Russian lawmaker’s body found in cement-filled barrel
A policeman puts tape across Church Street in Enfield on August 8, 2011 in London, England.
The body of missing Russian lawmaker Mikhail Pakhomov was found in a cement-filled barrel.
According to the Associated Press, a former government official has been accused of ordering the lawmaker's killing over $80 million worth of debt.
"It has been confirmed that the remains found in the area of the Obukhov village in the Noginsky district belong to Pakhomov. The nature of the wounds suggests that he was killed," investigators said, reported The Moscow Times.
Pakhomov, 37, a member of the local legislature in Lipetsk, went missing last week, noted the AP. He was last seen Tuesday when he was pushed into a car outside a restaurant by three unidentified men.
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Officials said they have detained several suspects and that Pakhomov's body was found badly beaten inside the barrel of cement.
The Times also reported that the barrel was found inside the garage of a resident of the Noginsky district. The resident has not been identified.
Police said they arrested five people between the ages of 24 and 30 on Sunday who are believed to be involved. They face up to 15 years in prison on charges of kidnapping. Police have also opened a criminal case on charges of murder, which carries a sentence of up to life in prison.
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