Former reality TV contestant jailed in alleged theft of soldiers’ payments

A court in Perm has ordered former reality TV contestant Andrey Naumov held in custody while a criminal case is investigated.

He is accused of taking part in an organised group that stole payments from people who signed military contracts in Russia’s Perm region.

Police say the group targeted vulnerable people and promised extra payment to arrange for them to serve away from the front.

The accused allegedly gained access to victims’ bank cards, using threats and violence against those who refused.

The group is accused of stealing at least 19 million rubles, and investigators attribute at least four thefts to Naumov.

Eight people are accused in the case; six, including Naumov, are in pre-trial detention, while another faces restrictions on certain activities.

The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations have not been established in court.