News

Accused of child trafficking to face trial

The Main Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation finalized the investigation of the criminal case against Mr. Vladislav Melnikov, Mr. Taras Ashitkov, Ms. Yuliana Ivanova and Ms. Liliya Panaioti, accused of committing crimes prescribed in paragraphs 3 Article 127.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (trafficking in persons committed by an organized group) and Part 3, Article 30, paragraphs "a, c" Part 3, Article 127.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (attempted trafficking in persons committed by an organized group and negligently resulting in the death of the victim), as well as Ms. Tatyana Blinova and Ms. Liliya Valeeva, accused of committing a crime in accordance with paragraph "c" Part 3, Article 127.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (human trafficking committed by an organized group).

The investigation identified that the members of the organized group carried out systematic activities of trafficking in children born by surrogate mothers, and also, using the helpless state of juveniles, moved them across the state border of the Russian Federation for being transfered to buyers.

The investigation has collected a sufficient evidence base, so the criminal case with the approved indictment will soon be submitted to court for consideration on the merits.

Other members of the organized crime group, Mr. Emashev, Ms. Chernyshova and Mr. Anisimov, were previously convicted with various terms of imprisonment.