Penza, 19 January 2012. PenzaNews. Saratov regional court began a legal investigation concerning criminal group of 10 persons, including three police officers who are accused of involving in prostitution women, including minors, from the Penza, Saratov, Tver and Moscow regions.

“According to investigation, in the middle of September, 2009 Michael Cherkasin organized criminal community which consist of 12 residents of the Saratov region, including two police officers and supervised over it till September, 22nd, 2010,” the press-service of the Investigatory Committee of the Russian Federation.

In department have specified that the main criminal activity of the community was involving women in prostitution business by force and providing the premises for these purposes.

“More than 30 women, including 4 minors were delivered to Saratov from nearby areas and also from the Penza, Tver and Moscow regions against their will by the participants of criminal group and were involved in prostitution business,” the press-service explained.

Investigatory committee of the Russian Federation added that the criminal case in relation of the leader of criminal community Michael Cherkasin were separate and were considered in a special order in connection with the conclusion of the pre-judicial cooperation agreement.

“On November 1st, 2011 the Saratov regional court sentenced Michael Cherkasin to 10 years of imprisonment serving in strict regime colony,” the press-service informed.

After that the criminal case concerning 10 accused was sent to the Saratov regional court where preliminary hearings have begun.

“Three accused are in federal search,” the press-service said.