A series of arson attacks occurred at shopping malls and banks in Russia.

At least four incidents involving explosions occurred in Moscow, the Moscow region, and St. Petersburg on Saturday, December 21. This is reported by Russian media.

A series of pyrotechnic explosions took place in public areas across Russia on Saturday. The blasts were heard in Moscow and the Moscow region, as well as in St. Petersburg, with several hours between them.

In the Moscow district of Vydradne, a woman detonated a firecracker in the Fort shopping center, prompting the evacuation of visitors. In Korolyov, a man ignited pyrotechnics in the Helios shopping center, and after his arrest, he attempted to set off a firecracker at the local police station.

Warning: the video contains explicit language!

In Khimki, an unknown individual ignited fireworks at a Russian Post branch. Additionally, an explosion occurred at a Sberbank branch in St. Petersburg; fortunately, no one was injured, but one of the ATMs was destroyed.

According to reports, the woman who caused the explosion in Vydradne and the man detained in Korolyov were allegedly following the instructions of phone scammers.

The Telegram channel Baza writes that at least 12 different arsons – involving cars and buildings – have occurred in Russia over the past two days.

“All incidents are a result of the scammers' actions. First, they swindle victims out of money, and then they offer to return it in exchange for arson, or they concoct a story about villains that need to be driven away,” the post adds.

Recall that on Tuesday, December 17, an explosion was heard near the entrance of one of the buildings in Moscow, which resulted in the death of Igor Kirilov, a 54-year-old commander of the radiation, chemical, and biological defense troops of the Russian armed forces, along with his driver.