Russia has denied media reports that a cargo ship which was apparently hijacked in July was carrying Russian S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Iran.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the reports that the ship had illegal arms on board were "absolutely untrue".

The Maltese-flagged Arctic Sea vessel with 15 Russian crew went missing for more than two weeks. It was found on 16 August off West Africa.

Eight men were later charged with hijacking and piracy over the case, the BBC reported.

The men, mostly from Estonia, are suspected of seizing the ship and its crew after raiding it disguised as police.

It was reported last week that a journalist fled Russia after suggesting the Arctic Sea cargo ship that was apparently hijacked in July may have been carrying illegal weapons.

The editor of Sovfracht, an online maritime journal, fled to Istanbul last Wednesday, saying he may not be able to return as his life would be in danger.