World · Europe · 1 hr ago
Two Moscow men charged in Crimea fraud case involving 86 incidents
Police in Crimea say two 20-year-old men from Moscow were charged in an 86-incident fraud case involving victims across Russia.
The investigation began after a 75-year-old Yalta resident paid 15,000 rubles for seafood that was never delivered.
Investigators say victims were also lured by fake investment offers, seafood sales and prize schemes.
The men allegedly withdrew money sent by victims from bank cards and passed it on to others, earning about 5,000 rubles a day on average.
Reported losses exceeded 2.249 million rubles, and the men are under travel restrictions.
Accounts differ on whether the alleged cash withdrawals took place from October to early December 2023 or in 2025.
The case has been sent to court for consideration.
Authorities in Crimea completed an investigation into 86 alleged fraud incidents involving two 20-year-old men from Moscow.
Investigators say losses exceeded 2.249 million rubles and victims included people in several Russian regions.
The men are accused of withdrawing money transferred by victims and passing it on through a criminal chain.
The case began after a 75-year-old Yalta resident reported losing 15,000 rubles in a seafood sale scam.
The case was sent to court, and the men were placed under travel restrictions during the investigation.
- Who
- Two 20-year-old men from Moscow are accused. The victims included people from different regions of Russia.
- What
- They are accused of taking part in 86 fraud incidents and cashing out money received from victims.
- When
- The initial complaint was made in winter 2023. Investigators say the men withdrew money from October to early December 2023; one report instead gives 2025.
- Where
- The investigation was completed in Yalta, Crimea. The alleged victims were in several Russian regions.
- Why
- Investigators say the men withdrew and passed on money obtained through schemes including fake investments, seafood sales and bogus prize draws.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A 75-year-old Yalta resident reported transferring 15,000 rubles to someone posing as a seafood seller who then stopped responding.
According to two reports, the men regularly withdrew money from bank cards and passed it on; another report gives this period as October to early December 2025.
Reports said the investigation was complete, charges had been brought and the case had been sent to court.
- Alleged incidents
- 86
- Estimated losses
- More than 2.249 million rubles
- Accused
- Two men, both 20, from Moscow
- Initial reported loss
- 15,000 rubles
- Daily cash-out payment
- 3,000 to 7,000 rubles for one man; an average of 5,000 rubles per day for each, according to investigators
- Legal measure
- Both men were placed under travel restrictions during the investigation
3 sources
What people are saying
The total material damage caused to victims exceeds 2 million 249 thousand rubles.
The reward for one day of unlawful activity ranged from 3,000 to 7,000 rubles.