Prosecutors expand investigation into director Oliver Reimann

Estonian prosecutors have expanded their investigation into director Oliver Reimann to include suspected intentional drugging, ERR reported, citing Eesti Ekspress. The investigation initially focused only on possession of a small quantity of a narcotic substance.

Prosecutor Liset Rohi told Eesti Ekspress that Reimann may have illegally distributed narcotic substances and may have intentionally drugged another person, causing harm to their health.

Rohi said that putting a narcotic or psychotropic substance into someone’s drink without their knowledge may involve several separate criminal offences. She added that drugging is almost always connected to sexual or property crimes, as it may be used to commit or attempt another offence.

Last week, the Estonian Drama Theatre announced that it would terminate Reimann’s employment after he allegedly put the banned substance MDMA into colleagues’ drinks. The decision was confirmed by the theatre’s artistic director, Hendrik Toompere Jr.

“It became clear to the theatre management what the real impact of his actions had been on the team, and in the situation that has developed, Oliver can no longer continue at the Drama Theatre,” Toompere said. He added that the theatre’s first responsibility was to protect its actors and staff.

On the morning of August 25, Reimann posted on social media that he had put prohibited substances into colleagues’ drinks on two occasions. A criminal investigation was opened against him several hours later, based on a report published by Eesti Ekspress.

In the same post, Reimann claimed that he had told theatre managers about the incidents before joining the Drama Theatre. News that Reimann, who had recently graduated from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre’s drama school, would join the theatre was published in May this year.