- Authorities reported 19 alcohol-related deaths in Slantsevsky district in September; eight were lab-confirmed methanol poisonings. One patient remains in extremely serious condition.
- Six additional deaths in Volosovsky district were linked to high methyl alcohol levels dated Sept. 10–17; fatalities were also detected in Kingisepp district.
- Prosecutors say eight suspects have been detained; more than 1,000 liters of alcohol were seized. Criminal cases were opened under Part 3, Article 109 (negligent death of two or more persons).
The Big Picture
District authorities in Russia’s Leningrad region reported a surge of suspected methanol poisonings: 19 deaths in Slantsevsky as of Friday, Sept. 26, and six in Volosovsky announced Saturday, Sept. 27, according to Interfax. Combined district tallies indicate at least 25 fatalities across the region this month, with investigators and prosecutors pursuing multiple criminal cases.
What’s New
In Slantsevsky, regional officials said eight of the 19 deaths were laboratory-confirmed methanol poisonings and one patient remains in critical condition. Separately, investigators reported six deaths in Volosovsky where examinations found high methyl alcohol concentrations in bodies dated Sept. 10–17. Authorities also noted fatal cases in the Kingisepp district.
Interfax, citing the regional prosecutor’s office, reported that eight people have been arrested in connection with fatal counterfeit-alcohol poisonings in the Leningrad region. More than 1,000 liters of alcohol were seized as officials work to trace the supply chain and seek pretrial detention for suspects. Criminal cases have been opened under Part 3, Article 109 of Russia’s Criminal Code.
What They’re Saying
Context
Regional authorities attribute the deaths primarily to unauthorized private production and hand-to-hand sales of alcohol. In one Slantsevsky case, investigators said the bodies of a man (born 1982) and a woman (born 1966) were found alongside a plastic bottle containing a clear alcohol-smelling liquid; a man (born 1946) and a woman (born 1964) were identified as suspected sellers and detained.
What’s Next
Prosecutors are continuing inspections, tracing sources of the seized alcohol and seeking custody rulings. Forensic reviews and investigative actions are ongoing as authorities work to disrupt illicit distribution and determine potential links between district cases.
The Bottom Line
With 19 deaths in Slantsevsky and six more in Volosovsky this month—plus additional cases flagged in Kingisepp—Leningrad region officials face a widening public-health and criminal enforcement challenge tied to surrogate alcohol.
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