In connection with the ongoing discussion in the media about the disappearance of the minor Vlad Bakhov in Smolensk Region, the Chairman of the Investigative Committee of Russia instructed the Main Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of Russia to report on the progress of the criminal investigation into this fact.

In April 2019, the teenager together with his acquaintances was at a birthday party in a forested area near the town of Demidov in Smolensk Region. Then he left the place of rest in an unknown direction, for a long time his whereabouts have not been established. In the course of search activities conducted by members of the Investigative Committee, police, Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations and volunteers in 2020, the body of the missing man was found. During the investigation, the version about the criminal nature of Vlad Bakhov's death was not confirmed.

The progress of the criminal investigation is under the control of the Chairman of the Investigative Committee of Russia.