An incident on a Moscow region minibus prompted the Investigative Committee to open a criminal case. The Main Investigative Directorate of the Moscow Region cited Article 330 of the Criminal Code, which covers arbitrariness. The head of the department, Alexander Bastrykin, requested a progress report on the investigation. The case began after a video circulated online showing the driver refusing to allow elderly passengers to board and directing threats at those who spoke up about the situation.
According to official briefing, the footage shows an elderly group waiting near a bus stop when the driver refused them entry and then targeted others who voiced disagreement. The clip quickly spread on social networks, prompting investigators to act and heighten scrutiny of safety practices on public transport. The investigation aims to understand the sequence of events, verify witnesses, and determine whether any laws were violated while ensuring transparency for the traveling public.
One of the reported threats involved a remark directed at a passenger that referenced an ethnic stereotype. The confrontation underscored the seriousness of the alleged behavior and raised questions about the boundaries of language used in tense public transport encounters.
Article 330 of the Criminal Code addresses the abuse of official power and is applied when an individual in a position of authority acts beyond legal limits. In this case, investigators examine the evidence, gather witness statements, and assess whether the driver exercised arbitrariness or another offense, all while transport authorities review safety protocols and employee training to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Broader media attention to the event highlighted how public transport incidents are handled by authorities and how social media can accelerate formal action. The ongoing inquiry emphasizes accountability for those operating city transport and may influence future safety standards and oversight for minibus services across the Moscow region and beyond.