According to Fontanka, the St. Petersburg incident involved Alexander Bastrykin, head of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, as he tried to access a construction site on Vasilyevsky Island known as the northern alluvial project. The official’s attempt to enter was blocked by security at the gate, with the moment captured as part of ongoing coverage about oversight and safety practices at major urban development sites.
Reports indicate Bastrykin approached the site in ordinary attire, without any entourage, and presented his identification to the guards. The response from the security team was firm, and the official was denied access on the spot. He briefly paused the entry attempt and later departed, leaving the impression that access control procedures were being strictly enforced at the facility during that moment in time.
Approximately an hour after the initial refusal, Bastrykin returned to the scene accompanied by members of the OMON security unit. This later entry was successful, and the area was entered by the chairman and his entourage, signaling a restoration of normal access protocols under heightened security circumstances. The sequence underscores how gatekeeping rules are applied to all visitors on sensitive construction sites, regardless of rank.
On May 5, a formal inquiry was initiated by the Investigative Committee following information received about the company tied to the project, LSR Specialized Developer LLC, and its activities related to the silt construction works. The message indicated alleged violations of regulatory norms dating back to October 2021 during the creation of the silt embankment. A temporary sloping embankment protection constructed from sand was cited as the focal point of these concerns, raising questions about compliance with environmental and safety standards at the site.
Consequently, investigators moved to open an official case and to coordinate with environmental professionals to determine whether the project met required legal and technical requirements. A forensic environmental review has been outlined as part of the planned proceedings, aimed at establishing factual circumstances and assessing any potential harm to surrounding ecosystems and public safety. The development of the review signals an emphasis on rigorous documentation and expert assessment in parallel with ongoing legal considerations, reflecting the broader mandate of the Investigative Committee to scrutinize large-scale developments for compliance and accountability.
Industry observers note that this case highlights the intersection of high-profile oversight with complex urban construction projects. It illustrates how regulatory bodies manage inquiries into contractor conduct, engineering choices, and environmental protections while ensuring that all parties adhere to established procedures. The evolving situation may influence future governance of similar projects, including the oversight frameworks applied to embankment construction, sediment management, and access control at critical construction zones. The sequence of events demonstrates how leadership visits, security protocols, and formal investigations can converge to shape public understanding of how infrastructure work is monitored and regulated in major cities.