The Nizhny Novgorod Investigative Committee has charged thief-in-law Lekha Moskovsky.

      08 October 2025 13:22 Incidents

      The Investigative Committee of Nizhny Novgorod has charged a Moscow resident under Article 210.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation — "occupying a superior position in a criminal hierarchy."

      According to investigators, since 1997 the man, known in criminal circles by the nickname "Lekha Moskovsky," held a leadership role in the criminal milieu. In that capacity he coordinated the activities of organized criminal groups, brokered connections among their members, and took part in thieves' meetings where issues of redistributing spheres of influence and dividing proceeds from illicit activities were decided.

      Investigators established that from 2024 to 2025 the accused and persons under his control organized underground gambling in premises on Rozhdestvenskaya and Oktyabrskoy Revolyutsii streets in Nizhny Novgorod. Gaming equipment was used for this, and the activity itself was conducted in violation of federal law.

      In May of this year, as a result of a joint operation by officers of the Investigative Committee of Russia, the FSB, the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and SOBR Rosgvardiya fighters, the illegal gambling establishments were shut down. As part of the investigation, fifteen people, including a Moscow resident, were detained.

      All suspects have been charged under Article 171.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (illegal organization and conduct of gambling). Seven of them have been remanded in custody, two placed under house arrest, and the others are under a written undertaking not to leave.

      Investigators continue to establish the circumstances of the crimes, collect evidence, and identify accomplices.

      It was previously reported that a court confiscated equipment from the organizers of the illegal gambling in Nizhny Novgorod. Six women were earlier found guilty of illegally organizing and conducting gambling.

      NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay informed of the main events, exclusive materials, and breaking updates.

      Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". A hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is required when reprinting. This resource may contain adult (18+) material.