A cell in Penitentiary No. 17 in Rezina was searched by law enforcement, after a life-sentenced prisoner allegedly organized, from behind bars, a case of blackmail and threats to set property on fire. As a result of his actions, the convict is set to be charged with illegal introduction of prohibited items into the penitentiary, organizing blackmail on behalf of a criminal group, and involvement in the creation of the group, reports IPN.

According to the General Police Inspectorate, the search took place as part of an investigation related to the activities of the criminal organization “Kitaet”. Police officers and prosecutors seized several mobile phones from the convict’s cell, which are presumed to have been used to contact an entrepreneur from Edinet, from whom a “protection fee” of 50 000 euros was demanded.

The man, aged 60, was allegedly threatened that his possessions would be destroyed otherwise. Shortly after the victim’s refusal, individuals outside the prison, presumed accomplices of the inmate, allegedly threw “Molotov” cocktails into the yard of his house. A gasoline canister was found near the scene of the crime, law enforcement officials specify.

As a result of the investigations, two individuals have been detained, accused of blackmail and property damage, in the interest of a criminal gang. The police inform that the investigation continues, in order to identify the individuals involved and possible other victims of the gang.