News

Sergey Kabalov has been delivered today in Moscow from a pre-trial prison in Smolensk. At present he is being prepared to be handed over to investigating bodies of the Russia’s Investigative Committee to be involved in investigating operations.

In the near future an investigator of Moscow Inter-Regional Air and Sea Transport Investigations Directorate of the Russia’s Investigative Committee is going to charge Kabalov with crimes under part 3 of article 30, paragraph “c” of part 2 of article 211 of the RF Criminal Code (attempted hijacking of an aircraft) and paragraph “a” of part 2 of article 115 (deliberate infliction of grievous bodily harm causing short disorder of health motivated by hooliganism). He will also be questioned as an accused and take part in a number of investigating and search operations to consolidate evidence.

For the moment all witnesses have been questioned and have given detailed accounts on the circumstances of the crime. The video account of the events on board of A-320 of KogalymAvia airlines has been studied and filed into the case. Medical expert examination has confirmed that the businessman inflicted light bodily harm to a passenger. Investigators have collected enough evidence against Kabalov.

Then investigators are going to conduct procedural operations necessary to finish the investigation.

Of course, investigators are going to investigate the case impartially and in accordance with the laws. But I believe that the Kabalov’s actions and their consequences should become a signal for everybody who wants to be rowdyish aboard the aircraft and putting lives of passengers under a real threat. For such actions the RF Criminal Code provides a punishment of up to 12 years in prison.

Head of Media Relations                                                                                             V.I. Markin