A woman, Olga Stepanova, aged 60, has been taken into custody following the deaths of 19 individuals attributed to the consumption of counterfeit vodka. Another victim is in critical condition in a hospital. Authorities in Russia’s Leningrad region are investigating Stepanova for allegedly providing fake alcohol. Her husband is reportedly involved in military actions in Ukraine under Vladimir Putin’s leadership. The suspect is accused of supplying moonshine to a 78-year-old man who then sold the illicit vodka for a low price. Both suspects, including the man who sold the alcohol, have been apprehended by local law enforcement. The man is also accused of causing harm to his 75-year-old wife by giving her the toxic alcohol.
The sale of illegal spirits, known as ‘bootleg’ alcohol, has been on the rise in Russia due to escalating alcohol prices amidst the ongoing conflict. Pensioners are reportedly the primary consumers of these unauthorized beverages. The Interior Ministry has confirmed the arrest of a Gostisti resident for distributing a liquid containing alcohol. Subsequently, it was disclosed that two individuals have been detained in connection with the case. The death toll has reached 19, with one individual in critical condition.
Media reports indicate that methanol was detected in the blood of eight deceased victims. Further investigations are underway to examine the cause of sudden deaths of others. A tragic account was shared by a news channel detailing the agonizing demise of a victim who collapsed after consuming the fake vodka. The incident resulted in multiple deaths and several individuals falling seriously ill.
Previously, a group of tourists succumbed to methanol poisoning after unknowingly ingesting fake alcohol at a popular resort in Sochi, Russia. The victims, who visited Putin’s favored tourist destination, suffered severe consequences, including blindness and kidney failure. Two suspects, identified as Olesya, 31, and Eteri, 71, appeared in court in Sochi on charges of distributing the counterfeit alcohol. In response to the incidents, the Russian Interior Ministry issued a warning urging the public to avoid consuming alcohol of unknown origin.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by counterfeit alcohol and the importance of vigilance when purchasing and consuming alcoholic beverages.