In St. Petersburg, law enforcement detained a 28-year-old foreign national suspected of pickpocketing in a busy city area. The report comes from kp.ru, which cites the regional press service of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
The incident affected at least two Russian residents who reported losses tied to the attacker’s method. The suspect operated in crowded streets, targeting people who carried expensive smartphones, exploiting the distraction of passersby in a central part of the city.
The first victim, a 48-year-old Kupchino resident, reported a missing smartphone on January 28. The second case involved a 26-year-old woman who also found her phone had disappeared from a jacket pocket. Official figures show that criminal cases for theft have been opened at both departments, with the total damage amounting to 126,000 rubles.
Authorities confirmed that the foreign suspect was located in Russia illegally when detained on suspicion of theft. Further investigation revealed involvement in additional illegal activities beyond the reported thefts.
Earlier information indicated there was awareness of a foreigner in Primorye who was expected to appear in court, with a separate case concerning the kidnapping of a citizen under review. The new developments in St. Petersburg add to ongoing concerns about theft in crowded urban areas and the presence of foreign nationals with legal irregularities who are implicated in criminal activity.
Experts note that urban centers often attract pickpockets who rely on crowded conditions, quick movements, and the distraction of bystanders. Citizens are advised to keep valuables secure, use anti-theft protective measures on devices, and stay vigilant in densely populated districts where pedestrians frequently pass through. Local authorities emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious behavior promptly and providing clear descriptions and any available surveillance footage to aid investigations. Source: kp.ru