Russia detains two over alleged gasoline resale scheme

Two residents of Russia's Rostov region have been detained in Krasnodar after allegedly transporting 1,000 litres of AI-95 gasoline in a rented vehicle without licence plates for resale at inflated prices, regional police have stated.

According to the Interior Ministry's regional department, the 21- and 22-year-old suspects had planned to sell the fuel to a wholesale buyer in Krasnodar after arranging the deal through a messaging app, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Investigators said the pair purchased the gasoline at a filling station in Rostov-on-Don before driving it to Krasnodar.

Police seized both the fuel and the vehicle.

A criminal case has been opened under Part 2 of Article 238 of Russia's Criminal Code, which covers the sale of goods that do not meet safety requirements. If convicted, the suspects face up to six years in prison.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov