Areg Shchepikhin, a blogger and businessman, has been located after being abducted at the Yaroslavsky railway station in Moscow. He was allegedly forced into a black Mercedes with flashing lights and taken to an unknown location.

Shchepikhin has visible injuries, including hematomas and a bandaged arm, and reports being interrogated and physically assaulted. He stated that the abductors were interested in the addresses of his wife and parents, and that he had been subjected to online harassment for approximately a year prior to the incident. He believes his criticism of Chechens and Muslims on social media, as well as photos with prominent individuals on his account, prompted the abduction.

Authorities are investigating Shchepikhin for allegedly insulting religious sentiments and other potential charges. The Minister of the Chechen Republic for National Policy and External Relations stated that law enforcement is conducting a comprehensive investigation into Shchepikhin’s actions, citing articles related to rehabilitation of Nazism, extremist activity, incitement of hatred, rape, and espionage.

Six individuals suspected of involvement in Shchepikhin’s abduction have been detained and taken to the Moscow-Yaroslavskoye station for investigation. The Ministry of Internal Affairs is also reviewing Shchepikhin’s videos and will forward relevant materials to investigating authorities.