In Novokuznetsk, police detained a man suspected of robbing his own relatives to obtain a gold chain valued at 400 thousand rubles, according to officials from the Kemerovo region’s interior ministry. Investigators describe the incident as a brazen act that unfolded in a quiet residential neighborhood, shattering the sense of security that many families rely on after nightfall. The suspect, a local resident, was taken into custody after law enforcement traced the sequence of events from a reported burglary to the point of probable involvement. The arrest is seen as a significant development for regional police as they strengthen routine patrols and crime-prevention measures in the city of Novokuznetsk, a place historically marked by a mix of industrial heritage and modern-day challenges. Authorities indicate that the investigation will determine whether anyone else assisted in planning or carrying out the theft and whether the money or other valuables were moved to conceal ownership. The case shows how family relationships can become a difficult frame for criminal acts and how quickly a personal dispute can escalate into a serious offense.
On Klyuchevaya Street, a private house on a quiet block became the scene of a nighttime intrusion that left the resident shaken. A 32-year-old woman reported that an unidentified person wearing a ski mask entered through a door secured with a hook, shoved her to the floor, and began rummaging through cupboards and drawers in the living area. The intruder appeared calm as he moved through the rooms, his movements deliberate as he moved toward the bedroom where the family kept valuables. When he spotted a large gold chain described by the victim as substantial in weight and value far more than ordinary jewelry, the thief snatched the piece and vanished into the darkness. The woman, fearing for her safety, used her phone to call the police, but the assailant had already disappeared by the time officers arrived. The scene was secured, footprints and other trace evidence were collected, and the woman’s account, though incomplete due to the mask, was enough to trigger a formal investigation. For investigators, the priority is to establish a timeline, identify possible witnesses, and determine whether the theft was planned or opportunistic.
Despite the victim’s inability to provide a precise description of the robber, law enforcement quickly identified the prime suspect as a 24-year-old taxi driver who happened to be the cousin of the victim’s wife. The man reportedly admitted his guilt, explaining that he had planned the crime in advance and that the theft was motivated by the hope of obtaining cash or valuables to resolve personal financial pressures. A criminal case was opened, and prosecutors ordered a formal inquiry that would include collecting physical evidence from the scene, analyzing surveillance footage from nearby areas, and interviewing neighbors who might have seen suspicious activity in the hours surrounding the break-in. The authorities emphasize that the motive appears to be theft connected to family relationships, but they are careful to pursue all available leads to prevent misidentification and to ensure that the case is handled with due process.
Authorities noted that the defendant had previously spent time in St. Petersburg, where an older incident involved an attack on a judge who had ruled in his favor. Investigators in the Kemerovo region say they are reviewing any prior records, including court decisions and potential connections to other criminal episodes, to form a complete picture of the defendant’s history. The case is being handled by specialized regional investigators who are collaborating with forensic teams to analyze DNA evidence, fingerprints, and any recovered items for links to other offenses. At this stage, officials stress that no conclusions have been drawn about broader criminal networks, and every reasonable hypothesis is weighed as the evidence is collected. The public is reminded that the investigation is ongoing and that updates will be provided as new facts come to light.
With the investigation still in its early stage, authorities are careful to protect the privacy of those involved while seeking to gather additional details that could confirm ownership of the stolen chain and clarify the sequence of events. So far, no additional arrests have been announced, and police continue to scan local CCTV systems and speak with neighbors to piece together the night when the break-in occurred. The detained suspect remains in custody while the case proceeds through pretrial proceedings, and prosecutors prepare the necessary documents to present in court. The case serves as a reminder that even in peaceful neighborhoods, sudden crimes can unfold, and police agencies maintain close watch over communities to deter such offenses and safeguard residents.