Tula group to be tried on kidnapping, extortion, and beatings charges

A criminal case against six people accused of kidnapping, extortion, and beatings has been submitted to the Central District Court of Tula.

According to the investigation, one of the episodes occurred on 14 August 2024 on a street in Tula. The defendants met three unfamiliar young men. The conflict started over an earring worn by one of them. A fight ensued: one victim was kicked in the face and fell, while the other two tried to run away. One was caught and beaten. According to the investigation, several attackers each struck him at least five times in the head and arms. The man suffered moderate bodily harm.

Another episode dates to 7 January 2025. One of the defendants learned from acquaintances about a theft and agreed to “help” them recover the loss. Together with accomplices, he arrived at the home of a man believed to be involved in the theft. The victim was forced into a car, held, and driven away from the house. He was then pulled from the vehicle, thrown to the ground, and beaten, receiving at least ten kicks. During the beating, he was threatened with further violence and demanded 100,000 rubles (approximately $1,100 at current rates).

Another incident took place in February 2025. Several defendants met with another man and demanded 50,000 rubles (approximately $550 at current rates) from him, threatening physical violence. After he refused, one of them hit the victim in the face. Fearing continued violence, the man later transferred the money to the specified account.

Four of the accused have been remanded in custody. Two more are under a travel restriction agreement.

The first court hearing is scheduled for 2 February 2026 at the Central District Court of Tula. The defendants face a long prison sentence: for the most serious charge—kidnapping—the punishment could be up to 12 years in a penal colony.