The Investigative Committee opened a criminal case after five people died from bootleg alcohol in Balakhna.

      31 August 2025, 14:15

      [302]

      Incidents

      A criminal case has been opened in the Nizhny Novgorod Region over a mass poisoning by surrogate alcohol that resulted in five deaths, the regional office of the Investigative Committee of Russia reported.

      The tragedy occurred in the town of Balakhna. According to the investigation, on the night of August 30–31 three men and one woman showing signs of poisoning were taken to the local hospital. Despite doctors' efforts, they all died.

      Another man died in his apartment on Chapaev Street. All cases, according to preliminary data, are linked to the consumption of low-quality alcohol that did not meet safety requirements.

      A criminal case has been opened under Part 3 of Article 238 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation — sale of products that do not meet safety requirements, which, through negligence, caused the death of two or more persons.

      As part of the investigation, forensic medical examinations have been ordered, witnesses are being questioned, and the origin and composition of the alcohol, as well as possible distribution channels, are being established.

      The Nizhny Novgorod regional prosecutor's office has also taken control of establishing the circumstances of the residents' deaths in Balakhna resulting from alcohol poisoning.

      Earlier it was reported that a ban on the operation of "razlivayki" had been proposed in the Nizhny Novgorod Region.

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