On June 27, the Federal Security Service (FSB) of the Russian Federation arrested a group of athletes, including local MMA champion Alexander Efimov.
The operation took place at a bus stop in Artyom, Russia, where FSB agents seized machine guns, ammunition, miscellaneous firearms, and a variety of mobile phones. Pictures and videos captured during the incident show several athletes – sumo wrestlers, sambo specialists, and MMA fighters – handcuffed and lying facedown on the grass. The news was first reported by PrimaMedia (h/t CrimeRussia).
The security service is yet to release an official statement on the operation or the charges levied against the detainees.