Copyright dailystar
A masked gang has tried to kidnap a Champions League star outside a grocery shop in Russia. The crooks then tried to tell authorities the botched abduction was part of a "birthday prank". Police arrested several suspects after Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Andrei Mostovoy was 'kidnapped', Russian authorities said on Monday (October 27). Mostovoy luckily managed to dodge the kidnapping attempt outside a high-end shop on Thursday last week before rushing to safety and alerting police. The police update came after the same gang is alleged to have abducted construction firm founder Sergei Selegen – who is also the son-in-law of a top Russian politician. According to the Sun newspaper, the gang handcuffed Selegen, 50, before whipping out a gun on him and demanding £110,000 in ransom money. In response to the alleged threat, the local entrepreneur transferred over £2,000. Cops detained four people over the ordeal involving Selegen and claimed the group was also linked to Mostovoy’s alleged kidnapping attempt. Late this evening law enforcement arrested a fifth suspect in connection to the case. The last man to be arrested told police the operation was a “birthday prank”, claiming he didn’t know the other suspects. The four accused gangsters alleged they had been recruited via Telegram. Police said the five men face criminal charges including robbery and attempted kidnapping. The men are expected to appear in court in the coming days. Mostovoy has 20 caps for Russia, who still continue to play friendly matches in the country and away despite men’s, women’s and youth teams remaining barred from taking part in matches organised by UEFA and FIFA. This is a breaking news story and is being constantly updated. Please refresh the page regularly with the latest news, pictures and videos. You can also get email updates on the day’s biggest stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters. Get all the very best headlines, pictures, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by following Daily Star every time you see our name. Follow Daily Star on Android - CLICK HERE Follow Daily Star on Apple - CLICK HERE Follow Daily Star on Snapchat - CLICK HERE You can also sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news by following @starbreaksnews and follow us @dailystar for all the latest updates. Keep up-to-date with your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day by following us on Facebook at facebook.com/thedailystar.
