Following the deaths of 19 individuals from consuming counterfeit vodka, a nursery school teacher has been apprehended, while another victim remains in critical condition in a hospital.
Authorities in the Leningrad region of Russia are investigating Olga Stepanova, aged 60, for her alleged involvement in the distribution of fake alcohol. Stepanova, whose husband is engaged in the conflict in Ukraine under Vladimir Putin, stands accused of supplying moonshine to a 78-year-old man named Nikolai Boytsov, who reportedly sold the illicit vodka for 90 pence per bottle.
Both suspects have been taken into custody by local law enforcement. Boytsov is facing accusations of causing harm to his 75-year-old wife by poisoning her with the bootleg alcohol.
The prevalence of ‘bootleg’ spirits has been on the rise in Russia as alcohol prices surge due to ongoing conflicts, with a notable increase in consumption among the elderly population.
Maj-Gen Irina Volk, a spokeswoman for the Interior Ministry, confirmed the detention of a Gostisti resident for allegedly selling an alcoholic beverage-like substance.
Subsequently, it was revealed that two individuals have been apprehended. The current death toll associated with the tainted vodka stands at 19, while one individual remains in a critical state in the hospital.
Russian media outlet Ostorozhno Novosti reported the presence of methanol in the blood of eight deceased individuals. Further investigations are underway for other sudden deaths.
Detailing the harrowing impact on one victim, the Telegram channel Topor recounted the tragic account of Yuri Spiridonov, 54, who succumbed to the effects of the tainted alcohol. The report mentioned a rapid succession of deaths following his demise.
The death toll has now reached 19 confirmed fatalities, with one individual hospitalized in intensive care. Boytsov had previously faced allegations of engaging in illegal alcohol trade.
In a separate incident in August, a group of tourists tragically died from methanol poisoning after unknowingly ingesting fake alcohol at a renowned resort in Russia. The tourists had visited Sochi, a favored destination of Vladimir Putin, where the fatal incidents occurred.
Reports indicated that a victim lost their life due to kidney failure after drinking counterfeit Chacha, while two female tourists succumbed to methanol poisoning upon returning home.
Two individuals identified as Olesya, 31, and Eteri, 71, appeared in court in Sochi on suspicion of distributing the harmful alcohol. The Russian Interior Ministry issued a stern warning advising against the consumption of alcohol products of unknown origin.
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