A Vladivostok resident carried out a violent crime against a taxi driver, stealing the vehicle and robbing the occupant, according to a report from Primorye police. The incident underscores the danger cab drivers can face when working late or in busy districts of the city. Authorities say the driver, a 64-year-old man, was robbed after bringing a passenger to Vladivostok’s 100th Anniversary Boulevard, and during the encounter the assailant took the driver’s phone and fled. The driver attempted to pursue the attacker but could not catch up, and upon returning to the scene he discovered his Toyota Prius was missing. The case illustrates how quickly a routine fare can escalate into a serious robbery, even for experienced drivers working one of the city’s busiest corridors. [Source: Primorye Police]
The stolen car was located by officers near Ilyichev Street, where the investigation uncovered that 18,000 rubles were also taken from the vehicle. Police say the suspect’s identity and location were established rapidly, allowing for a prompt detention. A 29-year-old man was brought to custody, and he admitted to committing both robbery and car theft, in addition to stealing the money from the victim. The suspect’s confession helped authorities establish a clear sequence of events and confirm the financial loss suffered by the driver. [Source: Primorye Police]
As a precaution, the man was detained to ensure the investigation could proceed without interference. The case has drawn attention to the risks taxi workers face and the importance of quick police response in urban centers where such crimes can occur with little warning. The press releases note that the individual in custody is not a first-time offender; earlier records reveal a separate, significant prior conviction for attacking a taxi driver in the Irkutsk region, for which the person served a lengthy prison sentence. This history prompted authorities to review the current charges with heightened vigilance, given patterns that sometimes emerge in similar offenses. [Source: Primorye Police]