In Surgut, 'Money Launderers' Laundered Nearly ₽100 Million Through Cryptocurrency

RBK-cryptoPublished on 2025-12-10Last updated on 2025-12-10

Abstract

In Surgut, Russia, enforcement authorities have dismantled an organized criminal group that laundered nearly 100 million rubles using cryptocurrency. The group specialized in the illegal circulation of payment means, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The criminals purchased bank cards from individuals to gain access to their accounts, which were then used to collect illicitly obtained funds. The group subsequently cashed out the money, converted it into cryptocurrency, and transferred it to their "curators," charging a commission of 3-15% for their services. According to data from a cryptocurrency exchange, the transaction volume involving the suspects exceeded 94 million rubles. The purchased bank cards were also used for remote thefts across Russia. Three members of the group have been detained, with another placed under travel restrictions. A criminal case has been initiated under the relevant article of the Russian Criminal Code. The Bank of Russia plans to enhance monitoring of the crypto market and strengthen measures against fraud, including the launch of the "Antidrop" system by mid-2027. This system will provide banks with information on "drops" – individuals whose bank details are used for shadow transactions. As part of this effort, banks will be required to link Russian citizens' accounts to their tax identification numbers (INN).

In Surgut, the activities of an organized group that laundered nearly ₽100 million through cryptocurrency have been stopped. The criminals specialized in the illegal circulation of payment means, said Irina Volk, the official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Group members bought bank cards from citizens, gaining access to their accounts. According to police, the accomplices collected funds obtained through criminal means in these accounts.

The group then cashed out the money, converted it into cryptocurrency, and transferred it to their 'curators'. For their work, the 'money launderers' took a commission of 3-15%.

"According to data from one of the crypto exchanges, the turnover of funds from the cryptocurrency buy/sell transactions conducted by the individuals involved exceeded ₽94 million," the statement said.

It was also established that the criminals used the purchased bank cards for remote thefts within Russia. Three group members have been remanded in custody, and another has been placed under a travel restriction order. A criminal case has been initiated under Part 5 of Article 187 of the Russian Criminal Code (illegal circulation of payment means).

The Bank of Russia intends to enhance monitoring of the crypto market and tighten the fight against fraudsters, according to the strategy for the development of the Russian financial market for 2026–2028. In mid-2027, the 'Antidrop' system is planned to be launched, which will allow banks to receive information about so-called 'drops' (droppers) — individuals whose details are used in shadow settlements. This week it became known that to implement this program, the Central Bank will require banks to link the accounts of Russians to their Taxpayer Identification Number (INN).

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Related Questions

QWhat was the main criminal activity of the organized group in Surgut?

AThe organized group was engaged in money laundering, specializing in the illicit circulation of payment means by converting criminal proceeds into cryptocurrency.

QHow much money did the group launder through cryptocurrency according to the investigation?

AThe group laundered nearly 100 million rubles (₽100 million) through cryptocurrency, with the turnover from their transactions exceeding ₽94 million according to one crypto exchange.

QWhat method did the criminals use to gain access to funds?

AThey purchased bank cards from citizens, gaining access to their accounts, which were used to collect funds obtained through criminal means.

QWhat is the 'Antidrop' system mentioned in the article and what is its purpose?

AThe 'Antidrop' system is a planned monitoring system set to launch in mid-2027. It will allow banks to obtain information on 'drops' or 'droppers'—individuals whose payment details are used in shadow transactions—to combat financial fraud.

QWhat criminal charges were filed against the members of the group?

AA criminal case was initiated under Part 5 of Article 187 of the Russian Criminal Code, which pertains to the illicit circulation of payment means. Three members were taken into custody, and another was placed under a travel restriction order.

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