US musician, ex-paratrooper Michael Travis Leake arrested in Moscow on drug trafficking charges
American Musician Michael Travis Leake Arrested on Drug Trafficking Charges in Moscow
Russian news media reported on Saturday that Michael Travis Leake, an American musician who has lived in Moscow for over a decade, has been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking. Leake is alleged to have been involved in the sale of mephedrone, a drug whose effects are similar to cocaine and MDMA. The Moscow court has ordered him to be held for two months in pre-trial detention, where he faces charges of production or distribution of drugs, which carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Leake is a former paratrooper with the US military and has lived in Moscow since 2010. According to reports, an Instagram page under the name Travis Leake Instagram identifies him as the singer for the band Lovi Noch (Seize the Night). Russian drug laws are strict, and the arrest highlights the consequences of violating such laws.
FAQs:
Who is Michael Travis Leake?
Michael Travis Leake is an American musician who has lived in Moscow for over a decade. He is alleged to have been involved in the sale of mephedrone, a drug whose effects are similar to cocaine and MDMA.
What are the charges against him?
Leake faces charges of production or distribution of drugs, which carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
What is mephedrone?
Mephedrone is a synthetic stimulant drug, also known as Mcat or Meow Meow. It is illegal in many countries and is considered a dangerous drug due to its high potential for abuse and harmful effects.
What is the punishment for drug trafficking in Russia?
The punishment for drug trafficking in Russia can include up to 20 years in prison, depending on the severity of the offense.
What is the US State Department saying about the arrest?
The US State Department has stated that it is aware of the reports that a US citizen had been arrested in Moscow and that it pursues consular access as soon as possible and works to provide all appropriate consular assistance. However, it has stated that it would have no further comment due to privacy considerations.

Michael Travis Leake, a former paratrooper from the US and musician, detained in Moscow for alleged drug trafficking
Popular American musician, Michael Travis Leake, who has been living in Russia for over a decade, has been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking, according to reports in Russian news media on Saturday. The reports suggest that Leake is suspected of selling mephedrone, a drug whose effects are similar to those of cocaine and MDMA. He has been ordered to remain in pre-trial detention for two months by a Moscow court and faces charges of producing or distributing drugs that carry a sentence of up to 20 years behind bars.
Leake’s social media account, Travis Leake Instagram, confirms that he is the lead singer of the band, Lovi Noch (Seize the Night), while news reports state that the musician is a former paratrooper with the US military. Russia has strict drug laws, and in a similar case, WNBA star Brittney Griner was arrested earlier this year after vape canisters containing cannabis oil were found in her luggage at a Moscow airport. She received a sentence of nine years in prison but was released in December in an exchange for US-imprisoned Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
The US State Department has issued an emailed statement to The Associated Press, confirming awareness of reports that a US citizen had recently been arrested in Moscow. It added that when a US citizen is detained overseas, the department “pursues consular access as soon as possible and works to provide all appropriate consular assistance.” However, due to privacy considerations, no further comment would be made.