Russian acclaimed pianist Mikhail Pletnev, accused of child sex abuse in Thailand, arrived in Moscow's Domodedovo International Airport on Thursday.
Thai media reported on Tuesday that Grammy laureate Pletnev, 53, was arrested on child molestation charges at the Euro Club and Restaurant, which he co-owns in Pattaya. He was taken back to his house at Areeya Villas near Soi Siam Country Club, where police carried out a search.
"I hope that what happened will not affect my concert activity too much, however I will have to go there [Thailand] once again to participate in a court hearing," Pletnev told journalist at the airport.
He could not recall such a buzz around his name, saying none of his shows had drawn so much media attention before.
Pletnev is to participate in a concert in Macedonia on June 12.
On Wednesday, a Thai court allowed Pletnev to leave the country to accompany the Russian National Orchestra in Europe with a pledge that he must return for a court hearing in Thailand by July 18.
Andrei Dvornikov, a Russian diplomat at the consulate in Thailand, said Tuesday that during the search of Pletnev's house, nothing suspicious was found. However, Thai media said that police found CDs containing pornographic films and images.
World media said Pletnev had been charged with raping a 14-year-old boy in Thailand, and had been released on $ 9,000 bail.
Pletnev has denied the charges brought against him.
If convicted, Pletnev may face up to 20 years imprisonment.
