Moscow region investigates petrol station arson after threats to schoolgirl

Moscow region prosecutors reported the detention of a 14-year-old schoolgirl following a petrol station arson incident. Investigators allege that scammers coerced her by threatening her parents.

According to prosecutors, the contact began in July through a messenger service. Someone posing as a girl obtained information about a nearby railway station. People claiming to be FSB officers then contacted the teenager and said she was suspected of sabotage.

Investigators say the schoolgirl handed over 100,000 roubles through a courier after the threats. In September, she was told she had to burn a police vehicle and a petrol station to bring the purported case against her to an end.

Prosecutors allege that she bought flammable liquid and travelled to the station by taxi before setting its equipment alight. Lenta.ru published surveillance footage.

The schoolgirl faces an investigation under Article 167 of Russia’s Criminal Code, covering deliberate destruction or damage to property. The terrorism case under Article 205 concerns unidentified people who allegedly induced the minor to commit the arson. These circumstances are the investigators’ account.