Police search for man who threw his baby into the snow for likes

Russian influencer and crypto tycoon Sergei Kosenko, known as “Mr. Thank You,” has been arrested after sharing a controversial video of himself allegedly throwing a baby into deep snow for social media likes.  

The incident, which occurred in January 2024, involved a two-month-old baby, according to The Moscow Times. The video went viral with many criticizing the influencer’s reckless behavior.  

In his defense, Sergei claimed that the child in the video was not real, explaining that he used a dummy and clever editing techniques. He insisted he did not harm his son, stating that no real baby was thrown into the snow.  

Despite his claims, the Basmanny District Court in Moscow issued an arrest warrant in his absence and ordered his assets in Russia to be frozen. Authorities have also called for his extradition to Russia, where they plan to detain him for two months upon his arrival.  

A statement from Russian authorities described the act: “The accused threw the child away from himself and upward, allowing him to fall from a height.”  

Sergei’s lawyer stated that his client is cooperating with law enforcement and will provide the original footage to prove his innocence, reiterating that no real child was used during filming.  

However, this explanation has not stopped the authorities from placing Kosenko on a wanted list. He faces charges of attempted intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm to a minor and failure to fulfill his parental duties.  

Authorities have frozen RUB 206 million (approximately £1.6 million) spread across 43 bank accounts linked to Kosenko.  

If convicted, the influencer, one of Russia’s most prominent content creators, could face up to 10 years in prison. Reports indicate that he currently resides abroad, splitting his time between Los Angeles and Dubai.