A MASKED gang tried to kidnap a Champions League footballer outside a grocery store – before telling cops its was part of a “birthday prank”.
Police have arrested several suspects over the botched abduction of Zenit St. Peterburg midfielder Andrei Mostovoy, Russian authorities said on Monday.
Local cops also said the accused group took a local businessman hostage just two days after the failed footy star snatch.
Mostovoy managed to escape the kidnapping attempt outside a high-end shop on Thursday before rushing to safety and alerting police.
Shocking footage showed the star alongside a pal – who is believed to be professional Russian hockey player Alexander Grakun – fighting off the masked attackers.
Two balaclava-clad men are seen approaching Mostovoy as he gets into his car – before the midfielder darts off following a quick scuffle.
On Saturday, the same group allegedly abducted construction firm founder Sergei Selegen – who is also the son-in-law of a top Russian politician.
The suspects reportedly handcuffed Selegen, 50, before holding him at gunpoint and demanding a £110,000 ransom.
In response to the alleged threat, the local entrepreneur transferred over £2,000.
Police said they then tracked down a Toyota Land Cruiser before freeing the victim.
They detained four people over the ordeal and claimed the group was also linked to Mostovoy’s alleged kidnapping attempt.
Late on Monday, cops arrested a fifth suspect in connection to the case.
He told police the operation was a “birthday prank” and said he didn’t know the other suspects.
The four accused gangsters said they had been recruited via Telegram.
They told police a ringleader had promised them half of the ransom cash.
And they said the alleged mastermind told them they would be “punishing drug dealers”.
Police footage showed one suspect telling interrogators the person behind the alleged kidnapping was “not from Russia”.
Authorities have not confirmed the identity or whereabouts of the individual who is said to have ordered the abductions.
Authorities said the men face criminal charges including robbery and attempted kidnapping.
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They are expected to appear in court in the coming days.
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