Russian, 45, faces charges for ‘molesting’ 6 minors

Rape and human trafficking charges were filed against a 45-year-old Russian who allegedly molested six minors in a subdivision in Barangay Lamac, Consolacion, Cebu.

Suspect Dmitri Nikuli underwent inquest proceedings yesterday morning before the office of Cebu Provincial Assistant Ethel Miel.

Nikuli was given seven days to submit his counter-affidavit to dispute the criminal charges against him for violations of Republic Act 8353, or the Anti-Rape Law of 1997, and RA 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.

The tourist was caught by a team that Senior Police Officer 2 Marjorie B. Paller of the Consolacion Police Station-Women and Children’s Protection Desk led in an entrapment last May 18.

Six girls -- ages 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 16 -- were rescued by the police. The girls are from Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City, Cebu.

The arrest came after the mother of the nine-year-old complainant reported the alleged abuse to the police.

Pelare said the foreigner befriended the girls after he visited their place after a fire.

The nine-year-old girl’s mother said that the foreigner recently touched the child’s private parts while she was taking a bath.

Nikuli hails from 4120 Gladney Lane Keller, Texas, United States.