ROSTOV-ON-DON, November 18 (RIA Novosti) - The conductor of a train from Moscow to the central Russian city of Volgograd has returned 8 million rubles ($291,000) to a passenger who forgot the money in his compartment.

"The female conductor of the 12th car in the Moscow-Volgograd train, after passengers got off in Volgograd, was cleaning the car and discovered a bag left by one of the passengers, which contained nearly 8 million rubles," the transport prosecutor's office press service said.

The conductor notified the trainmaster, and the bag was handed over to the police, who tracked down the owner.

"After a failed attempt to buy a house in the Moscow Region with the money, he was going back to Volgograd," the press service said. "However, on the journey home he drank three bottles of vodka, forgot the money when he left the train, and continued drinking when he got home."

Police officers found the man in a Volgograd alcohol and drug abuse treatment clinic.

"The money was returned to the forgetful passenger. He was probably happy," the press service said.