Muggings of violinists could be related

MOSCOW, Dec. 25 (UPI) -- The recent muggings of two Moscow Virtuosi chamber orchestra violinists in the Russian capital during a two-day span could be related, police say.

Police suspect the attacks on violinists Denis Shulgin and Georgy Tsai this week in Moscow may be part of a coordinated attempt to stop performances by the noted orchestra, The Moscow Times said Wednesday.

Tsai was found with stab wounds Sunday and he later told authorities he had been attacked and robbed by five unidentified assailants.

Shulgin suffered injuries to his head the following night when his violin stolen Monday evening.

The Times said while police are exploring a possible link between the two crimes, orchestra deputy director Ivan Malyuta has downplayed any chance of a connection.

"We think that it's just a coincidence although investigators are working on the case," Malyuta said.