Investigative Committee confirms detention of suspect in Pasha case

The Investigative Committee of Russia has confirmed the detention of a man suspected of involvement in the disappearance of 9-year-old Pasha from Saint Petersburg. In a statement from the press service, it was said: «Currently, a man with whom the missing person was in contact before the disappearance has been detained. The investigation is continuing to establish the full picture of what happened.»

The suspect is 38 years old. On the evening of January 31, a search was conducted at his home in the village of Yalgelevo, Lomonosovsky District, and the home of his ex-wife was also searched. Acquaintances of the man were questioned. He was found on February 2 in one of the neighboring regions and is now being brought to Saint Petersburg.

Pasha«s whereabouts have not been established at this time. Search operations are continuing.

Recall that the child went missing on the afternoon of January 30 after leaving home for a walk on Krasnoselskoye Highway. More than 200 volunteers participated in the search. The investigation has opened a criminal case under the article for murder. A special group was created to coordinate actions.

According to preliminary data, around 5 p.m. on January 30, the boy exited the «Lenta» hypermarket and headed towards the «Vkusno — i tochka» restaurant. There, he approached a car, spoke with the driver—according to some reports, they may have been acquainted—after which he got into the front seat, and the car drove away.