Kuzbass Police Bust “Safe Account” Fraud Courier Rings Costing Millions
Kemerovo Region, Russia – The calls seemed routine at first—a quick check on an intercom installation, a warning about a hacked government account, a firm voice claiming to be from the police or the bank. But behind the calm tone was a ruthless network of telephone scammers targeting ordinary residents of Kuzbass.
Over a dozen people from the Kemerovo region fell prey to a well-executed scam that took place during the months of April and June of this year. Using panic, a sense of urgency, and bogus credentials, scammers were able to trick victims into passing over sensitive information, such as SMS codes and passport details, and eventually their life savings. More than 8.7 million rubles would be considered the whole loss.
Once they established trust over the phone, a second round of lies ensued. People were told they were in danger because loans were being taken out fraudulently in their name, their digital identity had been stolen, or even worse, they were funding terrorists without realising it. People were told to act quickly to keep themselves safe: give money for “inventory” or move money to a “safe account.”
Fear and confusion compelled people to comply with instructions. In one heartbreaking case, a 15-year-old boy from Prokopyevsk handed over more than 3 million rubles after being told his home savings had to be “accounted for.” He believed he was helping law enforcement.
But things changed this week
Following a coordinated investigation, police in Kemerovo, supported by special forces from the Rosgvardia, arrested two groups of couriers suspected of helping the fraudsters. The suspects included three Kemerovo residents and two students from a local vocational college. These individuals physically collected the stolen money, which was often delivered by innocent taxi drivers, and sent it back to the criminal network while keeping a portion for themselves.
When authorities searched their homes, they uncovered several pieces of evidence, like mobile phones, laptops, bank cards, and some of the stolen money. A car used in the operation was also seized.
The investigators assert that these couriers played a crucial role in the operation. Despite not being the masterminds of the scam, these couriers executed it by following orders from higher-ups, amassing cash, and expediting its transfer. However, their actions resulted in significant financial harm to innocent individuals who relied on the assurances of the person on the other end of the line.
Three of the accused—aged 18, 19, and 29—have been detained by order of the Rudnichny District Court. Russian criminal law charges them with multiple counts of fraud. The authorities have placed travel restrictions on a fourth man, who served as a driver in the scheme. The regional investigative team has taken over cases involving two younger suspects, aged 16 and 20.
The investigation is still ongoing, according to the police, and it is possible that other arrests will be made soon as they conduct their efforts to track down the digital and financial trail that the fraud ring has left behind.
For the people of Kuzbass, these arrests provide some relief, but they also serve as a warning. The caller might not be genuine, and assistance could potentially pose a risk.