A Russian nursery teacher has been arrested after allegedly supplying methanol-laced moonshine that killed at least six people, with more deaths feared.
A 60-year-old nursery school teacher has been arrested in Russia’s Leningrad region on suspicion of supplying poisoned moonshine that has killed at least six people. Investigators said forensic tests revealed “high or lethal levels of methanol” in the bodies of the deceased. Authorities fear the death toll could rise amid reports that more than 1,000 litres of counterfeit alcohol have been seized.
The suspect, named as Olga Stepanova, allegedly supplied the toxic brew to a man who resold it for 90p a bottle; his wife is reportedly among the victims. Police have detained eight additional suspects believed to be involved in the home production and distribution of the illicit alcohol.
Methanol, commonly found in antifreeze and fuel, is highly toxic when consumed. Even small amounts can cause blindness, nervous system damage or death. Russia has faced repeated tragedies linked to cheap homemade spirits, including a 2016 incident in Irkutsk when 60 people died after drinking methanol-laced bath oil.