'Train poisoner' charged with 13 murders

A Russian man has been charged with killing 13 fellow train passengers by offering them tranquilliser-laced drinks before robbing them and leaving them to die, investigators said Wednesday.

The 23-year-old attacker targeted well-dressed, tipsy male travellers on commuter trains and at rail stations in Moscow and the surrounding region, Moscow transport investigators said in a statement.

He gave them drinks laced with a "huge dose of a strong tranquilliser" and waited for them to black out, then stole their money, mobile phones and bank cards before leaving them in an unconscious state, the statement said.

"Thirteen people died at the hands of the criminal and 12 more were hospitalised in a serious condition," it said. "Many have lost their memory."

The alleged poisoner was identified as Alexei Vygovsky, 23, a resident of the Moscow region who has a string of previous convictions.

Investigators said Vygovsky may have committed more attacks and appealed to members of the public to call a helpline.