ST.PETERSBURG, April 2 - RAPSI. Charges have been brought against three individuals involved in the infamous helicopter escape from a Vologda prison.

Charges have been brought against the escaped prisoner and his two accomplices.

Alexei Shestakov was sentenced to 24 years in prison in 2000 for a number of grave crimes including murder and armed assaults. His brother helped him escape by comandeering a helicopter and flying it over the correctional facility.

Shestakov was captured soon after the escape.

Lawyer Igor Trunov said that Shestakov is likely to face a new prison sentence. The escape is punishable by up to eight years in prison. However, in this particular case the criminal may be sentenced to life in prison as he resisted the police during the escape.

Lawyers also believe that punitive sanctions will be imposed on the prison management and staff.