World renowned pianist and principal conductor of the Russian National Orchestra Mikhail Pletnev has been released on bail after facing charges of child molestation in the city of Pattaya, Thailand.

Pletnev, 53, was apprehended at Euro Club and Restaurant, a venue in the resort city of Pattaya, which the pianist co-owns. Pletnev was later escorted to his residence, where police discovered a number of child pornography videos, Pattaya Daily News reports.

Police explained that previously another man, a Thai citizen, had been detained on similar charges, which prompted further investigation and eventually led them to Pletnev.

Earlier, media reported that Pletnev had been taken into custody and remained in jail. However, Svetlana Chapligina, press secretary for the Orchestra, has stated that the reports are false and that Pletnev remains in his residence.

"He has not been arrested, nor taken into custody. There have been no charges," Chapligina told RIA Novosti news agency.

Meanwhile, the Russian Embassy in Thailand has stated that Pletnev has been released on bail.

Omsin Sukkankha, head of the investigative team, stated that Pletnev was facing charges of pedophilia and complicity in organizing a child prostitution ring, which catered to foreign customers. If convicted, Pletnev could face up to 20 years in prison.

However, Evgeny Belenky, head of the RIA Novosti news bureau in Bangkok, who has spoken to one of the investigators involved in Pletnev's case, said it is still unclear what course the investigation would take.

"There was a family that accused him of having intercourse with one of their children," said Belenky. "It doesn't mean that there is any evidence presented to the police at this stage, because only the court in Thailand can decide which side is right or wrong, and is he really guilty or not... The police only have a statement from the family, and they have to investigate."

The musician's colleagues in Russia say they are shocked by the allegations. Violinist Dmitry Kogan told RT that Pletnev has made an enormous contribution to the world of classical music.

"Mikhail Pletnev is a key figure in contemporary piano music," Kogan said. "I'd say he's one of the top musicians in his field. His career spans three decades, with a great number of recordings both as a pianist and as a conductor. The world knows and admires his work."