Moscow Entrepreneurs Controversial Kidnapping Sparks Criminal Charges Over Insulting Religious Sentiments

A technology entrepreneur, whose widely publicized abduction in broad daylight at a central railway station in Moscow has sparked significant debate, will be facing criminal charges along with his kidnappers, Russian officials announced on Thursday.

Authorities from Chechnya stated that Areg Shchepikhin, 39, was “not kidnapped, but rather apprehended by law enforcement” in front of witnesses and security personnel at Yaroslavsky station on Tuesday. Shchepikhin, reported to hold dual citizenship in Russia and Armenia, was assaulted and released on the outskirts of the city later that evening.

The Investigative Committee of Russia, responsible for investigating major crimes, reported that six individuals have been charged with kidnapping and abuse of power in relation to the incident.

Moscow’s Zamoskvoretsky District Court is anticipated to make a decision on whether to place these suspects in pre-trial detention later on Thursday.

Furthermore, the Investigative Committee indicated that a psycholinguistic analysis of Shchepikhin’s social media videos prior to his kidnapping uncovered “indications of inciting violence against and degrading individuals based on their national or ethnic backgrounds.”

Shchepikhin’s abduction, executed by men in suits with beards suspected to be ethnic Chechens, occurred just a day after he shared an Instagram video condemning Chechens and Islam.

In one of the videos posted on Monday, Shchepikhin stated, “I f*cked your Allah, your Quran, and everything you regard as sacred.”

The Investigative Committee of Russia announced that it has initiated criminal proceedings for insulting religious sentiments and public incitement to extremist activities, and is conducting “investigative actions” involving Shchepikhin.

“He will face charges, and a measure of restraint will be decided upon,” the law enforcement agency noted.

If convicted, Shchepikhin could potentially face up to six years in prison.

The Telegram channel Baza, which is reportedly connected to Russia’s security services, alleged that the suspected kidnappers told investigators they had received orders to detain Shchepikhin from “higher authorities,” whose identities they did not disclose. It was reported that three of the individuals involved were active members of the National Guard of Russia.

“They awaited further instructions but received none and were eventually apprehended,” Baza stated on Thursday.

The Moscow Times was unable to independently confirm these allegations.

“I wasn’t tortured that much,” Shchepikhin, showcasing bruises on his face, remarked to Baza following his release.