A young man in Russia has deliberately sought imprisonment after failing to find work, saying it was the only way he could survive.

Reports in the Russian media said that the 20-year-old, identified only as Oleg, belongs to the Republic of Bashkortostan. After repeated attempts to secure employment proved unsuccessful, he concluded that arrest and a prison sentence would provide him with shelter and regular meals.

The unusual incident was recently reported in Russia. The youth, who had no means of livelihood, took the extreme step to ensure a roof over his head and two meals a day.

After completing high school, Oleg served in the army and later attempted to obtain work in the Russian city of Ufa. Despite numerous efforts, he remained without employment. Lacking money for accommodation and food, he grew despondent and devised a plan to have himself sent to prison.

Last summer, after three days of unsuccessful job hunting, he entered a hotel and warned staff that he would detonate a bomb allegedly in his bag. When his claim was not believed, he jumped from a window and proceeded to a nearby airport, shouting that he possessed an explosive device.

He demanded that police and airport authorities be summoned and instructed people to keep their distance. Security staff observed that he had no visible detonator and detained him before handing him over to police.

During questioning, he admitted that he had deliberately fabricated the bomb threat in order to secure arrest. A subsequent medical examination declared him physically and mentally sound.

A court later sentenced him to three years and three months’ imprisonment. He is said to be content that he will at least receive food twice daily and shelter while in custody.