MOSCOW, Feb 25 : Russian authorities have detained the alleged organizer of an illegal tourist trip after eight people were killed when a vehicle carrying Chinese tourists broke through the ice on Lake Baikal, investigators said on Wednesday.
On February 20, a UAZ vehicle drove onto the ice near Cape Khoboy and broke through. The vehicle was carrying the driver, a local resident, and a group of eight Chinese tourists. One tourist survived. A criminal case has been opened for providing services not meeting safety requirements and for negligence.
“During the investigation of the incident, a 36-year-old resident of the Khuzhir settlement in the Olkhonsky district was identified, who effectively acted as the organizer and coordinator of illegal tourist transportation, receiving the main income from this and distributing it among the executors,” the statement said.
His role is confirmed by evidence including phone calls, correspondence, and financial transactions, which “indicates his sustained involvement in the illegal tourism business and the receipt of significant income from this activity, inconsistent with his status as an unemployed person.”
The Investigative Committee added that the man has now been charged with a crime under Part 3 of Article 238 of the Russian Criminal Code (provision of services not meeting safety requirements, negligently resulting in the death of two or more persons). The investigation is petitioning for the suspect to be held in custody pending trial.
(UNI)
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