A suspect linked to a car arson case on Vasilevsky Island was taken into custody by Petersburg police, according to Fontanka.ru. Authorities report that the 40-year-old man from Murino was detained on August 7 at 20:30 on suspicion of setting four vehicles on fire along Bering Street during the spring season. He was placed in isolation as the investigation proceeds.
The incident sequence began on March 22 when a BMW M5, Ford Focus, Lada Vesta, and Suzuki Grand Vitara were discovered ablaze in a parking area. Surveillance footage captured an individual lighting the BMW, which ultimately burned entirely. It later emerged that the burned vehicle belonged to a pensioner, while the other three cars suffered body damage ranging from scorched exteriors to melted panels.
Earlier reports noted a separate case in Sochi where police recovered a vehicle and later distributed it to a local resident. That individual pledged to assist with repairs, but the BMW was subsequently sold to someone abroad, raising questions about the handling and custody of recovered property. The ongoing investigation aims to determine motivations, identify accomplices if any, and assess liability for the broader set of arson events tied to the incidents on Bering Street. The public safety response continues as investigators gather evidence, review security footage, and interview witnesses to establish a comprehensive timeline and intent. [Source attribution: Fontanka.ru]