Uzbek convicts escape from Russian prison by digging tunnel

Six inmates escaped from a correctional facility in Russia's Lipetsk region by digging a tunnel, as reported by the region’s governor, Igor Artamonov, on Telegram.

“Six convicts have escaped from correctional colony No. 2. All emergency services are fully engaged in the search, and a multi-agency team is operational. The Lipetsk Federal Penitentiary Service, together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Russian Guard, and the Federal Security Service, is conducting all necessary measures to locate and capture the escapees,” Artamonov stated.

The regional office of the Federal Penitentiary Service noted that the escape was discovered during a routine patrol when a tunnel was found on the prison grounds. A subsequent headcount confirmed six inmates were missing.

"The unified detachment of the Federal Penitentiary Service in the Lipetsk region has been notified. Temporary search posts have been set up, and relevant authorities have been informed. Profiles of the escaped prisoners have been distributed, with reserve and pursuit teams dispatched immediately,” according to the statement.

Telegram channels “112” and “Mash” provided information on the escapees:

- Davron Jabbarov, from Tajikistan, born in 1997, convicted of rape.
- Dilshol Arslanov, from Uzbekistan, born in 1996, convicted of relations with a minor under 16.
- Turgun Abdullayev, from Uzbekistan, born in 1997, convicted of rape.
- Khurshilbek Daniyev, from Uzbekistan, born in 2005, convicted of drug trafficking.
- Parvozbek Toraboyev, from Uzbekistan, born in 2005, convicted of drug trafficking.
- Bakhtiyor Jumayev, from Uzbekistan, born in 1996, convicted of rape.

The search is ongoing, and authorities continue to coordinate efforts to capture the fugitives.