Police in the southern part of St. Petersburg are investigating a possible Azerbaijani gang connected to attacks on pedestrians. The update comes from a briefing by the regional security service and is being followed by investigators as they piece together the events and any potential accomplices. The authorities emphasize that a wide search is underway to locate individuals who may have participated in the crime and to determine the scope of the involvement across the area.
According to the press service, investigators, together with witnesses from the regional department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, are conducting a broad set of searches at residences where suspects or associates might be found. The aim is to gather evidence, confirm identities, and map the network around the reported incidents. The operation reflects a coordinated effort to uncover connections between different individuals and to establish timelines of the alleged criminal activity. Early results suggest that routine checks are being expanded to ensure consistency and accuracy in the investigative record. The authorities stress that progress will be measured against verified information and case requirements rather than speculation.
On October 17, four youths aged 16 to 18 from neighboring countries were detained. A criminal case has been opened against them on charges of hooliganism, and investigators are reviewing the circumstances that led to their detention. Earlier, on October 16, another suspect was detained in St. Petersburg for allegations connected to assaults on residents. According to authorities, the individual admitted circulating materials from his associates online, a factor that he believed would amplify activity within his circle but ultimately did not achieve that outcome. Legal procedures continue as the case develops, and authorities are diligent in documenting each step.
In a separate development, earlier police operations resulted in the detention of five members of an Azerbaijani group in St. Petersburg. The outings are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle gang activity and curb violent incidents in the city. The police are pursuing additional leads and continuing to verify whether the captured individuals acted alone or as part of a larger organization. The public is advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior to law enforcement, as investigators piece together the full picture of the network and its operations.
Meanwhile, online footage showing unidentified people attacking passers-by in St. Petersburg had circulated publicly, prompting authorities to investigate the origins and distribution of those videos. The information flow has become a critical component of the case, as investigators compare online material with on-the-ground reports and stable witness accounts. The effort highlights the challenges of contemporary urban crime where real-time information can spread quickly and influence perceptions while investigators work to separate fact from rumor. (Citation: SSUSK press service)