In the forest outside Petrozavodsk, a body was found by investigators during a routine check in a wooded area between the Kukkovka and Drevlyanka districts. The person, a 24-year-old man, was located in a waist-deep position, unclothed from the waist up. Authorities report that the discovery occurred in the afternoon, prompting an immediate response from local law enforcement.
Earlier in the week, authorities launched a citywide search for a missing 24-year-old named Arkady Skachkov. The search effort was coordinated by the local unit of LizaAlert DPSO, a volunteer search organization that collaborates with police to locate missing residents. The case quickly drew attention from residents and volunteers who joined the effort in the hope of finding Skachkov unharmed.
During the search, volunteers and investigators reportedly observed clothing near the distressed area, with no clear identification documents in the victim’s possession. Reports from witnesses indicated that the clothing was found a short distance from the body and that the individual was found with the upper body exposed. In addition, some objects in the vicinity were described as resembling items commonly associated with drug use. Local observers also noted that the forest area has in the past repeated reports of narcotics-related findings, though authorities have not confirmed these claims in connection with this specific case.
An on-site preliminary examination conducted by the inspecting officer did not reveal obvious signs of violent struggle at the scene. The initial assessment pointed to the need for a formal forensic examination to establish the precise cause of death and to determine whether any other factors played a role. Experts from the forensic team have been scheduled to perform a full autopsy and gather evidence to help clarify the circumstances surrounding the death.
A formal decision will be taken after the completion of the investigative procedures and the forensic results are reviewed by the appropriate authorities. The investigation is being treated as a significant case, with the emphasis on gathering all relevant facts and ensuring a thorough review of the circumstances leading to the death.
In another development related to missing persons cases, reports indicate that the body of a teenager from Kuzbass, aged 15, was located near abandoned structures in the region. Investigators are reviewing the details of that incident to determine any possible connection or shared factors with current cases in the area.
As the events unfold, the head of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has given clear instructions to provide timely updates about the status of missing-child cases and to ensure that all relevant information is communicated to the public in a responsible and conscientious manner. The aim is to support families, inform local communities, and maintain a thorough, transparent investigative process while protecting the integrity of the evidence involved.
Residents are asked to rely on official channels for confirmed information and to report any tips that might assist investigators. Community volunteers continue to play a vital role in locating missing persons, and authorities reiterate their appreciation for the public’s cooperation and patience as the investigations proceed.
This situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by regional law enforcement in coordinating search operations, handling sensitive information, and balancing public safety with the rights of those involved. In the interim, authorities reaffirm their commitment to a careful, methodical approach aimed at uncovering the truth behind these distressing events and providing explanations that can help restore a sense of security within affected communities.