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Four suspects detained over fuel theft that caused Angara pollution

Police also check other persons who may have been involved in the theft

Photo ITAR-TASS

Photo ITAR-TASS

IRKUTSK, May 2 (Itar-Tass) — Police have detained four suspects over the fuel theft that caused the serious pollution of the Angara River.

According to the latest information, as a result of the illegal siphoning of fuel from the local pipeline of the Rosrezerv Pribaikalye facilities a week ago, more than 300 tonnes of diesel fuel spilled into the river.

For the present, police have detained four people, including the suspected organizer of the illegal "business" -- a 32-year-old unemployed local resident, Irkutsk regional police reported.

Two most active members of the criminal group are taken into custody for the investigation period, in accordance with the court decision. Whether to place another person under arrest will be decided later in the day. The detained persons make confessions, police said.

Police also check other persons who may have been involved in the theft and fuel sale and their possible link with some workers of the facilities, from where fuel was stolen.

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