When cops turned robbers in Russia

Three of the six members of a gang suspected of carrying out high-profile robberies in Russia's North Caucasus republic of Ingushetia have turned out to be police officers.

During a police manhunt in Ekazhevo village, one of the gang members was killed and four others were arrested after they broke into the house of the regional education minister and stole about two million rubles (over USD 60,000) in cash and jewellery, RIA Novosti reported, quoting the Russian Interior Ministry.

The report said three members of the gang turned out to be police officers.

Two of the gang members were injured and hospitalised, while one managed to escape when the suspects shot at police during their arrest.

Police Ingushetia have launched an internal affairs probe, which could lead to sacking of the commanders of police units where the "turncoats" served.

According to police, the suspects may have also been involved in a number of high-profile robberies in Ingushetia, including an attack on the republic's deputy health minister, RIA Novosti quoted a North Caucasus police source as saying.