In Makhachkala, an 18-year-old car wash worker stands accused of stealing a Mercedes-Benz valued at about 6 million rubles from the service manager. The act reportedly occurred after the manager finished work and left the keys in a secure area near the service bay. The young employee, familiar with the shop’s layout, is said to have known where the spare keys were kept. Local investigators reviewed security footage from the facility and nearby streets, and opened a criminal case to determine how the theft was carried out, whether others were involved, and what charges might apply.
A few days later, a 23-year-old resident of the Tabasaran district who manages a gas station in the village of Semender reported to local police that his Mercedes was taken from the station grounds during the morning hours of the previous day. Investigators cross-checked access logs and surveillance footage and connected the disappearance to the earlier car theft. It emerged that the same 18-year-old car wash worker, familiar with the keys and the layout, stole the Mercedes, then drove off and crashed the car, leaving it in a field with heavy damage. A criminal case was opened to pursue theft and property damage charges, and to assess whether any additional offenses were committed.
Meanwhile, authorities responded to a report of a fire in the engine compartment of a Mercedes-Benz. Firefighters found signs of arson and a bottle of liquid that could be used in illicit activity at the scene. Security camera footage and statements from the vehicle owner helped identify a suspect, a 39-year-old resident of Kaliningrad. The arsonist admitted that the act was retaliation after his girlfriend began seeing someone else. Prosecutors are reviewing the case, with possible penalties that could reach up to five years in prison depending on the charges and local law. Investigations continue to determine the full scope of the incident and whether any accomplices were involved.
In a separate incident, a Moscow-area resident allegedly used an axe to damage an Audi parked in a lot, apparently to clear a space. Investigators say such acts demonstrate escalating aggression and endanger bystanders and property in public areas. Police are examining surveillance video, interviewing witnesses, and evaluating the suspect’s motives as part of the ongoing inquiry. The case underscores the importance of securing vehicles and keys to prevent similar offenses.
Taken together, these instances illustrate how quickly vehicle-related crimes can unfold and how local law enforcement moves to identify suspects, collect evidence, and pursue appropriate charges. They also highlight the need for stricter security measures at service centers, gas stations, and parking areas, along with vigilant reporting from bystanders and vehicle owners to support rapid investigations.