Five citizens of Tajikistan, aged 28 to 56, have been detained in Kazan, the capital of Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan, for racketeering their fellow countrymen, Biznes Online (Business Online) reported on June 21.       

Police have reportedly traced members of this ethnic crime group after receiving an application from one of the victims.  

Criminal proceedings against Alisher Mavlanov (ringleader), Kholmurat Mirzoyev, Lukhmonzhon Mirzoyev, Farrukhzhon Sultonov and Sultonzhon Sultanov under the provisions of two article of Russia’s Penal Code: Article 159 (4) – fraud committed by an organized group; and Article 163 (3) – extortion committed by an organized group.  An investigation is under way.   

The men were reportedly arrested on June 10.