New details have emerged in the case of the disappearance of the Usoltsev family

The Usoltsev family disappeared in the taiga of the Krasnoyarsk Territory more than 40 days ago. During this time, rescuers have combed hundreds of kilometers, but have not found any traces of them. There are many versions of the disappearance, from an accident to escape to Thailand. Previously, it was reported about a phone signal at the search site and the discovery of the missing family's car. On Wednesday, November 12, the investigation announced the discovery of a new physical find, which adds additional questions to the circumstances of the disappearance. For more information, see the Izvestia article.

New details in the disappearance case

The Investigative Committee (IC) of the Russian Federation stated that during an additional inspection of the Usoltsevs' car, left at a campsite in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, 300 thousand rubles in cash were found in the glove compartment. Relatives of the missing confirmed that the head of the family, Sergei Usoltsev, often kept large sums of money in the car.

Earlier, during the inspection of the car, a child's seat, toys, sneakers and a bag were found. However, as stated in the UK, these findings did not give new versions of the family's disappearance, and the main version is still related to the accident.

Also on November 12, Alexander Aulov, a medical examiner and colonel of the medical service of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation in reserve, made a comment on the possible reasons for the absence of traces of the missing. The expert identified three main versions explaining the disappearance of the family in the taiga.

According to him, the family could have been covered by snow, and their remains can only be discovered after the snow cover melts in the spring. Another option is an attack by wild animals that could gnaw the bodies to the bone. The third scenario assumes that the Usoltsevs did not die, but left in an unknown direction.

At the same time, the expert noted that if the gnawed remains are found, identification will be possible only through genetic examination.

They searched in the woods and on the water: the fate of the Usoltsevs remains unknown

What do the locals say and what versions are the investigators putting forward about the unsolved disappearance of the Usoltsev family?

A hike that shouldn't have taken too long

The disappearance of the Usoltsev family has become one of the most high-profile incidents of this autumn. 64-year-old Sergey Usoltsev, his 48-year-old wife Irina and their five-year-old daughter Arina went hiking in the vicinity of Mount Pinocchio in late September. The family stayed at one of the local camp sites. They planned to return from the hike in a few hours, but they did not get in touch again. Their disappearance became known on September 28.

Despite the fact that Sergey Usoltsev, according to friends, was an experienced taiga ranger and was well-versed in this area, the route was fraught with serious dangers. Weather conditions in the taiga at this time of the year are extremely unstable: a clear day can quickly give way to snowfall and a sharp cold snap.

In addition, experts noted that the difficult terrain with numerous ravines and streams poses a threat even to trained tourists, especially if they have a small child.

Large-scale searches and their results

According to the regional branch of the LizaAlert search and rescue team, the search for the Usoltsevs has become the largest and most complex in the Krasnoyarsk Territory in recent years. Hundreds of people were involved in the search and rescue operation: professional rescuers of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and volunteers who came from neighboring regions — Altai Krai, Kemerovo, Novosibirsk regions and Khakassia.

The search teams combed hundreds of kilometers of taiga, explored river banks, numerous caves, and also checked all known hunting huts and tourist shelters within the radius of the family's likely location.

Aircraft and drones with thermal imagers were used. However, no traces of the Usoltsevs could be found. By mid-October, the active search with the massive involvement of volunteers was curtailed, and only professional rescuers began work.

Explore routes: kicksharing will help in the search for missing people

And the authorities intend to actively involve mobile operators in the search for the disappeared.

The main versions of the investigation

A criminal case was opened into the disappearance of the family. To date, the main and officially considered version of the investigation is an accident. Two genetic examinations were ordered as part of the case, and more than 60 people were questioned, some of them using a polygraph.

In parallel with the main version, other assumptions arose in the media. There were theories about the deliberate disappearance of the family, including the escape abroad, in particular, to Thailand. The reason for such speculation was both Sergey Usoltsev's professional activities related to international projects and the fact that he had to report on the expenditure of public funds.

However, the investigation found no confirmation of this theory, as well as versions about escape or contact with local Old Believers, which appeared at the end of October.

Rescuers also noted that theoretically an experienced person, such as Sergei Usoltsev, could have lasted about a month in the taiga under certain conditions, but stress, cold and the presence of a small child reduce this probability. The money found in the car also does not fit with the version of a planned escape, as a significant amount was left behind.

Earlier, on October 28, Denis Kiselyov, a rescuer and teacher at the Central School of Mountaineering Instructors, said that if the Usoltsevs were alive and wanted to be discovered, they would have given a signal. He also suggested that rescuers might not have found the bodies because they were trapped under snow or in hard-to-reach places.

What is known about the Usoltsev family

Sergey Usoltsev is the founder of the International Development Center — Zheleznogorsk LLC. As it turned out, in the past he was involved in the implementation of American programs, and also received government grants. Significant funds remained in the accounts of both the entrepreneur and his company, which initially raised questions about the financial motives for the possible disappearance.

According to Izvestia, in 2024, an administrative case was initiated against Usoltsev under the article on violations in the field of finance and taxes, as a result of which a fine was imposed on him. Before that, in 2020, he was fined for violating the law on state registration of legal entities and individual entrepreneurs.

Irina Usoltseva, according to information from open sources, practiced various spiritual and psychological techniques, and also worked as a psychologist and ran a popular blog, helping women find harmony and family happiness.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.