Three dead at court after Moscow gang suspects ‘grab guns’

A SHOOTING at a Moscow courthouse has left three assailants dead and two seriously injured.

The gunmen were allegedly members of the so-called “GTA gang” – a reference to the popular video game Grand Theft Auto – a mysterious crime group that used to terrorise drivers heading south on the M4 highway that connects Moscow and Rostov-on-don.

Between 2013 and 2014 the gang reportedly stopped cars on the highway, often by shooting at tyres.

Gang members would approach drivers, pretending to offer help but instead rob and murder their victims.

Yesterday, five alleged gang members were being transported to the courtroom by two convoy officers for a hearing.

In the elevator, it is reported that one of the accused attacked one of the officers, while the others seized the officers’ guns.

Once the elevator arrived at the third floor, it is claimed the accused started shooting at the National Guard officers waiting for them in the hall in an attempt to escape from the courthouse. Both the convoy officers were injured as well as one National Guard officer.

Three of the gunmen were killed in the incident and the other two seriously injured.