Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner, has been officially declared dead following genetic analysis of the bodies recovered from the plane crash that occurred on Wednesday, according to Russian authorities.

The Russian Investigative Committee (SK) confirmed that the identities of all ten victims have been determined and match those listed on the flight's passenger roster.

Prigozhin's private jet went down in the northwest of Moscow on August 23rd, resulting in the tragic loss of all passengers aboard.

The Kremlin has denied any responsibility for the crash amidst speculation to the contrary. The SK continues its criminal investigation into the incident.

A statement from the SK revealed, "Molecular-genetic testing has been concluded, leading to the identification of all ten deceased individuals. Their identities align with the list provided in the flight manifest."

Among the casualties were key figures within Wagner, a Russian paramilitary group established by Prigozhin that has participated in military activities in Ukraine, Syria, and various parts of Africa. Dmitry Utkin, who managed Wagner's military operations, was among those lost in the crash.

The other passengers on the Embraer Legacy aircraft - which was en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg - included members of Wagner: Valery Chekalov, Sergei Propustin, Yevgeny Makaryan, Alexander Totmin, and Nikolay Matuseyev. The flight was piloted by Alexei Levshin and co-pilot Rustam Karimov, with one flight attendant, Kristina Raspopova, onboard.

The crash occurred two months after Prigozhin led a mutiny by Wagner against the Russian armed forces. This rebellion resulted in the capture of the southern city of Rostov and posed a threat to Moscow.

The standoff was defused after a deal was reached which led to Prigozhin and Wagner fighters relocating to Belarus.

However, Russian President Vladimir Putin described the mutiny as a "stab in the back" and there has been speculation that Russian security forces were somehow involved in the crash.

US officials quoted by CBS have said that the most likely cause of the crash was an explosion on board the plane, and the Pentagon said Prigozhin was probably killed.

On Friday Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said rumors of foul play were an "absolute lie".

Mr Putin has sent his condolences to the families of the victims.

He described Prigozhin as a "talented person" who "made serious mistakes in life".

What a tragedy, great loss to the family, condolence to the family for the loss.

May his soul rest in peace.