Russian authorities have launched a second criminal investigation into the mass poisoning incident aboard the “Mikhail Bulgakov” cruise ship. This new case focuses on the alleged provision of services that failed to meet safety standards.

The Western Interregional Investigative Department for Transport of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation announced the initiation of the criminal case, citing Part 1 of Article 238 of the Criminal Code, which addresses the provision of unsafe services. A conviction under this article could result in a prison sentence of up to two years.

The investigation follows reports that 79 passengers, including 6 children, exhibited symptoms consistent with rotavirus infection during the cruise, which took place from May 19th to 29th.

Authorities conducted an inspection of the vessel, collecting samples of food and water, along with swabs from kitchenware, as part of their inquiry.

News of the widespread illness on the “Mikhail Bulgakov,” which was sailing a route including Moscow, Uglich, Valaam, St. Petersburg, Kizhi, and Goritsy, first emerged on May 28th. Medical personnel examined the affected passengers during a stop in Uglich.

A prior criminal case had already been opened under Part 1 of Article 236, concerning violations of sanitary and epidemiological regulations that led to mass illness or poisoning. The potential penalty for this offense is also up to two years of imprisonment.