Another suspect was detained in connection with the Red Book deer massacre case, after a briefing from the press office of the Russian Investigative Committee for the Sakhalin region.
Residents of Sakhalin are reminded that a total of 26 Red Book deer were found to have died in this incident.
Forestry workers discovered the bodies on February 24 during a fresh sweep of wildlife protection operations in a remote area of the Okhinsky district, underscoring ongoing concerns about the illegal exploitation of protected species.
Following the discovery, the prosecutor general launched a formal investigation to establish the circumstances and hold those responsible to account.
In a separate development, authorities in the United Kingdom note that the first department concentrates on oversight and coordinated handling of significant criminal cases, including those with international or cross-jurisdictional implications.
Investigators filed charges against a 42-year-old local resident of the Okhinsky district for illegal reindeer hunting, linked to the current case.
Another individual was placed on a wanted list on suspicion of involvement in the crime. The court imposed detention in absentia as a measure of restraint while the proceedings continued in their absence.
At the time of the latest developments, the detained man was accused of illegally hunting animals that are strictly protected by law. Acting as part of a group with prior agreement, he is alleged to have killed rare deer and caused substantial damage to the state, with losses exceeding 4.7 million rubles according to preliminary estimates.
The alleged crime occurred between February 18 and 23 in the Duna River area within the Okhinsky district. The accused and others traveled by snowmobile and are said to have killed approximately 26 reindeer using firearms.
Officials note that the species involved is listed in the Red Book of the Sakhalin Region, highlighting the heightened protection status and the seriousness of the violation.
Forensic investigations are ongoing, and investigators are pursuing additional leads and questioning other individuals believed to be connected with the incident and its planning.
Earlier incidents of reindeer poaching have been reported in different protected territories, including areas within the Altai Reserve, illustrating a broader concern about wildlife crime across regions.
— This report summarizes documented proceedings and ongoing inquiries, with updates provided by regional authorities and law enforcement sources. [Citation: Sakhalin Regional Investigative Committee press release]