A woman named Olga Stepanova, aged 60, has been taken into custody following the deaths of 19 individuals who consumed counterfeit vodka, with one person currently in critical condition at a hospital. The incident occurred in the Leningrad region of Russia. Stepanova is being probed for her involvement in the distribution of illicit alcohol to a 78-year-old man named Nikolai Boytsov, who then sold the fake vodka for 90 pence per bottle.
Both Stepanova and Boytsov have been apprehended by local law enforcement. Boytsov is facing accusations of causing harm to his 75-year-old spouse by giving her the illegal alcohol.
The prevalence of “bootleg” spirits has been on the rise in Russia due to escalating alcohol prices amidst the ongoing conflict. Pensioners are said to be particularly inclined towards consuming these illicit substances.
The Interior Ministry spokesperson, Maj-Gen Irina Volk, confirmed the arrest of a Gostisti resident for allegedly vending a liquid containing alcohol.
Subsequently, it was disclosed that two individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. The death toll linked to the tainted vodka currently stands at 19, with one individual in critical condition at a medical facility.
Russian media outlet Ostorozhno Novosti reported that methanol was discovered in the blood of eight deceased individuals. Authorities are conducting further investigations on others who passed away suddenly.
A tragic account was shared by the Telegram channel Topor, detailing the distressing demise of Yuri Spiridonov, 54, who succumbed to the effects of the tainted alcohol shortly after declaring his impending death to his wife. Following his demise, several others also perished.
A total of 19 fatalities have been confirmed, with one person requiring intensive care. Boytsov had previously faced allegations of engaging in illegal alcohol trade.
In a separate incident in August, over a dozen tourists lost their lives to methanol poisoning after unknowingly purchasing fake alcohol at a popular Russian resort. The tourists had visited Sochi, a town in Russia renowned as a favored holiday destination of Vladimir Putin.
Reports indicate that one victim went blind and suffered fatal kidney failure after consuming fake Chacha, a potent clear brandy, while two female tourists succumbed to methanol poisoning upon returning home.
Two suspects identified as Olesya, 31, and Eteri, 71, appeared in a Sochi court on suspicion of distributing the counterfeit alcohol. Following the incident, the Russian Interior Ministry issued a warning advising the public against consuming alcohol of unknown origin.