Russia - Quick Updates

Pro-Chechen Gang Detained in Turkey on Suspicion of Blackmail: "Eight members of a criminal group, who were raising funds for Chechen rebels, were detained in Istanbul last week, RIA Novosti reports. In particular, the group is accused of blackmailing a Turkish businessman, demanding $2 million.

Three of those who were caught by police are reportedly Chechens. One of the detainees, Ebubekir Tokcan, is the brother of the well-known Turkish extremist Mohammed Tokcan, who seized the Avrasya passenger ferry with at least 200 Russian citizens on board at the mouth of the Bosphorus in 1996."

Siberian Policemen Held Foreigners for Ransom:
Police at a detention center in the city of Irkutsk, located near the Chinese and Mongolian state borders, have been receiving ransoms for foreigners, RIA Novosti reports. The policemen locked foreign citizens up even if they had passports and visas, and held them until they paid money for their release.