A family of farmers in the Klin district of the Moscow region has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping and holding a former employee captive after accusing him of stealing livestock. The incident occurred on June 22 in the village of Korenki.

The Investigative Committee of the Moscow Region reports that the couple, along with their son, encountered the 47-year-old man on the roadside. Believing he owed them money for stolen livestock, they allegedly assaulted him and forcibly dragged him into their car.

The victim recounted the incident, stating that a white Ford with Moldovan license plates stopped near him as he walked along a bridge. He claims the individuals exited the vehicle, began beating him, and subsequently tied his hands before forcing him into the car. He was then taken to a farm in Yakimanka.

Upon arrival at the farm, the family allegedly demanded the return of their money, convinced that the man had stolen and sold their livestock. The Investigative Committee stated that the accused dragged the victim into a back room, where they continued to beat him and chained him up. The attackers allegedly subjected him to regular beatings while keeping him chained to suppress his will and ability to resist.

The man was held captive in the back room for four days before managing to escape. He sought medical attention at a nearby hospital and subsequently reported the incident to the police.

Criminal cases have been opened against the couple and their son under several articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. These include kidnapping committed by a group of persons with the use of violence for mercenary motives, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 12 years of imprisonment, and illegal imprisonment committed by a group of persons with the use of violence, which carries a maximum penalty of up to fifteen years of imprisonment. The family of farmers has been remanded in custody pending trial.