Archive · 30 Jul 2025
Returning Russian Soldiers Face Robbery and Scams
When Russian soldiers come back from fighting in Ukraine, they're supposed to be welcomed as heroes.
But instead, many are being cheated out of their money.
Some police officers, taxi drivers, and even military leaders are stealing from them.
They're taking advantage of the money these soldiers get paid.
Some have their money stolen at airports, while others have their bank accounts emptied.
This leaves the soldiers with nothing, making it hard for them to start a new life after the war.
Returning Russian soldiers are being robbed and scammed of their war-time earnings.
Soldiers are targeted by corrupt police, scammers, and even their own commanders.
Some police officers are allegedly extorting veterans at airports, charging exorbitant taxi fares.
Recruitment center staff have stolen funds by accessing recruits' bank accounts.
Returning soldiers often face theft of their salaries and are left with limited options.
- Who
- Returning Russian soldiers are victims, targeted by corrupt officials, scammers, and even their own commanders.
- What
- Returning Russian soldiers are being robbed and scammed of their earnings and benefits.
- When
- Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022 and onward.
- Where
- Across Russia, targeting soldiers returning from the Ukrainian front.
- Why
- Criminals and corrupt officials are taking advantage of the soldiers' earnings due to a lack of oversight and the large sums of money available.
Russian Soldiers
Corrupt Officials
Treatment
Russian Soldiers
Soldiers return home expecting safety and respect.
Corrupt Officials
Often targeted by criminals and corrupt officials upon return.
- Approximate Recruit Pay
- Up to 5.2 million roubles (£47,000) in first year.
- Bonus for Injuries
- 4 million roubles.
- Khursa's Stolen Amount
- 2.66 million roubles (£24,000).
- Recruitment Center Theft
- Over 11 million roubles.
- Taxi Extortion
- Up to 15 times the fair fare.