The Russian Foreign Ministry has vehemently denied reports that three Russian citizens were detained in Chad.
In a statement released late Monday, the ministry dismissed the allegations as unfounded and baseless.
The ministry’s statement comes in response to claims made by unnamed sources that Maxim Shugaley, Samer Sueifan, and E. Tsaryov were apprehended at Chad’s capital airport on September 19.
The ministry asserted that these individuals have not been detained and are currently not in custody.
While the ministry did not provide further details about the situation, it emphasized that Russia is in close contact with Chad’s authorities and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad.
Maxim Shugaley, the head of a Moscow-based NGO, has been a controversial figure in recent years.
He has been linked to the Wagner paramilitary group and has faced international sanctions.
His activities have been closely monitored by Western governments, and he has been accused of spreading disinformation and meddling in foreign elections.
The Russian Foreign Ministry’s denial of the detentions raises questions about the credibility of the original reports and the motivations behind the claims.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether further information will emerge to clarify the matter.