MOSCOW, September 9 (RAPSI) - Russian investigators have launched a probe against Bloodhound Gang musicians for the alleged desecration of the Russian flag. The issue of his placement on the wanted list is being decided now, Investigative Committee spokesperson Vladimir Markin said Monday.

The proceedings have been initiated against James Moyer Franks, Jared Victor Hennegan and other unidentified persons who performed actions aimed at the incitement of hatred or enmity, as well as abasement of dignity, Markin said.

Franks - AKA Jimmy Pop - is the lead singer, and Hennegen - aka Evil Jared Hasselhoff - is the bassist. 

As previously reported, during a performance by The Bloodhound Gang in the Ukrainian port of Odessa on July 31, Jared Hasselhoff crammed a Russian flag inside his pants and literally wiped his behind with it, according to a video posted on YouTube. Russian authorities subsequently cancelled the band's scheduled appearance at the KUBANA Festival near the southern Russian city of Anapa.

According to Markin, Hennegan, who was on the stage with Franks and other copartners, desecrated the flag.

The display was earlier described as "disgusting" by US Ambassador Michael McFaul, as Russian lawmakers said that the group's actions could have consequences for other foreign musicians performing in Russia.

"I find the actions of Bloodhound Gang disgusting. I also condemn the act of violence against them," McFaul tweeted, apparently referring to a subsequent incident in Anapa's airport when band members were assaulted by local activists before boarding their flight.

A series of high profile Russian lawmakers spoke out against The Bloodhound Gang, calling for a harsh punishment and suggesting that banning them from performing in Russia could serve as a "precedent" for other foreign musicians.

Desecration of the Russian flag is punishable by up to a year in prison, according to Article 329 of the Russian Criminal Code.