Members of the Severskie gang, a criminal group that had gone into hiding for two decades, were finally located in the Moscow region. The disclosure came from the Russian news agency RIA News, which cited information coming from employees of the Main Directorate of the Investigative Committee of the Moscow Region. The case tallies with a long-standing pursuit by law enforcement agencies and underscores a dramatic end to a chapter that stretched over many years. Within the investigation, authorities detailed how this persistent criminal network endured in the shadows for more than 20 years, during which time it is believed they orchestrated a string of violent crimes that shook several communities and left a lasting mark on the region’s safety landscape. The emergence of these facts marks a significant moment for regional authorities, as it reframes a complex period of criminal activity into a clear sequence of events that are now being carefully documented and processed through the justice system.
According to the agency, the group comprised roughly 18 individuals who operated across multiple cities and provinces. The gang reportedly carried out a spree of brutal acts, including massacres that affected dozens of innocent people across the Moscow, Kostroma, Vladimir, and Yaroslavl regions. The operational footprint extended beyond a single city, illustrating a coordinated network that relied on secrecy, disciplined organization, and the ability to evade detection for many years. Local residents, witnesses, and investigators alike describe a terror that disrupted daily life and sowed fear among communities that faced the threat of these criminals during a long period of nefarious activity. This evidence framework helps explain why this case drew such extensive attention from law enforcement and regional media outlets, who followed every development with heightened interest.
Seven of the bandits have now been arrested, with authorities outlining that some members of the criminal group are choosing not to testify on principle. The decision of these individuals to refuse cooperation is presented as a strategic move that could complicate the proceedings, potentially affecting how the case unfolds in court. Law enforcement officials emphasize that the investigation continues to pursue all leads and to secure the cooperation of others who may provide essential information. The arrested individuals are facing a range of criminal charges tied to their alleged roles in the gang and the violent acts attributed to the organization, and prosecutors are preparing to present the full scope of evidence gathered over the years to ensure a thorough judicial process.
The investigative brief also revealed the gang’s substantial arsenal, noting that the criminals possessed approximately 46 pistols and machine guns, around 6,000 rounds of ammunition, five RPG-18 anti-tank grenades, and fragmentation grenades. The presence of these weapons, along with explosives and other explosive devices, highlights the scale of risk that the group posed and the seriousness of the charges being pursued. The seizure of this large stockpile underscores the connectivity between weapon procurement, maintenance, and the violent activities attributed to the gang. Authorities stress that the recovery of these items is a critical piece of the case, as it provides tangible links between the alleged operations and the dangers faced by civilians and law enforcement personnel in the affected regions.
In a related development that adds context to the broader effort against organized crime, police previously detained a Russian woman who had committed a crime and managed to hide for 26 years. This related note illustrates the broader challenge facing investigators as they work to close long-standing cases and bring individuals who evaded accountability into the legal process. The persistence displayed by investigators, combined with the resilience of the communities affected, reflects a concerted push to reconcile years of unresolved cases and to restore a sense of security for residents across the Moscow region and neighboring areas. The overall narrative demonstrates how a combination of clinical investigative work, careful collection of evidence, and the unwavering pursuit of justice can eventually bring hidden crimes into the light and set the stage for ongoing legal resolution. (Source: RIA News)”