Russian acclaimed pianist Mikhail Pletnev, accused of child sex abuse in Thailand, returned to Moscow, a Thai immigration official told RIA Novosti on Thursday.
Thai media reported on Tuesday that Grammy laureate Pletnev, 53, was arrested on child molestation charges at the Euro Club and Restaurant, which he co-owns in Pattaya. He was taken back to his house at Areeya Villas near Soi Siam Country Club, where police found CDs containing pornographic films and images.
"According to my information, Mr. Pletnev flew to Moscow from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport on an Aeroflot flight," the official who requested to remain anonymous said.
On Wednesday, a Thai court allowed Pletnev to leave the country to accompany the Russian National Orchestra in Europe with a pledge that he must return for a court hearing in Thailand by July 18.
World media said Pletnev had been charged with raping a 14-year-old boy in Thailand, and had been released on $ 9,000 bail.
Pletnev has denied the charges brought against him.
MOSCOW, July 8 (RIA Novosti)
