N.S. offers reward for leads in case of missing Halifax-area cabbie

The Nova Scotia government is offering a reward for information relating to the case of a missing Halifax-area cab driver under its major unsolved crimes program.

The Department of Justice will pay up to $150,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case of Sergei Kostin.

The 40-year-old driver for Bob's Taxi has not been seen or heard from since he was sent to pick up passengers on Gaston Rd. in Dartmouth on Jan.17.

Investigators are interested in speaking with two males who are believed to have been his customers at the Dartmouth location.

Kostin's burned taxi, a Chevrolet Impala, was found on Jan. 20 in North Preston. Despite an extensive search, the driver was never found.

"Mr. Kostin's cellphone [and] bank account have not been touched since Jan. 17, when he went missing," said Const. Jeff Carr, of the Halifax Regional Police. "As well, he hasn't had any contact with family members or friends. There's a good possibility Mr. Kostin met with foul play."

Kostin was last seen wearing brown boots, jeans and a green jacket.

Justice Minister Cecil Clarke said Monday he hopes the program will encourage people with relevant information in the missing person case to come forward.