Two prisoners who escaped in southwest Lipetsk region dug an underground passage for six months

The tunnel, which was 1.2 meters high and 1.5 meters wide, was used by two prisoners to escape from the Lipetsk colony in Russia. The fugitives were serving sentences for murder.

The incident was reported to the police on April 19, 2023, after the prisoners escaped. A search operation was launched immediately, involving the police and the Federal Penitentiary Service.

The escapees were identified as 35-year-old Vadim Shilyaev and 31-year-old Nikita Saveliev. They were convicted of murder in 2019 and sentenced to 13 and 14 years in prison, respectively.

The prisoners dug the tunnel from their barracks to a nearby forest. The tunnel was approximately 100 meters long and had a ventilation system and lighting.

The escapees were able to avoid detection by prison guards during their six-month excavation. The disappearance of the prisoners was only discovered during the morning roll call.

A search operation is underway to find the escaped prisoners. The police are asking for the public's help in locating the fugitives and are offering a reward for information leading to their arrest.

The escape from the Lipetsk colony is a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in preventing prison breaks and ensuring the safety of the public.