Finally Nwankwo Kanu Recovers Money Stolen From His Luggage In Russia

Former Super Eagles player, Kanu Nwankwo has recovered the money stolen from his luggage on arrival at the Moscow airport over the weekend.

Kanu told AOIFootball.com that the local police have returned the stolen money.

“Yes it’s true that the money was stolen from me, but I can confirm to you right now that I have my money with me and I’m grateful to the security agencies for helping to recover it back,” He said.

Lt-Col Irina Volk, spokeswoman for the Russian Interior Ministry, who confirmed the incident, said the money was stolen by two loaders, and reportedly promised it will be returned to the football legend. TASS quoted Russian police as saying that they detained two baggage handlers who were unloading luggage from the London flight and stole the money from checked-in luggage.

“The stolen money has been confiscated and will shortly be returned to its owner,” police spokeswoman Irina Volk said. Police confirmed to TASS that the luggage belonged to Kanu.

This incident will come as a setback to host country Russia, who are trying to stage a near-perfect World Cup with travelers been warned earlier by authorities to be vigilant throughout the tournament.

Moscow and Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave, will both host World Cup matches in a tournament that will see thousands of international fans travelling between the 11 host cities. Starting Monday, fans with tickets can travel to Russia visa-free. The first teams will also arrive in Russia this week.

Kanu played in Kaliningrad in a special “Relive the Legends” friendly match on Sunday as part of a team of FIFA Legends against a team of Russian veterans. Kanu’s team won 6-4. Sheremetyevo saw a similar crime in March when a baggage handler was arrested and admitted stealing 56,000 euros from a package belonging to a Moscow bank