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Russia Charges Teens in Network and Railway Arson Cases

Investigators say the youths were guided by anonymous messenger recruiters promising payment.

Overview

  • In Petrozavodsk, a 16-year-old is accused of torching equipment at two cellular stations after receiving step-by-step instructions online, degrading mobile coverage.
  • Authorities charged the Petrozavodsk suspect under Article 281 Part 2(a) on diversion, placed him in custody, and say he filmed the acts and sent the video to accomplices.
  • Investigators report they have identified one recruiter tied to the Petrozavodsk case and are working to locate other participants and secure evidence.
  • A separate case on the Moscow Railway alleges a teenager set fires on December 5 at transformer substations at Mark station and on the Los–Perlovskaya stretch, acting on messenger directions.
  • The rail case is being prosecuted as a terrorist act under Article 205 Part 2(a), the suspect is under arrest, and the Investigative Committee warns such attacks carry penalties up to life imprisonment.