YEREVAN, MARCH 7, ARMENPRESS. Russian hip hop artist Timati has demanded 5-10 million rubles (88,000 – 175,000 USD) in damages from an Armenian cab driver who had collided with his vehicle, Russian media said.

The traffic collision happened on March 3 when a Mercedes hit a Volkswagen.

The Mercedes was driven by the security entourage of the rapper and is owned by Timati himself. The car was completely destroyed by fire. An Armenian cab driver named Hrant Altunyan was behind the wheel of the Volkswagen.

Until now the traffic police are unable to determine who caused the accident.

The cab belongs to a taxi service owned by an Armenian family – the Martirosyans. The family said they’ve already received several calls since the accident happened offering to pay compensation. One of the callers introduced himself as head of the rapper’s security detail. The hip hop artist, who has previously collaborated with Snoop Dogg, Craig David and Timbaland, among others, is claiming 5-10 million rubles in compensation for damages.

If the cab driver is found to be guilty for the accident the owner of the Mercedes can file a lawsuit and demand the compensation. The burnt SUV’s value is around 8 million rubles.

English –translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan