The Primorsky District Court of St. Petersburg has permitted investigators to resume a 25-year-old case involving Mikhail Smirnov, who remains in pre-trial detention. The investigation concerns the disappearance of a “Mercedes” that was evidence in a bribery case from 1999.

The case revolves around a “Mercedes” belonging to the head of Pulkovo Customs. Smirnov had allegedly uncovered a bribery scheme involving the customs official, leading to the car being designated as material evidence. The customs officer was convicted, but his wife’s attempts to reclaim the vehicle were unsuccessful, as it had been re-registered and resold.

The investigation against Smirnov for the car’s disappearance was initiated in 2000, but it was closed in 2010 by the Prosecutor General’s Office due to insufficient evidence. Now, 15 years later, the case has been reopened with Smirnov as the central figure.

The court has approved the cancellation of the prior decision that dismissed Smirnov’s involvement, as he has reportedly confessed to the crime.

The situation is further complicated by the death of journalist Maxim Maksimov, who covered the original events. Maksimov, who had a detailed file on Smirnov, reportedly expressed animosity towards him shortly before his death in late 2024.

While in pre-trial detention, Smirnov, a 61-year-old retired Ministry of Internal Affairs officer, attempted to join the military. He signed a contract with the Ministry of Defense and was slated for an officer position in an assault unit within the special military operation zone.

However, the Main Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee for St. Petersburg denied his request following concerns about potential connections to Ukrainian special services and armed formations. Smirnov subsequently challenged this decision in court.