The criminal case concerning a series of murders and attempted murders in Yekaterinburg between 2001 and 2011, involving members of an ethnic group, has been transferred to the central office of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation. The transfer follows an international scandal surrounding the deaths of two suspects.

The high-profile case, linked to a business struggle, will now be handled by a federal-level team of investigators. The Investigative Committee reports that the case involves murders committed in 2001, 2010, and 2011.

Six Russian citizens have been detained as part of the investigation. Mazahir, Akif, and Ayaz Safarov have been arrested, while the detention of Akhliman Ganjiev, Shahin Lalaev, and Bakir Safarov has been extended.

The Investigative Committee confirmed the deaths of two detainees, identified in the media as the main suspects. One reportedly died of heart failure, and the cause of death for the second is still under investigation. The investigation claims to possess confessions and on-site inspection data implicating them in the crimes.

Authorities have conducted a total of 14 searches and 11 inspections of vehicles and non-residential premises related to the criminal case.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has lodged a “strong protest” following the news of the deaths of the two Azerbaijani natives. Reports also indicate that several other individuals sustained serious injuries during searches.

In response, Azerbaijan canceled all cultural events with Russia, and its parliamentary delegation canceled a planned visit to Moscow. Additionally, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan reportedly conducted an “operation” at the Sputnik editorial office in Azerbaijan, with police taking control of the office.

Russian President’s Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow is interested in maintaining positive relations with Baku and expressed regret over Azerbaijan’s decisions following the detentions in Yekaterinburg. Peskov stated that the situation is related to law enforcement activities and “cannot and should not be a reason for such a reaction.”