A man was kidnapped at Yaroslavsky railway station in Moscow by several men who forced him into the trunk of a car and drove away. The incident, captured on video and circulated on social media, has sparked widespread attention.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the man being shoved into the trunk of a black Mercedes, distinguishable by a “blue bucket” on the roof. The man, while being carried through the station, was heard pleading for help and stating that the individuals were not police officers.

Social media users have drawn comparisons between the kidnapped man and businessman Areg Schepikhyin. Videos have also surfaced showing Schepikhyin allegedly making offensive remarks towards a Chechen individual, including insults directed at their family, religion, and nationality. The specific nature of the conflict remains unclear.

Schepikhyin’s social media profile identifies him as a member of the “Federal Corporation for the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses,” and also mentions involvement with startup schools and blogger communities. He has also posted photographs with various officials and public figures.

Attempts to contact Areg Schepikhyin for comment have been unsuccessful. The capital’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has also not yet issued a statement regarding the incident, despite police officers seemingly being present at the scene.