Jailbreak in Russia: Convicts tunnel out of prison El Chapo-style, manhunt ongoing

Russian authorities announced a manhunt on Saturday after six convicts escaped from a correctional facility in the Lipetsk region, tunnelling their way out in an incident that has sparked concern across local communities.

Of the six fugitives, four have since been apprehended, though security forces remain in pursuit of the remaining two. “I realise that the news may cause concern, but I ask you not to panic,” said Igor Artamonov, governor of the western Lipetsk region. “Security forces are continuing efforts to track down and detain the criminals,” he assured.

The escape came to light during a routine inspection when prison guards discovered an underground tunnel on the grounds of Penal Colony No. 2. “In general regime penal colony No. 2, an underground tunnel was discovered during a patrol of the premises,” the Lipetsk prison service reported in a statement. “Immediately a count of convicts got underway, which revealed the absence of six inmates.”

The identities of the escapees have not been disclosed, though the prison service described them as “from Central Asia.” Authorities say four of the escapees have been detained so far, with two reportedly apprehended in the neighbouring Tambov region. “The search for the remaining two criminals continues,” the governor confirmed.

Lipetsk, a region approximately 300 kilometres (190 miles) south of Moscow, is no stranger to criminal activity, though incidents of prison escape are rare in Russia.

Despite a high prison population of over 400,000 last year, escapes are infrequent, and those who do manage to flee are often quickly recaptured. The number of inmates has been on the decline recently, partly due to an increase in convicts sent to participate in military operations in Ukraine.

As the manhunt continues, local law enforcement remains on high alert, with residents being urged to stay vigilant. Authorities have yet to provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the escape or any updates on the ongoing search efforts.