Police search for Russian influencer after she posts shocking video of vacuum-sealing her young son

11 December 2025

Authorities in Russia are actively searching for social media influencer Anna Saparina after she posted a disturbing video purportedly showing her placing her young son inside a large plastic storage bag and using a vacuum to remove the air, a stunt that has ignited widespread outrage and prompted a formal investigation by law enforcement. The video, originally shared on her Instagram account before it was made private, shows the child inside the bag as the plastic tightens around his body while air is being suctioned out. The child’s distress and the alarming nature of the clip quickly triggered public concern over the infant’s safety and wellbeing, leading to an official child protection probe and a hunt for Saparina’s whereabouts.

According to statements from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, police first learned of the video through ongoing internet monitoring that flagged the content as potentially unlawful behavior against a minor. The footage was believed to have been filmed in the city of Saratov, located along the Volga River, though Saparina has reportedly been residing in Moscow for several years, according to her mother, who confirmed to authorities that the child in the video is her grandson. Police are presently working to determine Saparina’s exact location and the full context surrounding the incident as they continue their investigation into possible criminal liability and child endangerment.

The Instagram post in question resurfaced and circulated widely even after Saparina’s account was set to private, with many social media users expressing shock and anger at the scene. In the footage, Saparina appeared to downplay the serious risk posed by vacuum-sealing her son inside the bag, captioning the video with a humorous remark about being on sick leave, a detail that only intensified public condemnation. Hundreds of users criticized the stunt as irresponsible and dangerous, raising urgent questions about how online influencers sometimes pursue shocking content for attention or engagement without considering real-world consequences.

Child welfare advocates have underscored how dangerous such actions can be, noting that restricting air around a child’s face and body in a sealed bag can rapidly lead to suffocation or other medical emergencies. Public reactions on social platforms ranged from horror and disbelief to calls for immediate legal punishment, as commenters emphasized that placing a child in such a situation goes far beyond a misguided internet stunt and could constitute abuse or neglect under Russian law. Many observers pointed out that even seemingly “playful” content must never come at the expense of a child’s health and safety, especially when the act itself puts a young life at risk for the sake of views or notoriety.

In response to the uproar, Russian authorities made clear that the incident had been registered as a possible crime against a minor, and that a team of investigators would attempt to find Saparina to clarify the circumstances and determine whether formal charges are warranted. The Ministry’s announcement noted that the video was monitored and that further steps would be taken to protect the child and review whether other family members or witnesses can provide testimony on the situation. Police have also alerted child protection services to ensure the child’s wellbeing and to evaluate whether similar risks have occurred in other cases involving online content creators.

The story has also drawn international attention as news outlets and social media users beyond Russia picked up the disturbing footage. Coverage in English-language publications and global news sites has highlighted the broader concerns about the lengths to which some influencers will go for engagement, and the ethical and legal questions surrounding online content involving children. Advocates for digital safety have long warned about the dangers of exposing children to potentially harmful content or stunts, and this case has reignited those conversations in a very public way.

Experts in child psychology and internet culture have weighed in, noting that children often become unwitting participants in content that prioritizes shock value over safety. Many argue that platforms and authorities alike need to be more vigilant in monitoring harmful content and holding creators accountable when they endanger minors. In some regions, there are already laws governing what parents can post involving their children, but enforcement can be complex when influencers are based in multiple jurisdictions or travel frequently. The Russian investigation into Saparina’s actions may become a pivotal case in how these laws are applied and interpreted in the digital age.

Meanwhile, the child at the center of the video has not been publicly identified for privacy reasons, but local authorities have reportedly taken steps to ensure the child’s immediate safety and wellbeing. Neighbors, family acquaintances and online followers have been sharing messages of concern and support, many calling for the strongest possible response from law enforcement to prevent similar episodes. The focus remains on locating Saparina and assessing whether additional protections or interventions are needed for other children who may appear in viral online content.

This episode underscores the complex intersection of social media fame, boundaries of acceptable content, and legal obligations to safeguard vulnerable individuals, especially children. As police continue their search and the investigation unfolds, the incident stands as a stark reminder that the pursuit of viral fame must never override basic responsibilities of care and protection for minors. Many hope that this case will prompt deeper reflection across the influencer community and lead to more robust safeguards for young people in the social media spotlight.