The Kaliningrad case involving a taxi driver accused of stealing passengers’ mobile phones after a dispute over music has moved to the next stage, with the driver facing serious charges. The information came via the Telegram channel of the regional department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which provided details of the incident and ongoing proceedings.
According to investigators, a 32-year-old man, described as a native of Central Asia, was hired to drive a married couple to an entertainment venue. During the journey, tensions rose as the couple and the driver disagreed about the music being played. After the couple left the vehicle at their destination, one of them accidentally dropped a wallet containing two mobile phones and 2,000 rubles into the car. A subsequent passenger encountered the wallet and handed it to the driver, who then chose to retain both the cash and the phones for himself instead of returning the items to their rightful owner. The incident prompted a formal inquiry and criminal action on charges of theft that caused significant harm to the victims.
Law enforcement officials say the suspect is now under investigation and has been brought to court, where he faces a potential prison sentence of up to five years for the alleged theft. The case illustrates the serious consequences for property crimes committed by service providers who are expected to protect clients’ belongings. The authorities emphasized that theft in such circumstances is treated as a grave offense, given the breach of trust involved and the impact on the victims’ personal security and financial assets. The ongoing process includes standard procedures such as confiscation of evidence, witness statements, and assessment of material loss to determine the appropriate penalties within the framework of the criminal code. The public was advised to stay informed through official channels as the case develops. [Source: Telegram channel of the regional department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs].
In related regional reporting, authorities noted that similar incidents have occurred in other cities, sometimes involving vehicle substitutes or other risky behaviors by drivers while on duty. For instance, prior coverage from Tyumen noted cases where individuals attempted dangerous stunts near or on vehicles, underscoring a broader pattern of risk within urban transport services. These examples have prompted calls for heightened vigilance among passengers and greater accountability for drivers, particularly in situations where personal belongings are left unattended or exposed during a ride. The intent behind these public safety measures is to deter theft, improve trust in taxi services, and ensure quick, proper handling of complaints when incidents do occur. The authorities also highlighted the importance of passengers reporting any suspicious conduct promptly to expedite investigations and safeguard personal property.