Russia

Disgraced City Councilor Flees to Russia, Joins Russian Army Before Trial on Child Pornography Charges

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Holyoke, Massachusetts – Wilmer Puello-Mota, a former city councilor, has reportedly evaded his trial on child pornography charges by fleeing the country. Puello-Mota, who had aspirations for a political career, believed that the criminal charges had ruined his life, according to his lawyer David Cicilline. Fearing a bleak future in his hometown, Puello-Mota opted to join the Russian army instead. The case has gained global attention after a video surfaced, showing Puello-Mota signing a contract to join the Russian armed services. Puello-Mota had been facing charges of possession of child pornography after police discovered explicit … Read more

German Citizen Arrested in Russia for Carrying Cannabis-Infused Gummy Bears: Another Case of Moscow’s Strict Stance on International Travelers

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ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — Moscow’s strict stance on international travelers caught with cannabis on Russian soil has once again led to the arrest of a foreign citizen. This time, a German man found himself in custody after Russian authorities discovered cannabis-infused gummy bears in his luggage at Pulkovo Airport. Identified as 38-year-old Patrick Schobel, the man was detained late last month and is expected to remain in custody until at least March 15. According to the Russian Federal Customs Service, Schobel had flown from Hamburg, Germany, to St. Petersburg via a connecting flight in Istanbul. … Read more