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Austrian police detain Russian suspect in multiple killings

Aslan Gagiyev used to head an organized crime group, which is believed to stand behind the murders of Vladikavkaz Mayor Vitaly Karayev and North Ossetian Vice-Premier Kazbek Pagiyev

MOSCOW, January 19 /TASS/. Aslan Gagiyev, a native of North Ossetia who has been detained in Austria, used to head an organized crime group, which is believed to stand behind the murders of Vladikavkaz Mayor Vitaly Karayev and North Ossetian Vice-Premier Kazbek Pagiyev, Vladimir Markin, a spokesperson for the Russian Investigative Committee, told TASS on Monday.

Earlier on Monday, the Austrian police reported the detention in Vienna of a native of North Ossetia whom Russia accuses of committing six murders in its territory.

“On January 17, the competent bodies of the Austrian Republic detained Aslan Gagiyev, the head of an organized crime group who was on the international wanted list,” Markin said.

“A criminal organization set up and headed by Aslan Gagiyev began its activities in 2004. It had more than 46 members who committed more than 40 murders and made encroachments and homicide attempts on law enforcers in the territories of Moscow, the Moscow region and the Republic of North Ossetia-Alaniya,” Markin stressed.

Middle East conflict

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