Primorye Lawmaker Arrested in Case Over Illegal Sale of 50 Kg of Mercury

Overview

• The Frunzensky District Court in Vladivostok ordered Artavazd Oganesyan held in custody until January 12, 2026, according to the regional courts’ press service.
• Russia’s Investigative Committee in Primorye confirmed a criminal case under Part 3, Article 234 of the Criminal Code for the organized sale of toxic substances, with prosecutorial oversight of the probe.
• Investigators say the transactions occurred in Vladivostok between October 25 and November 13 and were conducted with a participant in an operational search operation.
• The investigation alleges Oganesyan conspired with two associates, assigned roles, and formed an organized group to procure, store, transport, and sell metallic mercury.
• Two suspects have been taken into custody and a measure of restraint for a third is pending, the Investigative Committee said, with the case accompanied by the regional FSB.