In the Trans-Baikal Territory, a significant theft disrupted security operations when a truck operated by Spetssvyaz, transporting gold from a mine, was breached. Sources report that a substantial portion of the consignment disappeared during transit, triggering an investigation that spans multiple jurisdictions and security agencies. The incident drew immediate attention from regional authorities who are now reviewing route logs, checkpoints, and cargo handover procedures to determine how the breach occurred and who may be responsible.
Officials confirmed that the gold was in the process of moving from the mining site toward a designated destination when the event unfolded. Early accounts from investigators indicate that approximately 60 kilograms of precious metal were removed from the vehicle after it was halted at a post checkpoint. The Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior has verified the theft and is coordinating with other agencies to piece together the sequence of events, including the moments leading up to the stop, the security measures in place, and the timeline of the attacker’s movements.
According to the Telegram channel 112 and corroborated by investigative channels, a suspicious SUV followed the courier from the mine and remained undetected as the convoy proceeded. The attackers reportedly breached the minibus once the Ural truck reached the post office in the village of Novaya Chara, where two bags containing gold, valued at approximately 210 million rubles, were removed. The operation appeared coordinated, with measures taken to avoid attracting attention and to minimize the risk of being intercepted by passersby or law enforcement during the transfer by road.
Subsequently, a separate vehicle, a suspicious car, was intercepted in the town of Tynda and three occupants were detained. However, investigators have found no gold on that vehicle, indicating it may have served as a decoy or as part of the broader diversion plan. The ongoing inquiry is examining possible connections between this vehicle and the main theft as part of a wider examination of the route, watch points, and logistical support used by the suspects.
Earlier, in a different security incident connected to transportation oversight, an interaction involving a vehicle during a routine inspection near a critical crossing raised questions about visual checks and point-of-entry procedures. The incident underscores the heightened attention now being given to cargo integrity, the chains of custody for valuable consignments, and the need for robust verification at every transit stage. Security experts and law enforcement officials are rallying to implement enhanced monitoring, including improved surveillance at checkpoints, tighter cargo seals, and verified cargo handoffs to reduce the risk of similar breaches in the future. The investigation remains active, with authorities pursuing leads about the perpetrators and the full scope of the operation, while offering reassurances about the safety of other shipments traveling through the region. All developments are being tracked by official channels and reported with caution to prevent the spread of unverified information. — Interfax responded with initial summaries, and subsequent updates are expected to provide a more complete picture of the event and its implications for regional security protocols.