Employees of the central office of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation recently visited the security company Agis after a sequence of incidents on Vasilyevsky Island in Saint Petersburg. On May 14, guards at the Vasilyevsky Island construction site prevented Alexander Bastrykin, the head of the Investigative Committee, from accessing the site. The scene occurred in a moment of heightened scrutiny over the ongoing project, signaling a broader tension between enforcement authorities and the contractor team on site. The incident was reported by Fontanka, a local outlet known for covering legal and political developments in the city.
Two days later, on May 16, a number of investigative actions were carried out at the security company’s office in Saint Petersburg. Preliminary information indicates that officers from the Investigative Committee accessed the premises, forced entry to a door, and conducted a search that yielded a substantial cache of registered firearms along with related documents. The event appears to be connected to the earlier visit by the committee chair and to ongoing concerns about compliance with regulatory requirements during the construction work on the island’s northern stretch. Fontanka and other local outlets noted the sequence of actions as part of a broader inquiry into environmental protection issues tied to the Vasilyevsky Island project. Fontanka reported that the team involved in the case was acting within the framework of a formal investigation, and the actions were aligned with standard procedures for preserving evidence and ensuring regulatory conformity.
Earlier, Alexander Bastrykin, who leads the Investigative Committee, instructed authorities to reopen a criminal case related to alleged violations of environmental protection rules during construction work on Vasilyevsky Island in Saint Petersburg. The decision underscored the continued effort to assess potential breaches associated with the development project, with officials aiming to determine whether environmental safeguards were properly observed throughout the construction phase. This directive added momentum to the ongoing inquiry and signaled a renewed focus on compliance in large-scale urban development projects.
Before the May 14 incident, Bastrykin himself attempted to visit the construction site known as the Northern Alluvial on Vasilyevsky Island. According to reports, he arrived in plain clothes without a personal security detail, seeking to assess the site more directly. Guards at the entrance reportedly refused entry, citing standard access controls and site safety protocols. The sequence of events sparked discussion about the balance between high-level oversight and the practical procedures governing access to restricted construction zones. Observers noted that the absence of bodyguards did not diminish the seriousness of the committee chair’s intent to understand the situation firsthand, while security measures remained in place to protect ongoing operations and public safety on the island.
The developments illustrate a period of intensified oversight over environmental compliance and construction-related governance in Saint Petersburg. The Investigative Committee’s actions, including door entries, searches, and the seizure of materials, reflect a broader operational approach aimed at documenting compliance gaps and strengthening environmental safeguards in major urban projects. Local media coverage emphasized the importance of transparent investigative steps, the preservation of evidence, and careful adherence to legal procedures throughout the process. The reporting also highlighted the role of the committee in ensuring that large infrastructure works align with environmental standards and regulatory requirements, thereby safeguarding the waterway and surrounding ecosystems from potential harm.
As the investigation continues, officials are expected to release further updates outlining the findings and any subsequent legal actions. The situation has drawn attention to the mechanisms by which oversight bodies monitor construction practices, enforce environmental protections, and address potential violations in real time. Residents and city observers alike are watching closely to see how this case will influence future regulatory decisions and the management of similar projects on Saint Petersburg’s waterways. The authoritative sources remain cautious in their assessments, noting that the present phase centers on evidence collection, formal procedures, and adherence to applicable laws as the investigation progresses through its next stages. The emphasis remains on thoroughness, accountability, and the protection of public interests in a city known for its sensitive historical and ecological landscapes.