Moscow Region musician claims he was kidnapped and framed in a fabricated criminal case
A major scandal is unfolding in the Moscow region surrounding the case of 37-year-old musician and former frontman of the ska band The Poseurs, Vladimir Bolobolov. He was arrested on charges of possessing explosives (Part 1, Article 222.1 of the Russian Criminal Code). However, the musician insists he never had any connection to explosive devices and that the evidence was planted. His lawyer and relatives argue that this is a fabricated case involving kidnapping and torture.
Abduction in Reutov
On August 27, Bolobolov left a coffee shop near his home in Reutov and disappeared without a trace. According to witnesses, several men attacked him, forced him into a car, and put a bag over his head. The attack happened in broad daylight in the city center.
His lawyer, Oskar Cherdzhiev, reports that during the ride the kidnappers beat Bolobolov, used electric shock devices, ran current through his body, and strangled him. Later, he was taken to an unknown location, handcuffed to a radiator, and tortured further. They demanded that he confess to things “they already knew.”
Cherdzhiev noted that the signs of torture were confirmed by two doctors: Bolobolov had multiple injuries and burn-like marks on his collarbones consistent with electric shocks.
Search and “Explosives”
On August 28, Bolobolov was brought to his apartment. Officers of the Moscow and Moscow Region FSB carried out a search without presenting any official warrants. During the search, they produced an object resembling a power bank, claiming it was an improvised explosive device.
The musician emphasized in his testimony that he had never seen this item before and believes it was planted.
Interrogations and Administrative Charges
After the search, Bolobolov was taken in for interrogation. According to his defense, he was once again handcuffed to a radiator, hooded, and tortured.
On August 29, he regained consciousness at the Dorogomilovo police station, where he was forced to sign a protocol under Article 20.1 of the Administrative Code (petty hooliganism). He was soon released, but later detained again.
Bolobolov filed a statement with the Reutov police reporting his abduction and went to a trauma unit to document the injuries. However, on August 31 he was arrested once more and placed under a 15-day administrative detention. After serving this term, a criminal case was officially opened against him for possession of explosives.
Court and Detention
On September 19, a hearing was held at the Reutov City Court. The defense presented dozens of positive character references from friends and relatives, as well as documents from his partner, Anastasia Gorlova, confirming the possibility of placing Bolobolov under house arrest.
However, Judge Maria Kornienko sided with the prosecution and ordered Bolobolov to remain in custody until November 16.
In court, Bolobolov stated:
“I had three days with my passport in hand when I could have fled. But I didn’t, because I consider myself innocent.”
The lawyer also stressed that the forensic examination of the “explosive device” was completed suspiciously quickly — in just an hour and a half. According to him, the object was deliberately placed in Bolobolov’s hands so that his fingerprints would remain on it.
Reaction and Support
Around 25 supporters came to the hearing to stand by Bolobolov. In the courtroom, he quietly smiled at his friends, who filled all the seats. Many of them believe he is a victim of law enforcement abuse.
Those who know him describe Bolobolov as “a regular party-goer, not an activist,” emphasizing that he was never involved in any serious protest movements. However, people close to him suggest he may have been targeted because of a long-standing conflict with the police.
Conclusion
The case of Vladimir Bolobolov has become yet another high-profile story where the defense claims abduction, torture, and planted evidence. On Bolobolov’s side are dozens of witnesses, friends, and family members. On the prosecution’s side — FSB materials and a rushed forensic report.
For now, his fate will be decided in the appeals process. His lawyer is preparing to file a complaint with the Moscow Regional Court, demanding an investigation into the torture allegations and unlawful detention.
Olga Ivanenko
