25 May 2010

Gangs demand compensation money from bereaved families

5:49 am on 25 May 2010

The families of 67 mine workers killed in Siberia are reportedly being targetted by gangs wanting their compensation money.

Gangs are trying to force the families in central Siberia to hand over a large part of the money to them.

In response, the governor has ordered that each of the families receive round the clock police protection. He has also called for the criminals to be tracked down and punished.

The BBC reports 23 miners are still missing after the blasts at the Raspadskaya mine on 9 May.

It was one of the worst accidents in Russia in recent years.