A criminal case has been initiated following the discovery of a pistol and an assault rifle in a forest within the Priozersky district of the Leningrad region. The Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region announced the opening of the case on June 3, confirming the weapons were functional firearms.

The discovery occurred after a local resident of the Priozersky district reported the find to the police on June 1. While walking near the “Krutaya Gora” gardening association near Sosnovo, the resident heard gunshots and, upon investigation, encountered a 71-year-old St. Petersburg resident near a car.

An assault rifle, a pistol, and a target were found a few meters from the vehicle in the nearby forest. The 71-year-old man disclaimed ownership of the weapons and subsequently left the area.

Upon arrival, police officers seized a Kalashnikov assault rifle equipped with an optical sight, a P-96 pistol, a target, and 27 rounds of ammunition of varying calibers.

A subsequent examination determined that both the pistol and the assault rifle were capable of firing. Further analysis revealed they were converted from decommissioned blank-firing weapons, and the cartridges were also deemed usable.

The criminal case is being pursued under the article addressing the illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, or carrying of weapons and ammunition. Authorities are currently determining which individuals will be considered suspects in the case.

Reportedly, the individual encountered at the scene by the reporting resident has been identified as a former Olympic cyclist, who faced prosecution in 1985 for anabolic steroid trafficking and later transitioned into business. He is known to possess legally registered traumatic weapons. Following a visit by the investigative team to the site, the individual was reportedly detained.