Arrested Suspects Behind Kidnapping Attempts Show Alarming Trends in Crime Linked to High-Profile Figures

Russian authorities have apprehended multiple individuals suspected of trying to kidnap Andrei Mostovoy, a midfielder for Zenit St. Petersburg, and later abducting a local businessman for ransom, law enforcement officials reported on Monday.

According to local news sources, a masked group attempted to capture Mostovoy outside an upscale grocery store last Thursday, but the footballer was able to flee and notify the police.

Two days after this incident, on Saturday, the same group reportedly kidnapped Sergei Selegen, the founder of a construction firm and son-in-law of State Duma legislator Vyacheslav Makarov. The assailants allegedly handcuffed the 50-year-old Selegen and demanded a ransom of 10 million rubles (approximately $126,200). Under duress, Selegen managed to transfer 210,000 rubles (around $2,650).

Law enforcement tracked down a Toyota Land Cruiser, where they rescued the victim and arrested four suspects.

Later that same day, a fifth suspect was taken into custody. During questioning, he claimed he was informed that the scheme was merely a «birthday prank» and that he was unaware of the involvement of others.

Other suspects stated they were recruited through an anonymous Telegram channel with the promise of receiving half of the ransom as compensation, under the pretext of “punishing drug dealers.”

A video from the Interior Ministry showed one suspect revealing that the alleged mastermind behind the operation is “not from Russia.” Authorities have yet to verify the identity or location of the person believed to be behind the kidnappings.

Neither the Interior Ministry nor the Investigative Committee has named the victims.

The Investigative Committee, which handles serious criminal cases, stated that the men face charges including kidnapping, robbery, and attempted kidnapping. A court is anticipated to rule on their pretrial detention in the upcoming days.

Andrei Mostovoy, 27, and Zenit St. Petersburg have not publicly addressed the events surrounding the incident.