to a drinking session at Ce La Vi, a restaurant and bar on the 57th floor of MBS. Two people consumed a bottle of vodka there.

Gavrilov subsequently headed to Avenue, a club located in the MBS basement, where he continued drinking.

Police took his blood sample, which showed it contained 204mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

Lift Assault Captured on Surveillance Cameras

Before 4:51am on 30 Nov 2023, Gavrilov knocked into other club patrons and caused a disturbance. Three security officers, including the 51-year-old victim, escorted him out via the lift.

The victim, who had been working there for five years, initially held onto Gavrilov inside the elevator and told him to calm down. An unknown woman who was at the club entered the lift as well.

Gavrilov appeared calm and the security officer released him. All of a sudden, Gavrilov swung his right arm and hit the officer in the face, which broke his spectacles.

The Russian then used his right arm to grab the victim’s neck to put him in a chokehold, while dragging him around. The security officer fell, feeling dizzy and experiencing numbness in his face at the time.

The other two officers tried to pull Gavrilov off the victim, but failed. When the lift reached the first floor, an officer ran out to get help.

However, the other officer managed to pull Gavrilov off the victim. Several officers arrived at the scene and some of them pinned Gavrilov to a wall, while another called the police.

Police officers arrived at 5:50am and arrested Gavrilov. They took him to the Police Cantonment Complex.

Surveillance cameras in the elevator recorded the scuffle, which lasted about 31 seconds.

The victim did not seek medical attention. Gavrilov compensated the victim S$15 for the cost of repairing his broken spectacles.

For causing hurt, he could face up to five years’ jail, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both.