Overview

• A criminal case under Part 4, Article 159 of Russia’s Criminal Code has been opened, and suspects were detained under Article 91 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
• Police report the group drew funds as purported loans via a company registered for installation work, offering investors up to 25% per year.
• Investigators preliminarily identify a local entrepreneur as the organizer, with his sister and nephew allegedly involved.
• Searches uncovered mobile phones, computers, electronic media, and stamps of fictitious organizations believed to support the scheme.
• According to the Interior Ministry, participants diverted investor money for personal use and property purchases, and the case has been transferred to the regional Main Investigative Directorate for further investigation.