Murder at Russian university uncovers vast illegal alcohol trafficking ring

A murder investigation at North-Eastern Federal University has exposed a major bootlegging operation in Yakutia. Pyotr Mokhchogorov, a 19-year-old law student, died after an attack in his dormitory on November 1, 2025. Authorities now link his death to a wider criminal network selling illegal alcohol across the region.

The case has led to charges against a 17-year-old from Vilyuysky District for causing grievous bodily harm. Meanwhile, investigators uncovered a large-scale trafficking ring storing and distributing contraband alcohol from a rented warehouse in the Marha microdistrict.

Pyotr Mokhchogorov was assaulted in his dorm room on November 1, 2025, and succumbed to his injuries nine days later. Following his death, an inspection at the university revealed serious security failures. Surveillance systems were poorly maintained, and internal rules on alcohol use had been repeatedly ignored.

As the murder case progressed, investigators traced connections to an organised bootlegging network. The group operated around the clock, selling alcohol at inflated prices through a courier service. Customers placed orders via a phone number and a messaging app group. On November 15, authorities raided a warehouse in the Marha microdistrict. They seized over 1,830 units of illegal alcohol, valued at more than 869,000 rubles. The operation was run by an organised group, prompting a criminal case under Part 2(a) of Article 171.3 of Russia’s Criminal Code. The investigation is now overseen by the republic’s prosecutor’s office. The Investigative Committee under the Russian Interior Ministry’s Main Directorate for Sakha (Yakutia) is leading the probe into both the murder and the bootlegging ring.

The case has resulted in charges against one suspect for the attack on Mokhchogorov. Over 1,800 units of illegal alcohol have been confiscated, with the operation’s estimated value exceeding 869,000 rubles. Authorities continue to examine security failures at the university and the full extent of the trafficking network.